Steadicam from a Helicopter...

[Jason Torbitt]

Get a Wescam / Gyron on a Tyler mount on the helicopter. There is no other substitute. Any attempt to operate Steadicam out of a helicopter is a huge mistake. See the above comments.

[Michael Daley]

Get a Wescam / Gyron on a Tyler mount on the helicopter. There is no other substitute. Any attempt to operate Steadicam out of a helicopter is a huge mistake. See the above comments.

 

 

Have told the client that from day one. But as they have the chopper all ready set up they are fighting all the way.

[Louis Puli SOC]

Get a Wescam / Gyron on a Tyler mount on the helicopter. There is no other substitute. Any attempt to operate Steadicam out of a helicopter is a huge mistake. See the above comments.

 

 

Have told the client that from day one. But as they have the chopper all ready set up they are fighting all the way.

 

Hi Michael

If the client likes the unit that much let him try and do the shot :lol: :lol: :lol: .

I never like to say NO about any job but helicopters and steadicam don't mix .

OR

Yes I will do the shot BUT give me the right tools for the job Tyler Wescam etc

Fly safe

Louis from down under B)

[chris fawcett]

Hi Michael,

 

A quick trawl of the forums will illustrate that what everyone is advising you against is not just about getting bad shots. It's about getting killed. Flying low, sideways in a helicopter, with the door open can cause 'Loss of Tail-rotor Effectiveness.' That's if the pilot manages not to hit a power line while concentrating on getting you a great shot.

 

Everyone on this forum knows of at least one operator killed while filming from a helicopter. Garrett Brown is unfortunate to know at least six. Just say no. And remember that if god had wanted man to be vegitarian, he wouldn't have made animals out of meat (or something like that).

 

You'll find some examples of LTE here: http://oopslist.com/

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Flying low, sideways in a helicopter, with the door open can cause 'Loss of Tail-rotor Effectiveness.'

 

 

No it doesn't. That's what they are designed for.

[RonBaldwin]

if the pilot manages not to hit a power line while concentrating on getting you a great shot.

 

 

I think this is the root of the problem -- pilot + camera = showing off, taking chances, getting a bit closer than usual to objects...like the ground, power lines, a cliff etc...

 

Same problem with stunt drivers. How many times have you had 2 or 3 perfect rehearsals, then as soon as you roll film the driver adds a bit of speed, takes the corner too sharp, stops much closer to you than you expected causing much anxiety and changing of shorts!

 

rb

[Michael Daley]

Hi Michael,

 

A quick trawl of the forums will illustrate that what everyone is advising you against is not just about getting bad shots. It's about getting killed. Flying low, sideways in a helicopter, with the door open can cause 'Loss of Tail-rotor Effectiveness.' That's if the pilot manages not to hit a power line while concentrating on getting you a great shot.

 

Everyone on this forum knows of at least one operator killed while filming from a helicopter. Garrett Brown is unfortunate to know at least six. Just say no. And remember that if god had wanted man to be vegitarian, he wouldn't have made animals out of meat (or something like that).

 

You'll find some examples of LTE here: http://oopslist.com/

 

All the best,

 

Chris

 

I'm in the process of learning to fly myself so I know all about LTE. Like any aerial photographer I have my fair share of horror stories in choppers. But just as many out of a helicopter. The biggest mistake that is made in aerial work is rushing the job in the hope of limiting the bill for flight time. A 5 minute flight over the area at 500 feet will do wonders. The other is "trust your gut". If you don't feel uncomfortable DON'T FLY.

 

I have 4 pilots that I fly with and that is it. I know them and they know me. I know the aircraft we fly, both their limits and their history. That is the only way to do it as far as I'm concerned.

 

As I said before aerial work is what I do. I have never owned a steadicam and never used one as I agree that wescam is the only way to go. I was simply asking a simple question about the steadicam unit.

Edited May 13, 2007 by Michael Daley

[Brad Grimmett]

As I said before aerial work is what I do. I have never owned a steadicam and never used one as I agree that wescam is the only way to go. I was simply asking a simple question about the steadicam unit.

It's good that you asked. I think you've found your answer.

The simple fact that you have no experience operating steadicam should be enough for the client to realize that this isn't the right way to do the shot. The risks involved should be the icing on the cake.

[chris fawcett]

No it doesn't. That's what they are designed for.

 

I'll shut up, then!

 

"Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen."

 

Wittgenstein