Safety Considerations For Helicam Cinematography

Another valid concern regarding Helicam aerial imaging is "what are the risks to persons and property?" Considering that millions of flight hours have been logged by radio controlled sport pilots over the past half century, all across the globe, and considering further that serious injuries, fatalities and significant property damage are rarely occurring events, Helicam operation is quite a safe endeavor in the hands of a professional. As a matter of comparison, professional Helicam operation has a far better safety record than ANY other form of manned aviation.

When accidents do occur with remotely piloted aircraft, in almost every case the root cause can be traced back to pilot error. Consequently, by using a pilot with decades of the right type of experience, the probability of having such an incident drops dramatically. To clarify what is "the right type of experience", it is not a pilot who can do all the latest extreme tricks and stunts but rather a pilot who has experience in precision piloting, in and around tight quarters. Stunt flying, while entertaining, is an entirely different skill set and so is of little or no value when it comes to flying a camera like it was attached to a jib.

Appropriate administrative procedures can add an additional layer of risk mitigation to the whole process. A professional operation will be happy to provide a safety manual that details such procedures and policies. Good examples of these include implementation of maintenance procedures that mirror those of full-sized aircraft, redundant flight control systems and secure flight zones. Standard practice is to set up each shot similar to that of a stunt coordinator, wherein each shot is meticulously planned, rehearsed and appropriate safety precautions and emergency procedures are in place. Below is an example of Perfect Perspectives using local law enforcement to secure the flight zone for a feature film action scene.

In the hands of a professional pilot, the level of precise control of the Helicam can be quite astonishing for the uninitiated. So much so that as a shoot progresses, reminders must be given to observe the safe minimum distance from the aircraft due to complacency that tends to set in due to this high level of observed control.

Because there has never been, nor shall there ever be, a perfect machine, a responsible Helicam operator will never fly directly over large crowds of people. Close range operations are possible however with a cast and crew strategically positioned for full visual effect but at the same time observing optimum risk mitigation techniques. Proper use of exclusion zones and secure take off/landing areas are also vital parts of this effort. Unwavering use of the techniques outlined here has allowed Perfect Perspectives to maintain a perfect safety record and 100% systems availability for the past 7 consecutive years.

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