FLIGHT LOG

The Flight Log provides an in-depth look at AIRWOLF Drones' work in aerial cinematography. Featuring behind-the-scenes breakdowns, client highlights, press features, and technical insights, it showcases the precision and expertise that go into every job.

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High Stakes, High Speed: Broadcasting the Tampa Bay Derby with DJI Inspire 3 for the first time.

AIRWOLF
Mar 19
4 min read

Updated: Jul 20

2025 Tampa Bay Derby - Drone Camera view — 2025 Tampa Bay Derby - Drone Camera

The Tampa Bay Derby is one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby, drawing top contenders and a nationwide audience eager to see which thoroughbreds will emerge as serious contenders. This year, Tampa Bay Downs took a historic step by incorporating a live drone feed into their broadcast for the first time. While drones have been used in live sports coverage before, this marked the first time a drone was integrated into the Tampa Bay Derby broadcast, offering a new and dynamic perspective for viewers.

With just days to prepare, we were called in to execute this groundbreaking addition to the production. The challenge was clear, deliver seamless, high-quality aerial footage in real-time for one of the most high-stakes horse races of the season.

A Last-Minute Decision That Elevated Broadcasting the Tampa Bay Derby with DJI Inspire 3 for the first time.

Tampa Bay Downs made the game-time decision to include drone coverage just days before the event. While integrating aerial footage into a live broadcast is no small task, our team specializes in high-speed, high-pressure environments. We immediately mobilized, knowing that proper preparation was key to ensuring a flawless execution on race day.

Pre-Event Testing: The Key to a Flawless Broadcast

Testing video feeds from the drone at Tampa Bay Downs — Video Test Day

When working with live broadcasts, there is zero room for error. A drone feed must be perfectly synchronized with the production team’s workflow, ensuring there are no signal dropouts, lag, or interference issues. That’s why we arrived early to conduct essential pre-event testing at Tampa Bay Downs.

Pre-event testing allowed us to:

Optimize our video transmission to ensure a stable, uninterrupted feed to the production room.
Determine the best flight paths to capture the most compelling angles while avoiding restricted areas and flying over crowds.
Coordinate with the production team to ensure smooth integration with existing camera feeds

By running these tests ahead of time, we mitigated risks and ensured that when the gates opened, our drone was ready to deliver a seamless aerial perspective.

Overcoming Unique Challenges at Tampa Bay Downs

Passing our equipment through the roof access point

Every drone project comes with unique logistical challenges. At Tampa Bay Downs, the best launch point for our drone was on the venue’s roof, a location that provided an unobstructed view of the track and the ability to follow the race from start to finish. However, getting our DJI Inspire 3 and all necessary equipment to the rooftop was easier said than done.

The only access point was via a ladder, requiring careful maneuvering to safely transport the drone, batteries, controllers, and monitoring equipment. Once everything was secured, the elevated position allowed us to execute dynamic tracking shots that gave viewers an unprecedented perspective of the race.

Why We Chose the DJI Inspire 3 for the Job

Dji Inspire 3 at the 2025 Tampa Bay Derby — Dji Inspire 3

Capturing a high-speed, high-stakes event like the Tampa Bay Derby requires a drone that is fast, reliable, and capable of delivering broadcast-quality footage in real time.

The DJI Inspire 3 was the ideal choice for this project, thanks to its:

Full-frame camera, and variable lens options providing clarity and detail, even at high speeds.
Superior maneuverability, allowing us to track horses in motion with smooth, precision.
Reliable low-latency video transmission, ensuring a stable feed for the live broadcast

With these capabilities, the Inspire 3 allowed us to capture the speed, power, and drama of the Tampa Bay Derby in a way never seen before.

A Game-Changer for Horse Racing Broadcasts

The successful integration of a live drone feed into the Tampa Bay Derby broadcast proved that aerial cinematography is more than just a novelty, it’s a powerful tool for enhancing live sports coverage. The sweeping overhead shots, dynamic tracking angles, and immersive race footage added an entirely new dimension to the viewing experience, giving fans a closer look at the action than ever before.

