Chopper Dave Soars To New Heights On Local Radio

Have you ever wondered who the man behind the traffic reports you hear on 99.7 Bridge FM, while you're driving to and from work? Well, it's Dave Andrews, better known as 'Chopper Dave', flying high above in a helicopter.

'Chopper Dave' is more than just a familiar voice. You may also recognise his face, as he regularly gives the traffic reports on TV as well, including Channel 7's 'Sunrise' and Channel 10's 'News First'.

Brought up on the Sunshine Coast and now a Redcliffe resident, Dave always wanted to be involved in radio.

When I was 15-years-old, my mother contacted 4SS on the Sunshine Coast (now Mix FM) and I was given a job which included making tea and general office duties, but my foot was in the door,� Dave said.

Then, aged 19, Dave moved on to 2LM (Lismore) as a radio announcer, with later gigs at various radio stations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast including 4GGG (now Gold FM) Stereo 10, Sea FM, Triple M and River FM. He was also music director during his time at Hot 100 Darwin.

Dave enjoys his work in traffic reporting because everyday is different�.

You can observe whales, dugongs or sharks, one day ' the next there's a house fire or [incidents] on the road,� Dave said.

Now a volunteer at 99.7 Bridge FM, Dave is responsible for music and content, a role that he's very comfortable in. He explains what goes into delivering on 99.7 Bridge FM's commitment to 'Great Rock Variety'.

Constructing a music log is like making a cake ' you need lots of ingredients. You have to make a clock, positioning songs from the 60s, late 80s, early 70s, then 90s.�

Station manager, Ray Kerr, said 99.7 Bridge FM was very pleased to have Chopper Dave as part of the team.

He brings [so] much media experience to the group and we as volunteers are excited about the journey going forward,� Ray said.

So next time you listen to music or a traffic report on 99.7 Bridge FM, you can put a face to 'Chopper Dave'.