General Guide Notes The only reason that any production uses a helicopter is because the shot or sequence is important, so simply the most important aspect is who you select to supply you. There are many companies that claim to be "specialised film flyers" and indeed there are some very good local operators. Many may well be telling the truth in claiming that they film several times a week, but only a few understand the difference between hand held shots for the local news and the co-ordination and skill levels required for feature film quality work. There are a number of companies, cameramen and pilots who truly specialise in aerial work and using them will normally save time and money and produce better results. In making your selection, only the genuine "specialist" companies will be able to provide a list of credits, references and/or a company showreel for recently completed work. Getting a Quote Provide as much detail as possible i.e. are there any special requirements, night flying or over water flights etc. More than any other area of filming, tiny requirement changes can produce huge cost variations Choice of helicopters Single or twin engined? As camera platforms, single engined helicopters are a reasonable cost, but on filming flights they may not work at night, in cloud, extensively over water, or over built-up areas such London (except on specified routes or directly over the Thames). For these areas and conditions a twin engined machine is required. Both single and twin engined helicopters come in different sizes, all the interiors are small with very limited baggage space. Mounts and Equipment The hire cost of the better camera mounts is often offset by the efficiency they bring to a shoot, reducing helicopter flying hours and enabling work to take place in windier conditions. There are various mounts available which will fall into 3 categories: 1. Fixed and tilting nose mounts. 2. 3. Sophisticated balanced side mounts, i.e. Tyler Middle and Major Mounts with Gyro Assist, Continental and the Kestrel. 4. 5. High tech gyro stabilised camera sphere, i.e. , Film and Video Wescam, Video Ultramedia. Film and Video Stab C. Allow for the cost of a technician and at least two hours for fitting and one for removal of the mount. When fitted the mount becomes part of the helicopter, it must be 'signed off' by a licensed helicopter engineer. Ideally it is best to consider the aerial team as a separate unit and not to plan to share camera equipment. |
Insurance All helicopters are required by law to carry Third Party Liability Insurance (but not Hull insurance at all!) The production company can be named as additionally assured under this policy. Be very careful of a grey area in helicopter insurance, "the excess". Many companies fully insure, less the first 7.5 % of any claim. On a helicopter valued at £750,000 this represents a £56,250 uninsured risk working on your shoot! Check this out each time. Helicopter work is considered a hazardous risk and hired camera equipment must be specially covered. Talk to the hire company. Costs and minimum times As a broad guide, single engined helicopters are £480-750 per flying hour, twins £780 £1400 and very large helicopters £1500-£4500 per flying hour. You only pay for the time rotors are running, but the helicopter operators normally require 2-3 hours usage per day minimum. Specialist film pilots often charge a separate daily rate. Fuel bowser The idea of sending the helicopter to the nearest airfield to re-fuel often doesn't make economic sense, e.g. 15 minutes each way and a landing fee could cost £450 each time, plus you lose the helicopter for an hour. Location permissions Get the location manager to talk to the helicopter supply company before he goes recceing. For instance, a wide area around London requires CAA clearance for a non-standard flight. Even when a 'special flight' number has been issued, its use is at the discretion of the Heathrow controller on the day. Landing within the congested area of cities requires special permission. Helicopters can land on any suitable site in the UK subject to airspace and safety considerations and you have written permission from the owners before arriving. Ensure you inform the local police and relevant local residents, check on local livestock. Sheep and cows are obvious but don't forget racehorses in stables and battery hens, (who panic and don't lay eggs for a couple of days!). Helicopters positioning Helicopters are not fast (120-180mph) and are speed restricted, with doors off, as low as 70mph. On average they have a 300-400 mile range so allow plenty of time for positioning trips. Minimum heights Minimum heights vary. As standard you may not fly closer than 500' to people, vehicles and buildings. However you may not fly over a built-up area lower than 1500' or over large crowds lower than 3000'. Special dispensations can be available |