While we're certainly not the first company to incorporate drones into live sports broadcasting, we are proud to have been the first to broadcast the Tampa Bay Derby with the DJI Inspire 3 for the first time. This milestone highlights the expanding role of drone technology in professional sports coverage and sets a new standard for future events looking to enhance their broadcasts with dynamic aerial perspectives.

Live drone cam view of Tampa Bay Downs — Live Drone Cam view

Tampa Bay Downs - Derby Day - American Flag — Tampa Bay Downs - Derby Day

Why AIRWOLF Drones is the Right Team for Your Next Live Event

Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Left) Aerial Camera Black Sail Media (Right)

At AIRWOLF Drones, we specialize in capturing fast-paced, high-intensity action with unmatched cinematic quality. Whether it’s horse racing, motorsports, or live event broadcasting, our team is experienced in delivering flawless drone integration that elevates the production value of any event.

For venues and production teams looking to enhance their live broadcasts with cutting-edge aerial footage, partnering with a professional drone team is essential. We at AIRWOLF have the expertise, equipment, and experience to deliver results, even on last-minute calls.

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

Ready to take your live event coverage to the next level?

Contact AIRWOLF Drones today to discuss how we can bring an immersive aerial perspective to your next live broadcast.

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Whether you're producing a commercial, series, or branded shoot, we bring industry-level drone cinematography to every set.

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How We Filmed Linemen Air-to-Air with the DJI Inspire 3

AIRWOLF
Mar 11
4 min read

Updated: Jul 20

When it comes to high-stakes aerial cinematography, safety and coordination are everything. Our recent shoot for Boot Barn Work, documenting Winco's linemen installing power-lines and heavy equipment in Albuquerque, was a perfect example of how preparation and communication make all the difference.

Drone pilot, heli pilot and aerial dp standing in front of Winco's helicopter — Aerial Dp Rob Watt (Left) Winco Heli Pilot Jason Lowry (Center) Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Right)

Months of Pre-Production: Safety First

Filming an operation that involves both a manned helicopter and a drone requires intense planning, coordination, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Before we even put a drone in the sky, we spent a month and a half in pre-production, working closely with Winco, the helicopter pilot, and multiple safety teams to ensure everything ran smoothly.

This process involved detailed flight path planning, risk assessments, and securing the necessary approvals to operate both aerial systems safely in the same airspace. We conducted multiple Zoom meetings and on-site discussions, mapping out exact flight zones, emergency procedures, and real-time communication protocols. Since flying a drone near a helicopter presents significant challenges such as rotor wash turbulence, limited pilot visibility, and strict FAA regulation every movement had to be precisely coordinated.

By the time we arrived on set, every team member knew their role, and we had a clear flight plan in place. This level of preparation allowed us to capture aerial shots of the linemen in action without compromising safety or efficiency allowing them to perform their jobs.

Team Safety meeting, winco, boot barn work, AIRWOLF Drones — Pre-Flight Safety Meeting Meeting, Boot Barn Work, Winco & AIRWOLF Drones Teams

Pre-Flight Safety Meeting Meeting, Boot Barn Work, Winco & AIRWOLF Drones Teams

How We Filmed Linemen Air-to-Air with DJI Inspire 3 & Helicopter

Without this level of preparation, a shoot like this wouldn’t be possible. Safety is always the top priority, especially when sharing airspace with manned aircraft.

Winco's Aerial Linemen Working — Winco's Linemen at work

The Right Gear for the Job

Dji Inspire 3 Drone — Dji Inspire 3 and crew

For this project, we relied almost exclusively on the DJI Inspire 3, paired with a 75mm lens to maintain a safe distance while capturing high-quality shots.

The 75mm lens allowed us to capture tight, cinematic shots from a safe distance, ensuring we never interfered with the helicopter’s operations.
This also delivered stunning telephoto compression, making the linemen and their work stand out dynamically in the frame.

Another key tool in our setup was a drone beacon, which provided the helicopter pilot with a visual reference of our position in the air. This extra layer of visibility made it much easier to maintain safe distances.

Constant Radio Communication with the Pilot

Rob Watt And Wolfgang Weber On Location — Aerial Dp Rob Watt (Left) Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Right)

In a high-risk aerial shoot like this, real-time communication is crucial. We maintained constant radio contact with the helicopter pilot, ensuring both aircraft were aware of each other’s movements at all times.

