HB Airport Drone Photography

That time we shut down an airspace to get the perfect shot

It’s not every day we get the chance to operate a drone so close to a commercial airport. But when the brief came in from Hawke’s Bay Airport, we jumped at the opportunity. Our drone capabilities and Part 102 certification meant we could achieve photography other production companies only dream of. The shoot took thorough planning and procedures, strict safety and hazard protocols, and artistic vision.

Featuring: Inspire 3 drone, Part 102 certification, stills photography, art direction, hazard procedures, production coordination

The Brief

To capture aerial shots of the airport and surround land for the first time since the completion of the terminal redevelopment. The images were to be used for internal purposes as well as corporate reports and presentations.

Our Solution

The project required extensive production organisation. We needed to plan for the perfect shots when the light was exactly right. We also had to adhere to strict safety procedures. Filming at an airport and within controlled airspace comes at the highest risk. We worked closely with our client, Hawke’s Bay Airport, and Airways – who control who and what can be in the air at any time. With the associated risks of the airport environment, we had a fire safety crew with us to assess hazards and communicate with Airways. Each time we launched the drone the airspace had to be shut down. We had to be sure that every launch would result in a key shot and there was no room for additional takes. No pressure!

Prior to our shoot days, we had a technical recce on foot. We knew what we wanted to achieve with the drone but we wouldn’t know for sure if we would get the shots we wanted. Our planning, plus the weather conditions on the day meant we got the magic we were after in camera.

The Results

We achieved an impressive library of images for Hawke’s Bay Airport that will have a range of uses. These shots could only be achieved through drone photography – and only with Part 102 certification, because of the controlled airspace environment. We have invested the time and resource to acquire this certification, which means we can deliver extraordinary imagery, for a diverse range of clients.

Like to know more about using drones? Check out our down-low here.

Interested in what drone photography can do for your business? We’re happy to chat about the possibilities – just get in touch. Let’s chat.

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