Helicopters
It is important to contact us as soon as possible to decide which is the most suitable helicopter with reference to production requirementsFor safety and efficiency reasons the helicopter must be as light as possible during shooting. The number of persons allowed to fly while filming must be limited to strictly necessary people. The pilot is the person in charge for all matters concerning flying and safety.
Installation
The total weight of the system ready to shoot is about 120 kg, brackets included In ideal conditions, it takes about 2-3 hours to rig, and from 3 to 4 hours in case of nose mountIdeal conditions for rigging means in an hangar or in a sheltered placeIn case of open air rigging, it is necessary to have good weather conditions and a power generator of 2,5 kw (or a normal ac socket nearby) When side mount, we need to know in advance on which side of the helicopter the camera has to be placed. Time necessary to change side is about 1 hour.
Working conditions
It takes about 3/4 minutes from start up of the helicopter before being able to take off Maximum speed of helicopter with Wescam or Gyron Compact is subject to flying restrictions and may vary from 60 to 100 knots/hr (120/200 km/hr) To change film mag, cassette, card or disk, we need the helicopter to land. It takes about 2 to 5 minutes to change and re-check the system – it is not necessary to switch the engine off. The landing place for changing should be discussed in advance with the pilot. It would be safer to have 2,5 kw power generator or an ac socket nearby.
Crew
Wescam/Gyron technician is camera assistantWescam/Gyron operator is DoP.
Boats and camera cars
Both Wescam and Gyron systems are top of the line mounts to obtain rock steady shots also if placed on other moving vehicles, like boats, camera cars, cranes, etc.
Video Assist
We usually rig an extra 9” monitor on board the helicopter for the director. Should he client need a further check, we can provide a LMD17” Sony HD monitor and a Sony JH3 HD player to be used on the ground. We do not provide downlink service, but the system is compatible and we can give info and support to specialised companies.
Screen Direction
We strongly recommend as much communication as possible between our Wescam co-ordinator and Production prior to filming dates. It is very important to discuss technical aspects and requirements of the shoot as much as possible in advance. When possible, storyboards should be sent. An additional meeting on location is also essential.
Night Storage
Wescam must be stored in a safe, clean environment. If it is rigged to a helicopter, it is best to secure the helicopter in a hangar. If this is not possible, a security guard must be provided by the helicopter company or production.
Landing Sites
The use of landing sites outside airports and authorised heli pads should be programmed and discussed beforehand with the pilot. The Wescam system can be damaged by debris, loose dirt or gravel. Landing sites must be level and clean. They should be checked in advance for unsecured objects and equipment. The landing area should have a clear approach path for take-off and landing, free from power lines, buildings and high trees. It should not be located near schools or hospitals and should not require a low approach over residential areas. Grass, asphalt or cement are the best surfaces.
Rotor Wash
If close to the ground hovering or low flying is required during shooting, only essential personnel should be allowed nearby. All loose objects and equipment must be safely secured. Attention should be given to the damage which can occur as a result of the powerful rotor wash. The strong wind which results from the helicopters blades bounces off the ground and nearby structures and is carried along in the direction of the prevailing wind. Trees and bushes downwind can be blown around quite violently.
Communications and refuelling
Good communication between ground personnel (actors, stunts, etc) and the crew inside the helicopter is essential. Production should arrange with the film pilot for the use of Aeronautical Band ground-to-air radios, intercom systems and headsets. A fuel truck should also be provided when the filming location is more than a short distance from the nearest airport.
Film Pilot
Wescam requires the use of an experienced film pilot for two major reasons. The first is safety. Flying with Wescam requires different skills than normal flying. Secondly, an experienced film pilot will add quality to the shoot and help spare flying time. The best combination of human resources will allow us to obtain the best results in the shortest time possible. Proposed flight patterns, flight approvals, flying restrictions, safety considerations, permits, etc. should be examined and discussed with a specialised film pilot or helicopter company as much in advance as possible.
Crew
Due to the complex nature of the Wescam system, all people who operate it must be trained and approved by Wescam. Efficient and cost-effective Wescam operation demands teamwork. An experienced team of camera operator, camera assistant/technician and film pilot will reduce safety risks, provide the best results and save expensive helicopter time.
Schedule
If Wescam is scheduled to shoot in different locations in one day, we recommend to consider with great attention the timing schedule, allowing reasonable extra time for the possibility of non predictable delays of any kind during transfer, rehearsal and shooting.