Real-time positioning updates ensured clear awareness of each aircraft's location, altitude, and flight path.
Coordinated movements allowed us to adjust whenever the helicopter needed to reposition.
Instant safety adjustments were made if conditions changed or if flight plans needed modification.

This direct line of communication was essential to preventing mid-air conflicts and ensuring a safe, successful shoot.

The Dangers of Flying Near Manned Aircraft

Wolfgang Weber hand launching the Dji Inspire 3 — Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber

Operating drones near helicopters isn’t just challenging, it’s one of the most high-risk situations a drone pilot can face. Even with careful planning, there are inherent dangers:

Rotor wash: The helicopter’s downwash creates unpredictable air currents that can destabilize drones.
Limited pilot visibility: Even with a beacon, helicopters have blind spots, making real-time communication critical.
Zero margin for error: Unlike a typical drone shoot, where minor course corrections are routine, even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences.

A Successful Shoot & A Deeper Appreciation

At the end of the day, this shoot wasn’t just about getting cinematic shots; it was about respecting the skill and dedication of these linemen. Watching them install massive power lines while suspended from a helicopter was nothing short of incredible.

Capturing Linemen in Action: How We Filmed Linemen Air-to-Air with DJI Inspire 3 & Helicopter required meticulous planning, constant radio communication, and the right drone gear to ensure both safety and precision. Through careful pre-production and coordination with the helicopter crew, we were able to safely capture the raw intensity of their work while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Wolfgang Weber and Alex Esparaza discussing the drone shots — Drone Pilot Wolfgang Weber (Left) Director Alex Esparza (Right)

Huge thanks to Boot Barn Work, Winco, and the entire crew who made this possible. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes content from this shoot. Be sure to follow us on Instagram.

CHECK OUT THE FINISHED VIDEO HERE!

Support Our Work

Work With Us

Whether you're producing a commercial, series, or branded shoot, we bring industry-level drone cinematography to every set.

Contact Us – Start a conversation about your next project
Drone Services – See what we offer
Aircraft We Fly – Meet the tools we bring to set
Our Work – Explore past projects
Flight Log Blog – More behind-the-scenes stories and gear insights

Capturing Love from Above: 3 Seasons of Droning Farmer Wants a Wife

AIRWOLF
Mar 3
5 min read

Updated: Jul 20

Three seasons ago, we received an exciting opportunity to drone Farmer Wants a Wife, the hit reality TV show on FOX and Hulu. Since then, we've traveled across multiple states, capturing aerial footage that brings the beauty of each location to life and helps tell the story of romance on the farm. From golden-hour beauty shots to sweeping transitions, our drone work has played a key role in setting the scene for love to blossom. Capturing Love from Above: 3 Seasons of Droning Farmer Wants a Wife has been an incredible journey, allowing us to showcase the rural charm and heartfelt connections that define the show. After three seasons of droning Farmer Wants a Wife, we've come to appreciate the magic of seeing these love stories unfold from above, proving that when it comes to aerial cinematography, there's nothing quite like capturing love from above.

Season 1: Where It All Began – Oklahoma

Farmer Wants A Wife Season 1 Team yellow in Oklahoma celebrating Halloween — Season 1 Team Yellow

The journey with Farmer Wants a Wife started in Oklahoma, where vast farmland, rolling plains, and golden sunsets provided the perfect cinematic backdrop for the show. At the time, we had no idea this would turn into a recurring gig, but by the end of the season, we knew we had found a great place in reality TV world as drone operators. Our job was simple, capture the most beautiful shots possible, giving editors seamless transitions and stunning visuals to weave into the storytelling.

Season 2: Expanding Horizons Across Four States

With the success of the first season, we were brought back for Season 2, which had us traveling to Iowa, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida. Each state presented its own unique landscape challenges. Iowa had endless fields and open skies, Colorado brought dramatic mountainous backdrops, Georgia offered lush green farmland, and Florida introduced wetlands and coastal scenery. These shifts in terrain and weather conditions kept us on our toes, constantly adjusting flight techniques to capture the best possible footage.

Our Drone Operators!

