FAQ

Yes, on April 22, 2015 The FAA granted “Drones That Work” an exemption No. 11414. We also do business as (dba) Perfect Perspectives Aerial Imaging. Through an amendment we are also approved for scripted closed-set motion picture/television filming. All of our pilots hold FAA certificates for both Part 61 full size aircraft as well as Part 107 small unmanned aircraft.

We hold general liability, aviation liability and hull insurance. In order to meet the commercial requirements of our Fortune 100 and 500 clients, our standard coverage limit is $10M. One common FAQ often asked by clients is can we fly their cameras? This is rarely done as our hull policy only covers cameras we own in the event of damage.

We also have Workman’s Compensation insurance through the State of Ohio.

WHY USE A DRONE?

There is a precise 3 dimensional point that best presents an object being filmed or photographed from the air. Quite often this point is an oblique angle that can only be safely captured by a drone below 400′ AGL. If flown within 400′ of a structure, Part 107 rules allow flights up to 400 feet above the uppermost limit of that structure, if required. In tight confined air spaces, a drone is the method of choice. Drones have far less kinetic energy and are less intrusive than full size aircraft. The risk to persons and property is also far less than full size aircraft flown low to the ground. Drones use far less energy to perform the task, and so, have a smaller carbon footprint. For higher altitude/long continuous shots we still rely on full size aircraft and utilize either our Freefly Systems Movi M10 or M15 however. We have developed a custom mount which allows us to get beautifully smooth UHD Red or Arri footage from full size helicopters.

We have the most extensive safety program in the industry and are proud to hold a perfect safety record 15 years running. We perform a 75 point job safety analysis (JSA) prior to every shoot for risk mitigation. We will never fly over large gatherings of people or fly in a careless or reckless manner in accordance with 14 CFR 91.13a. In 15 years of providing this service, we have never put any person, aircraft or property at needless risk and never will.

Capturing close range UHD video and photos from a drone is but a fraction of the cost of renting any full size helicopter.

All of our unmanned aircraft are only operated by “line of sight.” This range is typically 2500 feet horizontal and 400 feet vertically. We tell our clients To think of the drone as a hybrid dolly/jib/crane with an insane range of motion.

For UHD 8K Aerial Cinematography and 4K Aerial Video we use both heavy lift multirotors and 800mm class electric powered single rotor aircraft. No single rig is best for every situation which is why we maintain a fleet of 10 different designs. We fly cameras ranging from GoPro’s to RED and Arri digital cinema cameras. Each rig is fitted with a Movi from Freefly Systems. We can also provide immersive VR360 video from either our single or multirotor aircraft. For indoor aerial video and photography, we rely on DJI Inspire 2 or a large helium filled blimp for an even wider range of capabilities. We also offer live streaming coverage of sporting events, festivals, trade show, auto racing. These are just a few of the many possible applications of our low latency HD wireless drone video systems. Please contact us for your details so we may assist in recommending the proper rig for your project.

FAA regulations limit us to flights only under VFR or visual flight rules. In general this means having 3 miles visibility and remaining clear of clouds. We can fly in temperatures from 25 degrees F. to over 115 degrees F. We can also fly in gusty winds up to 25 mph if needed. For safety reasons it is typically best to fly under the best conditions whenever possible. Perfect Perspectives reserves the right to cease flight operation should high winds/weather pose a safety concern.

Yes, call us with the details of your project for a detailed quotation. We are backed by a full production studio with all the skills and experience to create your video from the ground up with quality equipment, sound, lighting, voice over, music, special effects, motion graphics, script writing, and concept storyboards. Editing services are available along with our drone imaging at a small additional cost.

We have successfully flown the following camera –

• – Canon C300, 5DMK4, 5DS-R, Nikon or other DSLR’s
• – GoPro 5HD
• – Panasonic GH4/5
• – RED Epic Dragon or Weapon
• – ARRI Alexa Mini
• – or any camera supported by the Movi M5/M10/M15/Pro
• – Modified 35mm motion picture film cam (100ft load, video assist/primes)

Yes, in non-congested, rural areas, this is permitted under Part 107 rules.

Yes. We have been granted an FAA Part 107 waiver for operations outside of daylight limits (after sunset and before sunrise). We also have night flight approval for most of Ohio and neighboring states controlled airspace such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis and Louisville Airports

Yes, all the time.

Perfect Perspectives uses equipment and techniques that no other aerial company possesses to provide the smoothest footage in the industry. An example of this is our proprietary spherical camera enclosures. Perfect Perspectives is the only close range cinema company to guarantee its clients that the footage supplied will require zero post stabilization on all cameras we fly. This is only possible due to a combination of 3 decades of designing, building and piloting remotely piloted aircraft combined with cutting edge technology such as the Freefly Movi.

FAA regulations prohibit flying directly over the public without a waiver. It has always been our policy to never fly over groups of people using our drones. The FAA prohibits flying near sports arenas and stadiums with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more through TFR’s. We will never put the general public at risk under any circumstances. We must tightly control the area of flight operation (sterile closed set only). Great shots of large crowds is still possible using a long telephoto lens on the drone. We are permitted to fly closer to personnel that are willing participants (cast, crew, talent, extras) in the production.

We typically utilize a three to four person team. The FAA licensed pilot, camera operator, focus puller and one or more visual observers. The camera operator controls the camera from a mobile downlink station in full HD using the Paralinx or Amimon Connex systems. Both are full HD with minimal latency. From this station, the camera operator can see the photo or video images in video glasses or SmallHD display and can control pan, tilt, roll and record on/off and lens FIZ if required. A separate LCD display is also available for the client, director or DP. Wireless follow focus is always available but typically is not used as most shots can be obtained at infinity focal length. Also, ask us for a copy of our Directors guide to better assist your team and ours in working together equipment wise.

Yes, the pilot continuously alternates between looking at the drone, FPV camera and the camera’s recorded image as needed.