F A Q
Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How many
people can production take up in the helicopter with the Tyler Side Mount
installed?
A: 2 passengers are permitted. The camera
operator occupies the entire back seat with the Tyler mount, leaving one
passenger usually a director in the front seat with the pilot. - click
here to view a photo
Q:
How many passengers can production take in a helicopter with a Spacecam,
Wescam or a Stab C installed?
A: There is physically enough room
in an aircraft such as a Astar for 5 passengers, however weight now becomes
an issue as the camera mount itself can weigh up to an average of 550lb.
As a rule a camera operator and director are usually the only ones required
but occasionally a visual effects person is required for technical reasons.
The real answer to this question is preferably 2 passengers but occasionally
3.
Q: How long
should production allow to install a Tyler Mount?
A: Allow with installation, balancing
and the mounting of the camera 2-3 hr.
Q: How long should production allow
to install either a Spacecam or Wescam?
A: Allow 4 hr for initial installation.
Depending on available manpower, it has gone quicker but allow 4 hr to
be safe.
Q: How low can a helicopter legally
fly over a built up area such as a city or town without obtaining a low
flying waiver?
A: The air regulations state that the
aircraft must be 1000 feet above the highest obstacle. In the case of
Vancouver the highest building is 600 feet therefore the helicopter can
not go lower than 1600 feet.
Q: If production wants Allstar Aerial
to apply for a low flying waiver to fly under the regulated altitudes,
then how much time should be allotted?
A: As a rule allow 10 business days,
2 weeks so to speak.
Q: How long does it take to paint
or strip a helicopter with temporary paint?
A: Depending on the aircraft anywhere
from 6-8 hr.
Q: Who supplies ground to air radios?
A: Allstar Aerial services can supply
any amount of radios that are required.
Q: What kind of helicopters can low
fly over a city or built up area.
A: At present Transport Canada will permit low flying on an "as requested" basis using twin engine helicopters for safety reasons.
Q: Do I rent the camera mounts or
do you supply them?
A: Production is responsible for renting
all camera mounts.
Q: Where do I rent a Tyler mount in
Vancouver?
A: Panavision (604) 291-7262.
Q: What other additional charges may
be incurred during a helicopter aerial shoot?
A: Other costs such as public heliport landing fees, airport landing fees, air to ground radios, special required equipment such as a Nightsun search light, or Transport Canada low flying waivers are examples of additional costs.
Q: Does the rental fee of the helicopter
include the fuel costs?
A: Yes, the rate quoted is fuel inclusive?
Q: Is there a minimum daily charge
for the helicopter during aerial shoots?
A: Yes, there is a 4 hr. minimum
charge during aerial shoots as the helicopter is detained during the mounting,
shooting and the dismounting of the camera mounts. The other reason is
that aerial filming is a specialized type of flying.
Q: Is there a daily minimum charge
during location scouting?
A: No, you will only be charged on an
hourly flying basis.
