Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using a helicam for image capture?

There is a precise 3 dimensional point that best presents an object being filmed or photgraphed. Quite often this point is an oblique angle that can only be captured by a helicam. For low to medium altitudes and in tight confined airspaces this is the method of choice. The helicam is less intrusive than full size aircraft and is not subject to many of the same airspace restrictions. The risk to persons and property is also far less than full size aircraft. For higher altitude/long continuous shots we still rely on full sized aircraft however.

How does the cost of helicam image capture compare to full size?

Compared to a Jetranger with a steadycam our rates are typically less than half.

How far and how high can the helicam fly?

The helicopter is operated by the pilot within "line of sight". Due to the large size of our aircraft combined with our world class pilots skill, this range is typically 800 feet in the horizontal and 500 feet in the vertical direction. Longer distances are possible with the addition of a second pilot in tandem mode. Higher altitudes are possible in unpopulated rural areas if certain safety precautions can be taken to avoid full size aircraft.

Why do you use gasoline powered helicopters?

We typically carry cameras weighing up to 10 lbs.. Our large models can carry this payload continously, even at high altitudes for up to one hour. This has proven to be a huge advantage for film directors during complex scenes requiring coordination of large casts and equipment.

What are your weather limitations?

We can fly in temperatures from 32 degrees F. to over 115 degrees F.. We can also fly in windspeeds gusting up to 40+ mph. It should be noted however that in high winds the stability of the video images starts to suffer even with gyro stabilization. Software is available however to correct much of this instability in the post production.

Can you offer turn-key video and DVD production?

Yes, call us with the details of your project for a quotation.

Why do you use the Panasonic AG-HVX200 cameras?

Superb color rendering, high def in 720p and 1080i at 20 different frame rates, 4:2:2 DVCPRO50 standard definition recording to mini-DV tape, all solid state P2 recording media, excellent image stabilization, rugged contruction with compact size and low weight, full manual control, film style fast and slow motion, up to 40 minutes of record time in 720p at 24fps and 100 megabits per second capture rate. This is no consumer camcorder...this is the real deal!

Can you fly from moving vehicles?

Yes, we can fly up to 75 mph forward, 45 mph backwards and 35 mph sideways from a wide array of vehicles such as atv's, automobiles and boats.

Do you fly over water?

Yes, all the time. There is an additional charge however due to the additional risk to the equipment.

Are you insured?

Yes, we have 1 million dollars in insurance coverage.

Do you fly internationally?

Yes, we are equipped to fly world-wide. Due to the large size of our aircraft we ship our equipment via air-freight.

Do you have a minimum charge?

Yes, we have a base mobilization rate per day for video.

How smooth is the video you provide?

Our video is comparable to that supplied by a full sized helicopter with a steadycam or other gyro stabilized mount.

Can you fly over large crowds?

For safety reasons no, we never fly over groups of people.

How do you know what you are filming?

The camera operator operates the camera from a mobile downlink station. From this station the camera operator can see the photo or video image in an LCD display and control pan, tilt, roll, gyro gain, zoom, iris and record on-off. A separate LCD display is also available for the client, director or DP.

How precise is your control of the helicam?

Our chief pilot is a world class pilot and mechanic. This has been proven by over 25 years of international competition. This means that when the helicam is close to the pilot, he can control its movement within a few inches. As the model is flown further away, depth perception comes into play and must be accounted for in placing the aircraft relative to other objects. Spotters with 2 way radios can minimize this obstacle if required.