Guide to a Successful Drone Shoot : A Drone Video Production Checklist
- Stjepan Alaupovic
- Aug 19, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Drones have revolutionized modern technology, transforming the way we capture and experience the world. The Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) industry has gained much popularity over the years, especially in videography and filmmaking. Drone industry growth is partially due to companies like DJI, which have created moderately priced drones with high-quality cameras and user-friendly software.
While they may look straightforward and toy-like, drones are not for everyone. Do a quick web search for drone crashes, and you will find countless examples of accidents. Many of these are due to the pilot's errors and misjudgments.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the governing body that regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States and over surrounding international waters. This includes regulation over drone operations.
The FAA collaborates with industry and communities to advance drone operations and integrate them into the national airspace. Whether flying for fun or work, the FAA rules must be followed under United States law.
For professional film and video production, flying a drone for commercial purposes requires a Remote Pilot Certification. To obtain this certification, you must pass an in-person test at an FAA-approved testing facility.
The process involves studying regulations, airspace classifications, safety procedures, weather patterns, maintenance, and preflight requirements. Successful completion of the test earns you a Remote Pilot Certificate, allowing you to operate drones under FAA Part 107.
We are proud to be part 107 certified at Clear Online Video. We apply our aerial knowledge based on FAA part 107 training to provide safe drone video production while capturing breathtaking aerial imagery.
We prioritize pre-production, making a thorough pre-flight checklist standard before any drone shoot. Below are key checklist items crucial for safe drone video production.
1) Defining the Airspace – The first step in scouting drone video locations is identifying the target airspace. Airspace falls into two categories: regulatory and non-regulatory.
Within these, there are four types: controlled, uncontrolled, special use, and other airspace.
For clarity, we provide a brief summary of each airspace classification.
Controlled airspace consists of 5 classes, including Class A, B, C, D & E.
All of these require permission to fly a drone. Contacting the controlling agency for the airspace class you are flying in is the way to obtain consent for drone operations.
In addition, Part 107 certificate holders can obtain permission through approved FAA applications such as ALOFT and Airmap. This includes securing permission to fly close to airports, hospitals, etc.
Class G, or uncontrolled airspace, is not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. It is the only airspace where drone flights do not require permission. Still, visual flight rules (VFR) minimums must be followed.
The other (special) designated airspaces are restricted, prohibited, military operations, alert, and warning areas.
Prohibited airspace areas are entirely off-limits; places like the White House, Camp David, and the National Mall fall under this airspace, and flying a drone in those areas could result in significant fines or even jail time.
Restricted, Military Operations, Alert, and Warning areas are not entirely off-limits for drone flight, but they require prior permission, and pilots should fly with caution in those areas.
Only the FAA can restrict airspace. However, the FAA recognizes that drone safety is a partnership with local, state, tribal, and territorial government entities that have the right to regulate where drones may take off and land. Therefore, local restrictions are another topic to research before any drone video production.
The FAA uses the term "No Drone Zone" to help identify locations where you cannot take off or land a drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The operating restrictions for a No Drone Zone are specific to a particular location and usually pertain to takeoff and landing.
Examples include hospitals, national parks, wildlife areas, prisons, and other sensitive areas. It is important to note that these No Drone Zones only restrict takeoff and landing and do not restrict flight in the airspace above the identified area. You can find out if airspace restrictions exist where you plan to fly using the FAA-approved apps mentioned above.
First, identify the desired location for your drone video shoot as early as possible. Next, use sectional or aeronautical charts, along with FAA-approved apps, to determine the airspace classification for that specific area. It is crucial for any drone pilot to accurately identify the airspace they intend to fly in.
2) Weather Conditions & Temporary Flight Restrictions – When you identify the class airspace and obtain any special permission to fly, an experienced drone pilot will research the local weather conditions leading up to the shoot.
The Remote Pilot Certification training teaches drone operators to understand a Meteorological Terminal Air Report (METAR) and Terminal Area Forecast (TAF). A METAR report includes wind direction, speed, temperature, barometric pressure, and cloud cover. In comparison, a TAF report provides the same weather information as a METAR, plus information on whether rapid, gradual, or expected temporary changes in some meteorological conditions are expected.
In basic terms, METARs and TAFs are essential for drone pilots as they can affect the overall performance and safety of a drone video production. For example, the weather can affect flight time, battery life, operating performance, and visual line of sight. In addition, the weather can change rapidly, so pilots must check sites such as Aviationweather.gov to find the current information for the city or location for a drone video shoot.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is another essential item to research prior to any drone production. TFRs for a specific location include military testing, emergencies, sporting events, wildfires, national security-related events, and presidential travel.
These TFRs can be found on the FAA website, where you will find information on which operations are restricted, the size of the affected area, and the duration of the restrictions.
TFRs also include details about who may get approval to fly in them. Only public safety agencies, first responders, and other organizations, such as the media, may be eligible for approval. To fly in a TFR, drone pilots must apply through the FAA's expedited approval process, known as the Special Governmental Interest (SGI).
3) Outlining a Flight Plan & Safety Procedures – A must-have for any drone video shoot is a clear flight operation plan discussed with all participants. The procedure includes defining crew roles such as the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC). This person must hold their part 107 and is responsible for overall safety, ensuring the drone poses no threat to nearby people, aircraft, or property.
The plan must also address emergencies, accidents, injuries, and property damage. Sharing a production brief with all participants covers drone safety, the flight path, and expected conduct on set.
Although safety planning is not the most exciting aspect of flying a drone, accidents can occur. For that reason, Clear Online Video includes production business insurance with its drone video productions to ensure added security for everyone involved.
We are as excited as you are to capture drone video footage, but there are rules and regulations that we must follow. This checklist is an example of pre-production for a safe and remarkable drone video shoot.
We have the drone video experience to help you produce a successful aerial shoot. In addition, we are happy to answer any questions about flying a drone and using it for your next video production. Book a strategy session with us to learn more about drone video production.
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