General Information

Quotations

When requesting costs for an aerial filming sequence you should expect to see a breakdown that covers the following factors:

• Aircraft View
• Camera Equipment
• Support Equipment
• Vehicles
• Administration
• Insurance
• Expenses

When requesting information from the Flying Pictures Operations team, please be aware of the following points as advise for budgeting/planning:

• The prevention of crew fatigue and the effects of the Crew Flight and Duty.
• Times scheme on production scheduling.
• Limitations caused by weather and climatic conditions.
• The nature of the area of operation and its effect on the type of filming required.
• Any special permissions or exemptions from the Air Navigation order that may be required.

The relevant authorities which may need to be consulted including but not limited to:

• Police, Fire, Air Traffic Control, CAA Operations or Airworthiness division, local or national government, land owner, trade union and military forces.
• Restrictions on the height and flight path which can be flown, with regard to the proximity of persons, vessels, vehicles, animals and structures allowed.
• Type of aircraft necessary and best suited to the task.
• Any restrictions in time available on the aircraft in terms of scheduled maintenance.
• Type of camera system best suited to the task.
• Any performance limitations or restrictions that might be encountered.
• Fuel requirements and availability at the location.
• Notification of all third parties within the noise shadow of the operation with particular attention to hospitals, homes for the elderly, farms with animals, schools etc.

Filming Aircraft

The choice of Camera Helicopter is important. Its choice depends on the type of shot and where that shot takes place. So, the nearest helicopter to the shooting location isn't always the best move. We will recommend a helicopter type for a specific job based on the location and the type of shot. Then, we will find the appropriate helicopter from the nearest source.

If the shot is over a built up area, over a congested set, over water or at night, a twin-engine helicopter must be used.

If the shot is a dramatic pull-away, at high altitude, in high temperatures or requires a heavy camera system, it needs a powerful helicopter.

Straightforward shots over open countryside using lightweight equipment won't need anything special; but whichever helicopter is used, it must be able to carry the camera equipment safely and legally.

Camera mounts have to be designed to fit specific helicopters, and those mounts must be approved to fly by the Civil Aviation Authority. We use a variety of aircraft for filming including the following:

• AS 350 Single Squirrel
• AS 355 Twin Squirrel
• Bell 206 JetRanger
• Bell 206L LongRanger
• SA 315 Lama

AS350 Single Squirrel

The Single Squirrel, (also called the A-Star) is the first choice for most types of aerial camera work and is readily available worldwide. As a camera aircraft it has smooth aerodynamic characteristics and with its flat floor and large door opening, is ideal for Tyler side mount work. It is also capable of carrying the larger and heavier Gyro Stabilised systems such as the Wescam. The B1 & B2 models are ideal for shots that require large amounts of power such as a pull-away from a subject. They are also capable of working at high altitudes and in high temperatures.

AS355 Twin Squirrel

The Twin Squirrel (also called the twin star) is the first choice for the jobs that require a twin-engined helicopter such as shots over built up areas, gatherings of people, over water and at night. With the same fuselage as the Single, the Twin shares the same versatility and capabilities of its single engine sister.

Bell206 Jet Ranger

The Jet Ranger has been in service for over 35 years and is still a reliable light-duty aircraft ideally suited to general camera work involving medium weight side mounts and nose mounts. However, only the earlier models have the attachment points for the heavier Gyro Stabilised mounts and due to its limited performance, it is not recommended as a camera platform for this kind of work. Although the Bell 206 is steadily being replaced worldwide by more modern types, it will still be around for many years to come.

Bell 206 LongRanger

The LongRanger is a larger version of the Jet Ranger with a bigger passenger cabin and a more powerful engine. It is good for side mounts and nose mounts and the later models, the L3 and L4, have even more power available. Unfortunately the LongRanger is by far the least common of the helicopters that we are able to provide equipment for.

SA315 Lama

The Lama is the ultimate high altitude, high temperature helicopter. It still holds the world altitude record for helicopters and is ideal for Wescam work in mountains or where dramatic performance is needed. Although very rare in the UK it can be found operating in mountainous regions around the world. However, the Lama is also being gradually replaced by the AS350 B2 & B3.

On Set/Location Landing Site

Any helicopter landing site must be clean and reasonably level and should be checked for suitability by either the Pilot or Safety Engineer.

The "rotor wash" created by the helicopter's rotor blades drifts with the prevailing wind. Loose articles such as hats, plastic bags, sun umbrellas, chairs, props etc., in the vacininty of the landing site must be secured so as not to be blown up into the blades. Camera equipment can be damaged by flying debris, loose dirt or gravel. Anybody in the area of the landing site should be mindful of these things and should never enter the landing area without first obtaining the permission of the Safety Engineer controlling it.

Flying Pictures will issue all crew involved with a copy of our safety notes.

Remember... A SAFE FLIGHT IS NO ACCIDENT!