Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: Rules For Cameramen

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    A, A
    Posts
    5

    Rules For Cameramen

    Hey folks,

    Looking for a little insight on a project I'd like to take on during the summer.
    I've been a pilot now for a little over a year, but have very little pictures or video of me flying. I'd like to share with family and friends what I do for fun, and it's hard since I'm stationed in NC, while most of everyone I know is in CA or NY. The best I've been able to do is crap-for-quality cell phone footage and I want to do better.

    I have access to a GoPro for the typical awesome in-flight footage, and that's all well and good, but I was hoping it'd be legal for me to take on a few different vantage points. Mainly, what I'd like to do is post a camera man, near the runway, and video me flying by, doing perfectly normal procedures. Nothing stupid or fancy, just take-offs, landings, and perhaps a low-approach or two. Typical 'cleared for the option' maneuvers. All of these would be performed with safety in mind, regarding weather, altitude and speed.

    The airport in question is uncontrolled, and has very low traffic volume. In the year I've been flying, only once has there been another aircraft in the pattern with me. (A MV-22 to boot!)

    Could anyone point me in the direction of a FAR that regulates this? Or perhaps the answer is simple and you can tell me. Anything from permission from the field manager to a waiver or maybe just constant updates via UNICOM, I'm not sure.
    Any input would be greatly appreciated on the matter.

    Thanks for your time,
    Bill

  2. #2
    Joe Delene's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    327
    At a lower traffic, uncontrolled field I wouldn't worry about it to much. That means I would just station the camera man out near the approach end, out of the way, & have at it. Just brief him/her about staying out of the way & off taxi-ways & the runway.

    Then as far as your flying, just do your normal procedures, nothing out of the ordinary.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Oklahoma City, OK
    Posts
    364
    I was going to respond with the same info earlier, but, didn't really know how to word it.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    A, A
    Posts
    5
    Hey, cool, cool.
    Thanks for the info. I was a little worried the overwhelming response would be 'Hell no, are you out of your mind?!' NSA would be at my door in a few minutes and I'd go away. I've always been a little cautious when it comes to airports, I never want to even come close to breaking some regulation that would ground me, so I always triple check before I do anything. This is good news, and it will be a fun project. Thanks for the help!

  5. #5
    Jim Rosenow's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Smithville, OH
    Posts
    237
    As you mentioned, contact the airport owner, if private, or airport manager, if public, before your cameraman wanders out on the airport. If only for liability reasons, odds are the airport property is posted No Trespassing, and there are folks who tend to get testy over that sort of thing. FAA/TSA rules not-withstanding, it's airport management/local law enforcement that will be your grief, if any, so smooth your way. A courtesy call can work wonders.

    Have fun....and let's be careful out there.

    Jim
    Last edited by Jim Rosenow; 07-18-2013 at 07:00 AM.

  6. #6
    Joe Delene's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    327
    Airports run the spectrum from up-tight D.C. area to laid back rural Midwest. The airport I'm at has above average activity, still an uncontrolled field. In the A.M. & P.M. I see folks walking their dogs along the edge of the property fairly often. The dogs are leashed or under control, never seen a problem. The dog walkers may even help some with the geese & other fowl. Yes, an unleashed doggy park would be a problem.

    Of course at most airports if you were to go ask if you could do something, many are spring loaded to say 'NO'. At the larger airports taking pictures of planes can even invite a police visit, being asked to move along. If someone starts nosing around just tell them you are making a commercial or something similar.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •