As CAA licensed operators for UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles / Drones) 400 feet Films must adhere to regulations for our insurance cover to be valid.  Although most of the restrictions are very detailed, there are some major factors worth noting.  Each job will be risk assessed on an individual basis.

• We require the landowners permission for take off and landing.
• We can only fly to a maximum of 400 feet above ground level.
• We maintain a line of sight at all times to the UAV to a max distance of 500m.

• We cannot fly directly over people, roads & buildings which are not under the control of the film crew and require a minimum of 50 meters distance from these objects.

• If we are flying near to an airport or aerodrome, we may need to contact Air traffic Control to check with them that it is safe to operate at a certain height on a specified date and time.

• Certain restrictions apply to central areas of London with additional permissions to fly needed to be sought from the C.A.A.

Often it is necessary to do a pre-flight location visit to ascertain safety.  However usually a postcode or gps position of where we will be filming will be enough to conduct a pre-flight survey online to check any restrictions that may be in place in the area.  The pilot has final say if conditions and locations can be ‘deemed safe’.

 

Booking a licensed pilot

 

Aerial videography and photography is proving more popular than ever with amateur enthusiasts now being able to afford entry level equipment.  As a result, some may be tempted to use cheaper alternatives.  This is very unwise as they will not be covered for insurance or public liability cover.  Any resulting accident would lead to private prosecution.

Please carefully select a licensed operator for the safety of those being filmed, the property and the protection of the aerial filming industry.

 

Failsafe Equipment

 

400 Feet Films have invested heavily in DJI drones, due to their proven track record for build quality, long flight times, interchangeable parts and safety.  All our equipment is maintained to the highest standards in accordance with our CAA inspected and approved operating procedures.

All UAV’s are fitted with fail safe return-to-home frequencies so that if radio signal is lost or the pilot becomes incapacitated, the vehicle returns safely to launch site.  Thankfully, this feature has never been required!!