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.
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.
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.
The Right Gear for the Job
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
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
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.
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!
Want to see the gear we use on set? Check out our curated selection of drones, accessories, and filmmaking essentials on our Amazon Store.
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