FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How long does it take to install the camera on a helicopter?
In normal conditions, about 45 minutes, including gear checks. The camera equipment can be removed from the aircraft to be available for other flying in about 30 minutes.
2. How many passengers can go in the helicopter when you are filming?
It depends on many factors, such as the model of helicopter used, the amount of fuel carried, the terrain you are filming in and how much lunch you want to take with you. Typically AeropticsŐ camera equipment adds 85kg to the aircraft. This is the approximate weight of one passenger. Factoring low level flying and power margins for maneuvering, a sensible POB number is 2 less than the total number of seats. For low level flying less than 500 ft, regulations only permit passengers essential for the filming task. For a Squirrel (AS350 Series) helicopter we generally take 2-3 passengers in addition to the pilot and the camera operator.
3. Can you move the camera gear as excess luggage or does it have to go as freight?
Aeroptics always sends the camera equipment as accompanied luggage with the operator. This avoids delays that can occur when the equipment is shipped as air cargo. The Aeroptics' equipment and boxes have been modified to make the shipping weights about 50% of the delivery weight. Generally an HD aerial job will require a shipping weight of 180kg.
Download Shipping weights (pdf)
4. What video formats and frame rates are supported?
All High definition are supported. 'Middle definition' & Standard definition video formats and frame rates are available.
Aeroptics has a Sony SRW-1 HDCamSR format VTR. This recorder is the only VTR that reflects the stability of the Cineflex gimbal and video quality of the HDC1500L444 camera
Aeroptics' Sony HDC1500L444 camera can output all HD1080 High Def, 720P Middle Def, and PAL/ NTSC Standard definition video formats and frame rates.
Aeroptics' Sony SRW-1 VTR can record 1-30 fps 444 HD1080, 1-60 fps 422 HD1080, 50-59.94 fps 720P.
PAL / NTSC standard definition formats can be recorded live or copied later by HD tape replay.
5. How does the polarising filter work?
Many hours of R & D have gone in to that - as it's currently our main point of difference I can't really say too much about it! It is remotely operated from within the cabin, so directors have a choice about whether they use it or not, General comments from clients are that after using the Aeroptics camera, the footage requires little or no grading.
We are happy to show the end result any time.
6. Why are Aviation Approvals necessary for the camera mounts?
Aeroptics has relevant STC (Supplementary Type Certificate) approvals for its camera installations. These approvals may only be relevant for a particular aircraft type in a particular country. There is no automatic cross recognition between countries.
Unlike a One Aircraft or One Company Field approval, Mod Bulletin or Engineering Order, our STC Approvals automatically apply for all aircraft of the type in an applicable country. The benefit of a valid STC to the production company, the aircraft owner, and equipment supplier is that everyone's insurance policies will remain valid.
7. Can HDCamSR footage be inter-cut with the RED and other new 4k formats?
Many of Aeroptics' projects have been a mixture of formats e.g. 35mm, Phantom slo mo, HDTV, RED and the clients have been very happy with the result. The successful inter-cutting between the formats depends on the the post production work flow and the final format.
8. What are your rates?
Each job is different. Please contact us directly for a quote for your particular needs.