How to book our drone services?
We aim to make booking our drone services as simple and straightforward as possible. Below are some questions you might have.
1. Not quite sure what you are looking for?
Drop us an email or give us a call – you tell us about what you are looking for from our drones, including the purpose, the subject, where (exact address and postcode if a specific location), and when (is it is a fixed date or fixed time frame). You can use our contact form to start to detail what you are looking for.
2. We discuss and agree…
We will then discuss and agree on the brief and quote. This will, of course, include locations, timings, delivery of the footage, and any editing and processing requirements.
3. Upshot works on the logistics…
We will have to do a Risk and Method Statement – This includes, either using Google Earth, land maps, or a site visit or any combination of these – this enables us to establish a safe take-off/landing point as required by the Civil Aviation Authority and to identify potential hazards – power lines, airfields, public rights of ways. We may also need to inform certain authorities about our activities – such as prisons and airport and on some occasions we need special permission to have our drone unlocked to fly in a strict no fly zones.
We also need to work on getting the landowners permissions from where we take off, Upshot will work on this, but any contacts you have always helps to speed up the process. Sometimes it is a quick process; sometimes it can take some time, depending on whom we are asking the permission from.
4. We keep an eye on the weather
Once everything is lined up we will take advantage of the next available day with weather to suit your requirements – sometimes sun, sometimes grey and occasionally you may want fog, its your call. We just can’t fly in strong winds or rain.
5. We will keep you posted along the way… and double check the details prior to flight day.
We try to keep it simple as possible for our clients.
Frequently asked questions.
What quality images can your camera and drone equipment produce?
We use the latest drone technology and can shoot in 4k and high definition still images. We will provide them to you in the pre agreed format jpeg / RAW / .mp4 /. If you need an alternative format, just let us know and we will seek to accomodate you.
What do you need to fly drones for commercial purposes?
We require the appropriate qualification from the CAA, insurance as well as pre flight safety procedures and planning. For certain types of work we will also on occasion require permission from Air Traffic Control bodies.
How many people do you need on the job?
For all jobs, apart from the pilot we work with an Observer for CAA public safety reasons. For video work we always operate with a three man crew; the pilot, an observer and a director.
What about insurance?
Upshot has full public liability insurance of minimum of £5 million.
What do you charge for flying the drone?
As part of the process, the price will cover both the CAA approved drone pilot costs and that of the CAA-required observer cost. In some cases Spotters may need to be employed in the interest of public safety – these are passed on to the client. As a guide, prices can start at around £300, and we usually charge £350 for a half day for still photography. For video work we employ a camera operator and the half-day charge becomes £450.
How high and how far can the drones operate?
Under CAA law the maximum legal height for a drone is 120m (400 feet) with a maximum distance of 500m from the pilot. This can change depending on the airspace, such as when flying near an airport. We check this each time in our Risk and Method Statements.
What about privacy, confidentiality and data protection?
Our policy – we aim at all times to comply with the regulations laid down by the Data Protection Act and the guidelines suggested by the Information Commissioner’s Office. Plus we use common sense. Should you be concerned we are always happy to write up a Privacy Impact Assessment for your reassurance.
Do you sell your photos or video clips?
Yes. We will discuss with you your requirements and will come to an agreement on licensing or full sale of the images.
What about the weather?
British weather means that we have to be super flexible, and we like it that way, we want to get the best shots for our clients. Depsite being pretty landlocked it seems to be the sailor in us to watch the weather. We will work with you, consult with you and we can take it from there. It might be that you want, some fog, sunshine, a flat grey day… we go with it.
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