Season 3: Capturing Love in Texas and Missouri

For Season 3, our travels took us to Texas and Missouri. Each state offered its own unique visuals Texas, with its sprawling ranches and vast open spaces, and Missouri, with its rolling hills and picturesque countryside. By this point, we had established a strong workflow with the production team, making every flight more efficient and every shot more intentional.

Coordinating with Multiple Crews

One of the biggest challenges (and most rewarding parts) of working on Farmer Wants a Wife is coordinating with multiple production teams. This isn’t a small operation, there are multiple camera crews, audio teams, producers, and directors, all working together to capture different aspects of the show at the same time. With so many moving parts, communication is key.

While traditional cameras follow the farmers and contestants up close, our drone work provides establishing shots, intro and outros with our host and dynamic scene transitions. Sometimes, we're capturing landscapes to help set the scene; other times, we're flying alongside the host or filming dramatic overhead shots during key moments. Our role is to stay flexible, knowing that schedules can shift, and scenes can change at a moment’s notice.

Working with the Hosts

Seasons 1 and 2 host Jennifer Nettles — Jennifer Nettles

Throughout the seasons, we've had the pleasure of working closely with the show’s hosts. In Seasons 1 and 2, Jennifer Nettles, a talented country singer and actress, brought warmth and authenticity to the show. Her understanding of rural life added depth to her interactions, and capturing aerial shots of her engaging with the farmers and contestants was a highlight of our work.

Season 3 host Kimberly Williams-Paisley — Kimberly Williams-Paisley

In Season 3, Kimberly Williams-Paisley took over as host, bringing her own unique charm and energy. Known for her acting career and genuine personality, Kimberly’s enthusiasm was infectious. Coordinating drone shots around her segments required precision and collaboration, ensuring that her presence was seamlessly integrated into the show’s visual narrative.

How Our Drone Work Enhances the Show

In reality television, aerial shots serve as more than just beautiful scenery, they provide essential in-and-out points for the editors. The wide establishing shots we capture help transition between scenes and tie different storylines together. Our footage isn’t just filler; it’s an essential part of the show’s visual storytelling.

Some of our shots that made it to air for Season 2

The Equipment: Why We Fly the Mavic 3 Cine

To get the best shots possible, we rely heavily on my Mavic 3 Cine, a powerhouse drone that shoots in Apple ProRes at 5.1K resolution. The image quality is broadcast-ready, allowing editors to cut between our aerial shots and ground-based footage without a drop in clarity. Its compact size makes it easy to travel with, which is crucial when bouncing between different states over a 10-week shoot.

The Realities of Traveling for TV Work

Spending weeks on the road is one of the biggest challenges of working in reality TV. Each shoot can last up to 10 weeks, and during that time, we're constantly moving between locations, dealing with unpredictable weather, adapting to different time zones, and making sure our gear stays in top condition, even dealing with the airlines. But the tradeoff? We get to see parts of the country. that we'd never would have visited otherwise. Every new state offers a fresh perspective and another opportunity to capture something incredible.

Building Strong Client Relationships

Dp Rick Rojas and Drone Operator Wolfgang Weber about to film some airboats down in Florida for Farmer Wants A Wife — DP Rick Rojas (Left) Drone Operator Wolfgang Weber (Right)

One of the best parts of returning for multiple seasons is building strong working relationships with the production team. Over time, the producers and editors have come to trust our work, knowing we can deliver the footage they need without having to micromanage. The familiarity makes everything run smoother, when you work with the same team for years, you develop a shorthand that makes collaboration effortless.

Looking Ahead with Capturing Love from Above: 3 Seasons of Droning Farmer Wants a Wife

Each season of Farmer Wants a Wife has been an adventure, and we're grateful for the opportunity to keep doing what we love, flying drones and capturing the beauty of America’s heartland. From golden-hour beauty shots to sweeping transitions between scenes, our work plays a small but important role in making the show come to life. After three seasons of droning Farmer Wants a Wife, we've seen love stories unfold from a breathtaking perspective, showcasing the romance and rural charm of the series in a way only aerial cinematography can.

As we prepare for more projects, we're excited to see where our drone work takes us next. One thing is certain, there’s nothing quite like capturing love from above.

SEASON 3 TRAILER - PREMIERS MARCH 20TH ON FOX NEXT DAY HULU