8 things you need to know before hiring an FPV pilot
Whether you are a creative/marketing director, filmmaker, or business owner who needs help with FPV videography, it is crucial to hire the right drone pilot who owns the proper gear in order to get the job done right and avoid any costly mistakes.
Here are eight things to know before going ahead to hire an FPV pilot.
1. SHOULD I USE FPV VIDEOGRAPHY?
FPV shots are always moving forward so if there’s a hallway or a room that won’t lead into another space it’s typically no go for FPV. Smaller properties, such as apartments and townhomes tend to instead lend themselves to handheld camera work. There are some unique apartments and small spaces that lend themselves to unique FPV shots. After a walkthrough, the crew will be able to determine if FPV is the right solution.
2. WHAT TYPE OF DRONE IS BEING USED?
There are technically two types of FPV drones: pre-made (DJI FPV) or custom built ones. At Sky Tech One, we use custom drones for their smaller size, nimbler performance and ability to be repaired easily on site. Drones should be fitted with prop guards or ducts to protect the propeller and prevent injuries or damaging property.
Another factor to consider is the number of batteries the pilot has on standby. Typical batteries only last for up to 3-6 minutes of flight time. It takes 1-2 hours to charge these batteries fully, so the pilot should have at least a dozen batteries and be able to charge at least a few batteries at a time.
3. HOW MUCH WILL MY PROJECT COST?
The cost involved in hiring an FPV team consists of the crew’s time, rental of their gear, their expertise, and insurance fees.
Time spent consists of scouting, rehearsing, preparing, shooting and post production.
Gear includes: drone, back up drones, batteries, transmitters, receivers, cameras, goggles, and if desired, wireless video monitoring systems (with alsos separate transmitters and receivers) so that you can view the live footage on a large monitor.
Insurance may contain one or more of the following: General liability, Worker’s Comp, or Umbrella. Requiring some of these will significantly increase the costs.
The production crew typically consists of the pilot, director and at least once production assistant. For typical shoots, one production assistant is enough. That crew member takes mundane tasks away from the director or pilot so they can focus on what’s most important: control, safety and creativity. We will explain next why the director is crucial for any production.
4. HOW LONG DOES THE SHOOT TAKE?
A shoot can take anywhere from 4 hours to a few days. Typically, we can cover 10-75,000 sq ft in one day. You should also take into consideration downtime due to minor interruptions. Since FPV drones typically shoot in one continuous shot, any interruption or cut in the middle of a take means that the whole shot needs to be started over again. This can include: an unsuspecting security guard entering the shot, one of the actors/models looking at the drone, a garbage can that someone forgot to take out, and other minor issues that can be impossible to fix in editing. It is imperative that all talent and staff be informed of the shoot during preparation before it happens.
5. WHY DO YOU NEED A DIRECTOR?
Piloting an FPV demands professionalism, skill, reflexes, and attention to detail. The pilot should have experience with interior shoots and choosing the right path to follow, a task also belonging to the director. Additionally, the director focuses on composition and revising the path if the first path is not ideal. It is very important for the director to have a good connection with the pilot and also understand the physics and limitations of the pilot. The director picks up the cinematography where the pilot leaves off. Since the pilot is concerned with multiple things (controls, safety and composition) having a director on set will take the extra load of artistry off the plate of the pilot. Artistry includes details, lighting, composition, speed, pace, alternative routes, transitions and feeling). Think of the pilot as the journalist and the director as the editor in a newspaper - both are necessary for the production to work.
6. WHAT IS THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE OF FPV?
If you are flying FPV Drones indoors, you don’t have to worry about adhering to any air space restrictions as the FAA currently has no jurisdiction over indoors. However, if your drone is being flown outdoors, there are several FAA regulations to follow. These are:
Pilots must have a Part 107 license if they are flying for commercial purposes
Drones should not be flown over people or moving vehicles
Drones must fly less than 400 feet above the ground
Your drone has to be in your line of sight at all times. A visual observer (VO) can be used if the pilot is wearing goggles.
Drones cannot be flown over military bases, prisons, stadiums, and national parks.
Drones should always give way to manned aircraft or emergency vehicles.
7. WHAT KINDS OF INSURANCE SHOULD THE CREW CARRY?
The pilot should carry at least 1M in General Liability. In the event of an accident where the pilot does not have the appropriate insurance policy, the owner or victim(s) could sue you or your company for damages.
Larger clients these days might also ask for two additional types of insurance: Umbrella and Workers Compensation. Umbrella sits on top of other insurances and provides coverage for claims that may be excluded by other liability policies. Workers comp covers any injuries that the crew may have on the premises, such as a trip or fall on your steps.
8. HOW MANY DRONES SHOULD THE PILOT HAVE?
The pilot should have at least one backup drone in case there is a heavy crash. Though smaller FPV drones are quite resilient due to their size, it is always a good idea to have at least one backup drone. Ensure that your FPV pilot has reliable substitute equipment on standby to avoid delays or rescheduling. The pilot should also have a toolkit to repair components if needed.
Conclusion - We’ve just listed 8 things you should know before hiring an FPV pilot. As you can see, FPV is more than just flying a drone. You need to take into account location, cost, time, safety, insurance, gear and crew. If you stay on top of those things, you will very likely have a successful shoot! If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to victor@skytechone.com.