How high and how far away can you operate the helicopter and airplanes?

Both the helicopters and airplanes are operated in a flight envelope called "line of sight". For the helicopters that is usually (depending on weather conditions) 900 feet in the horizontal plane and up to 400 feet (FAA regulated) above ground level. The horizontal distance can be expanded greatly with the addition of a second pilot. Typically aerial video work will be done well within those limits as you are generally close to the subject. The airplane that we will be using (coming soon) has a 12ft wing span so it's safe operating range is much greater than the helicopters. The airplane will also be capable of flying at night safely and when combined with certain still and video cameras can capture amazing skyline images and video.

How does weather affect the helicopters?

We have shot video all day long from a moving boat traveling down the East river in NYC in 27 degree temps. A personal friend in the business has flown the same type of equipment in -15 degree temps in the Artic with great results. The electric machines are also capable of operating in temperatures in excess of 110 degrees. The gyro stabilized camera mounts are capable of recording very good video in winds up to about 30 mph; higher if we are filming out in wide open areas (minimizes turbulence). We typically don't fly if it is raining as there is too much risk to the helicopters electric systems.

What is your policy regarding flying over crowds?

We do not fly over crowds of people. If you have an event that you would like covered we will look at the possibility of using a long lens so that we can operate from a safe distance. If we are on a closed set and need an overhead shot of a few people it is doable as long as they have been briefed on what to do in the event the pilot declares any type of emergency and needs to land. The helicopter must be kept at a reasonable altitude above the shot to increase safety margins. Obviously all parties involved must agree on this and the pilot reserves the right to refuse any request of this kind if he or she feels the conditions are not safe enough. We will never knowingly put anyone in harm's way.

What are the advantages of using Remote Control Aircraft versus Full Scale Aircraft?

This is a simple question to answer. Full Scale ( real Airplanes and Helicopters) cannot operate at the low altitudes we do (FAA restrictions). AND even if they could it would pose a much greater risk to persons and property for them to try and operate in the tight, close in places we often have to operate in to get the perfect shot. We do NOT try and replace full scale aircraft that do aerial photography and video, we simply operate in an environmental envelope that is typically off limits and unpractical for them.

What are your primary video cameras?

Our primary video cameras are the Canon 5D Mark 2 which records fantastic 1080P footage. We have a wide selection of lenses available for the 5D that enables us to get the shot that is perfect for your project whether it be for aerial still photography or video. The 5D Mark 2 also blends very well with Red One footage which makes it a perfect choice for aerial video clips that are to be used in feature films where the Red One is the "A" camera.

We also own a Panasonic AG-HPX170. It is the latest version in a long line of award winning P2 format cameras from Panasonic. It is the new tapeless version of the HVX200a. The HPX170 uses 4:2:2 colour sampling and records in over 20 different frame rates. It also features 1080i and 720p capture modes.

What type and how much insurance do you carry?

We carry one million dollars in liability coverage.

Can you operate from a boat or a moving vehicle?

Yes. We have flown from several different types of vehicles. Boats, unless they are very large often require a piece of plywood to be secured to the front or rear of the boat to serve as a landing pad.

Are you able to travel out of the US with your equipment?

Yes. I have been traveling all around the world competing with helicopters for over twenty years. We typically ship our models via FedEx. Another nice thing about electric powered aircraft, shipping companies sometimes won't take combustion engines that have had gasoline run through them. Airlines accept batteries for electric powered aircraft fine, but will not accept internal combustion engine powered aircraft if gas has been run through the engine.