Why
use a handheld camera?
Not only is this the cheapest way to shoot aerials,
it is also the fastest. There is no time needed to
rig a mount and no cost to rig / de-rig in the event
of a weather cancellation. It is also favored for
sports filming, where the camera has to move rapidly.
A Schwemm gyro can also facilitate the use of a longer
lens.
Why
use a mount?
When better quality results are required and/or a
long lens is needed, then a nose or side mount can
be the answer.
B Sky B advert
Why pay
for a gyro stabilized system?
When the very best quality pictures are required,
a gyro stabilized system such as a Wescam may
be the answer. They are expensive, take a long
time to rig and can have technical failures, however
they do produce stunning results.
Do
we need a monitor?
When using a 35mm film, a video take off and monitor
for instant play back on the ground can shorten
the shoot by confirming the result is in the can.
Alternatively, a microwave link can rely this live
to the ground.
When
do we need a twin engine helicopter?
This is a legal requirement when flying over built
up areas, water or at night.
How
low can we fly?
500 feet vertically or horizontally from any person,
vehicle or building without special exemptions. 200
feet when an exemption is applied for and granted.
Occasionally 50 feet if the subject is fully briefed
and other special considerations are adhered to. Over
cities the minimum is generally 1500 feet, but 750
feet is often obtainable.
Which
door shall we shoot from?
This cannot be altered in flight, so plan before
take-off to allow the helicopter to point in to
the wind as much as possible to reduce cross wind
vibrations. Your pilot will be happy to advise you
on the day.
"Volvo Ocean
Race"
Kos Photos
Why
use an Agusta?
The Agusta 109 is the fastest civilian helicopter
in the world, this means positioning time to locations
is shorter and no more expensive than slower Twin
Squirrels. For air to air shots and activities such
as powerboating, other helicopters may not be able
to keep up with the subject. The A109 also has a
retractable undercarriage, which enables a vertical
shoot from the door-sill without skids appearing
in frame. Finally, it simply looks superb in the
shot as an action vehicle
What
if the weather is bad?
We will advise on weather forecasts and will not
charge for weather cancellations, unless the helicopter
has positioned away from base.
Hangar 5, Redhill
Aerodrome, Surrey, RH1 5JY, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1737 823700 | Fax: +44 (0)1737 823737
Based outside London
- and serving the whole of the UK
