Frequently Asked Questions about our Drone Filming Services
Video: Wigeon Heights Tower Block, London, filmed with the Mini 5 Pro
General Drone Filming
Q: What types of events or projects can you film?
A: A wide range of projects, including weddings, music festivals, real estate listings, construction progress, wildlife documentation, and TV/film productions.
Q. Where are drones allowed to fly?
A: Largely in most areas, with the obvious exceptions of airports and prisons. Before each flight we check for FRZ (Flight Restriction Zones) and NOTAMS (Notice to Airmen) to ensure that there are no temporary or permanent flight restrictions in place. Also, where you take off from is important. The CAA govern the airspace, but taking off from private property requires the landowner's permission. For more information, visit 'Where you can fly drones' on the CAA website.
Q. What if I'm in a Flight Restriction Zone?
A: We may still be able to fly! We can make the required submissions to obtain the necessary permissions. There may be additional costs by local authorities to fly in specific locations.
Q: What areas do you cover for drone filming?
A: We are based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire and cover the surrounding areas, within about 1 hour's drive.
Q: Are you insured?
A: The minimum legal requirement for commercial liability insurance is £750,000. We provide £5 million public and product liability insurance for any one event, and £1 million for any one period of insurance - professional indemnity.
Q: Where are you licenced to fly?
A: We are licenced for both the UK (A2 sub category) and EU (A1/A3 sub categories), also covering Switzerland and Norway.
Q: What drones do you use?
A: We use the DJI Air 3S, Mini Pro 4 and Neo drones, which all provide outstanding high definition 4K video, slow motion up to 100 frames per second and still images up to 48 megapixels. The Air 3S includes a telephoto lens and larger sensors, allowing for closer shots with more detail. The Mini 4 Pro is a great all-rounder, while the Neo can get into tight spaces and is great for indoor flights.
Q: What formats do you offer film/photos in?
A: Photos will be in either JPEG or RAW format at 48 megapixels. Videos will be delivered in 4k MP4 format. We usually film at 60 frames per second, allowing you to slow footage down in post-production without any loss in visible frame rate.
Q: Do you film at weekends?
A: Yes. In fact, most of our filming is done over the weekend. Locations, especially commercial, tend to be quieter. Weekday filming is available upon request, and depending on availability.
Quoting and billing
Q: How long does it take to receive a quote?
A: We usually respond within 24 hours. If your request is urgent, please mark it so in the quote request form and we'll call you immediately to discuss.
Q. How long are quotes valid?
A: We keep quotes valid for 90 days.
Q: What are your payment terms?
A: We ask for a 10% deposit up front. When we provide proofs these will be at lower resolution and with a watermark. Once you are happy with the footage we request final payment. We will provide the footage once payment is received.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: Bank transfer, PayPal or credit card. A 2% fee will be added to credit card transactions.
Service-related questions
Weddings & Events
Q: How far in advance should we book drone services for a wedding or event?
A: We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak event seasons.
Q: Can you fly a drone during an indoor wedding ceremony?
A: Typically, drones are not suitable for indoor venues due to space and noise restrictions. However, we can capture beautiful outdoor shots.
Q: What if the weather is bad on the day of our event?
A: Unfortunately, drones cannot fly in wet or windy weather. The wind limit for flights is around 10 metres per second (m/s), which is up to around 18mph. We monitor weather conditions closely and will work with you to reschedule if possible or adjust the shoot plan to ensure the best footage possible.
Find out more about drone filming for events such as weddings.
Real Estate
Q: How can drone footage enhance my real estate listings?
A: Aerial shots showcase properties from unique angles, providing potential buyers with a better sense of the property's layout, size, and surrounding areas.
Q: Do you offer both photos and videos for real estate projects?
A: Yes, we provide high-quality 48 megapixel aerial photos and 4K videos to make your listings stand out.
Q: How long does it take to film a real estate property?
A: Filming typically takes less than 30 minutes, depending on the size of the property and any specific shots requested.
Find out more about Real Estate Drone Filming Services.
Construction & Surveying
Q: How can drones benefit construction progress monitoring?
A: Drones offer a fast, efficient way to capture large site overviews, progress updates, and detailed inspections without disrupting the workflow on-site.
Q: How often can drone surveys be conducted on construction sites?
A: We can schedule regular drone flights (e.g., weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to track construction progress based on your needs. When regular appointments are booked we will agree a flight pattern so that you can compare like for like footage over the timeline.
Find out more about filming by drone of construction progress.
Tourism & Hospitality
Q: How can drones improve marketing for tourism destinations?
A: Drone footage provides stunning aerial views of landscapes, hotels, and attractions, offering a captivating perspective that attracts visitors.
Q: Can you film at public tourist locations?
A: Yes, depending on the location and as long as we have the necessary permissions to film in public spaces. Certain areas, such as central London, pose more problems, and some locations will make a charge for drone filming. We will handle all required paperwork to ensure compliance.
Q: Can you film near sensitive locations like airports and prisons
A: The answer generally is no, but there are some circumstances where permission can be sought and granted.
Wildlife & TV/Film
Q: Is it possible to film wildlife without disturbing them?
A: We prioritise the safety and comfort of wildlife by using drones equipped with zoom lenses, allowing us to capture footage from a distance without intrusion. Note that we may not be able to fly in areas that have any SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) restrictions.
Q: Can your drones film for TV or film productions?
A: Yes, we can work with production companies to capture cinematic aerial shots for films, documentaries, and TV shows.