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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of camera equipment do you use?
We use high resolution professional grade SLR type digital cameras and traditional SLR film cameras where required. Nikon and Canon are amongst our choices and rest assured that your photos will be of the highest quality available and appropriately prepared for the media where they are to be used.
 
Once I book a photo session with ProFlight AP how long does it take for the shoot to actually take place?
It really depends on the job type and location as to what equipment we can use. The mast tripod requires very little preparation and setup time and sessions can be booked and occur within 24-48 hours. For the remotely piloted helicopter platform we are required to complete and file an application for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) with Transport Canada. This process must be completed and an SFOC granted before we can fly. In addition to the time needed by us to do a thorough site survey and prepare the paperwork, approval to fly usually takes anywhere from 7-10 days. It can however take up to twenty days in the busy summer months. Once a session is completed we can usually deliver the final product within a few days.
 
Under what weather conditions can you operate safely?
We typically do not operate during constant rain or snow fall as this can adversely affect our equipment. We also typically try to avoid windy and gusty conditions where wind speeds are higher than 20km/h as this may affect picture quality.
 
When is the best time to take aerial pictures?
We can shoot at anytime during daylight hours but we factor in the subjects positioning relative to the sun so that may influence when we can shoot. Our preferred time of day however is morning or late afternoon as the lighting conditions are usually more favourable and esthetically pleasing.
 
Is it possible to view what the camera is capturing?
Yes, for mast tripod and remotely piloted helicopter operations we use a real time wireless video downlink system that allows the camera operator to see exactly what the camera sees. As a result you get perfectly framed shots of your subject every time.
 
What do you use the 5 story mast tripod for?
Much of our work is actually done in the 20 to 50 ft level and in a busy, crowded urban environment. In these cases the mast is perfectly suited and is a safer, more affordable and lower risk alternative to the helicopter. The mast is excellent for taking photos of people or crowds and documenting special events, real estate listing photos, corporate staff photos, etc. We will always use the right tool for the job based on your requirements and safety considerations.

When do you use the remotely piloted helicopter platform and how far can you go?
Typically the helicopter is used for such jobs as photographing estate property, farm acreages, construction sites, isolated or difficult to access property or anything requiring a higher point of view. The height and distance we fly at is determined by safety considerations and is restricted by Transport Canada to visual line of site. That is to say that we can go as far as the pilot can comfortably see the helicopter and it's position. We also restrict height to 400ft above ground level to abide by safety recommendations. Note that during a session we typically take pictures from varying heights to allow you the freedom to select the best angle for maximum visual impact.

When you use the remotely piloted helicopter platform how long can you fly?
Depending on the conditions, flying time could be up to 25 minutes before we need to refuel. Most typical photo sessions are completed within about 10-15 minutes however.

What about safety?
Safety is our primary concern whether we are using our tripod mast, our remotely piloted vehicles, or full size aircraft. We abide by all Transport Canada UAV rules that pertain to our equipment, and we also voluntarily follow the RCAPA rules and guidelines for safe flight operations. This includes making sure all our equipment is thoroughly inspected before every shoot. In addition when operating with our remotely piloted helicopter platform, we inspect the site beforehand and look for potential hazards. We then provide transport Canada with a detailed site safety plan that includes the purpose of the flight, the location, the proposed date and time, air-worthiness details of the helicopter, designated emergency landing areas and a list of our processes for dealing with crowd control, emergency procedures, and overall site safety. Each time we fly, we obtain approval and are issued a Special Flight Operation Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada.  Unless there are special prearranged circumstances, we do not fly over people or property not involved in the photo shoot.
 
When using the remote remotely piloted helicopter platform, do you fly alone using VR type glasses to see the subject?
No we do not as this is illegal for commercial operations. An SFOC will not be issued in this case. We always fly with a minimum of two crew members; one to fly the helicopter and a mobile camera operator that also serves as crowd control and site safety officer. The mobile camera operator also has a screen that allows him to see exactly what the camera platform is seeing so the shots are perfectly framed every time.

When do you use full size aircraft?
If you have special needs such as a large area to be photographed or a perspective that requires a higher altitude, the job requirements may dictate that a full size aircraft be the best tool for the job. In these cases we use commercially certified full size airplane and helicopters along with appropriate flight crew, to assist us in performing the work. There are some operational limitations and costs are usually higher in these cases, but where possible we will try to group sessions together and pass the savings on to our clients.

Are you insured and certified to do this kind of work?
Yes, this is our prime business and we love doing it, so we are not willing to jeopardize it in any manner. Safety is our primary concern at all times and Transport Canada requires us comply with all regulations and provide proof of full insurance to grant us an SFOC.

Why don't you have prices on your site?
Each photo shoot and customer is unique in terms of requirements, location, and equipment used. As such our photo packages are customized to your needs and priced accordingly. We would be happy to discuss this with you in person.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions. This FAQ will be updated periodically with any new general questions that may be asked.