Aerial photography (also more generally called aerial shooting) projects aim to cover a variety of needs ranging from tourism promotion, filming, event coverage/monitoring and others. For their implementation different flying platforms are used including light airplanes and helicopters and more recently drones, depending on the specific project requirements.
Light airplanes (mostly single-engine) are commonly used due to their availability and low usage cost when shooting requirements are satisfactorily fullfiled, particularly in case of limitations in production budget. Light airplanes present significantly lower usage cost to that of a helicopter, are widely available and can carry 2-3 passengers and necessary equipment, depending on their engine power and weather conditions. High wing airplanes, like Cessnas, are often preferred to their low wing counterparts (like Piper, Soccata TB-9/ TB-10, etc.) as they offer a wider optical range. In the case of Cessnas, 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane models rank high in producers' preferences as they consist a safe and reasonably stable flying platform, with satisfactory space (4-seaters), low usage cost, availability and significant endurance. For more demanding projects in terms of aircraft's performance or carrying capability, Cessna 206, twin engine airplanes or even jets are selected, however with a significant increase in project's budget. Helicopters are widely used due to their motion flexibility around the shooting objects but also their capability to takeoff and land in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, many camera manufacturers have developed and certified mounts/stabilators for different helicopter models. Significant weaknesses related to the selection of helicopters include their inherent instability and vibrations (particularly for the case of small helicopters with two-blade propellers). Also the cost of using a helicopter is significantly greater that of an airplane with comparable flight performance characteristics. Other weaknesses include limited availability of helicopters in certain shooting regions and their limited endurance (especially of small helicopters) necessitating storage of fuel in case of shooting operations in remote locations. Other flying platforms such as airships,motor gliders, balloons and remote controlled helicopters are also considered depending on aerial shooting requirements.
To improve image quality, special equipment are often needed, such as Stabilized Aerial Camera Mounts. Properly designed mounts, often integrating stabilising gyroscopes, are often used to minimise vibrations from the motion of an aircraft. Often external mounts of video and film cameras in selected areas of an aircraft (like the nose or the wing) are employed with additional integrated capabilities such as camera's movement in one, two or more axes, remote handling, view of shooting object through a monitor inside the aircraft's cabin, etc. Resulting benefits include, among other, greater safety and better working conditions for shooting personnel as the aicraft's door remains closed and the remotely handled operation of the camera allows image acquisition from various optical angles. In most cases, mounted camera systems are rented (due to their high acquisition cost) and their installation and operation requires skilled technicians. Their use also requires authorisation by the competent Aviation Authority of aircraft's registration.
AviationEU Supplies & Services has successfully implemented aerial shooting projects in different locations in Greece. Typical aerial shooting projects are listed below:
Scoutway (Outdoor Activities): Organisation & Implementation of Aerial Photography & Coordination of a Regata in Myconos Island
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Aircraft: Reims Cessna 172 Superhawk Airplane
Nautical Data Ltd. (Publisher in the U.K.): Organisation & Implementation of Aerial Photography Project in North Sporades Islands, Evoikos Gulf, Ionian Islands and Peloponnese
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Aircraft: Reims Cessna 172 Superhawk Airplane
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, Prefecture of Evritania, Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Evritania: Organisation & Implementation of Aerial Photography & Videography Project for Tourism Promotion
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Aircraft: Eurocopter Colibri Helicopter
Prefecture of West Attica: Organisation & Implementation of Aerial & Ground Photography & Videography Project for Tourism Promotion
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Aircraft: Reims Cessna 172 Superhawk Airplane