Flying M Air has considerable experience working with photographers on both commercial and fine art still and video photography missions. Since 2001, we have provided services for the following types of aerial photography jobs:
Boat races at Lake Havasu. We have worked with several different photographers for still and video photography of live boat racing action at Lake Havasu.- Automobile, truck, and dune buggy activity on closed test tracks and live racing events. We have worked with numerous photographers and video crews for still and video photography, including high-speed chase sequences.
- Real estate photography. We have worked with numerous photographers for still photographs of undeveloped and developed property, including empty land and buildings.
Architectural and civil engineering projects photography. We have worked with still photographers to photograph road work and a bridge under construction.- Fine art aerial photography. We have worked with dozens of amateur and professional photographers to capture images of the Lake Powell, Monument Valley, San Juan River Goosenecks, and Shiprock areas from the air. Check our Gallery for examples of some of the work photographers have done with us.
Options and Capabilities
We offer the following options for photographers:
Doors-off flight. We can remove one or more doors during flight to offer a glare-free view of the subject.- Anchor points for photographer harnesses. Our aircraft is equipped with shoulder harnesses as well as firm anchor points to which harnesses can be attached. We can provide a harness if necessary. (Seat belts or harnesses are required for all passengers during all phases of flight.)
- Up close and personal. Depending on aircraft load and environmental conditions, our pilot can get within 50 feet of a subject on the ground or in the water for close-up shots.
- Hovering operations. Depending upon total aircraft weight with passengers and environmental conditions such as temperature and altitude, our pilot can bring the aircraft into a full stop hover to offer a still platform for work.
- High-speed operations. Our aircraft can cruise at airspeeds of up to 100 knots (115 MPH) with doors off and 120 knots (140 MPH) with doors on. That means we can get on point quickly, saving time and money.
- Room for an observer. Our helicopter has four seats and the power to lift four occupants. In many cases, an observer can come on board for the flight without significantly reducing performance.
Important Note: Clients should understand that there are certain risks involved in over-water operations and out-of-ground effect hovering operations at altitudes less than 300 feet. We will explain these risks in detail before booking the flight. By flying with us, the client assumes all risks involved with the flight. Our pilot will not attempt any maneuver she considers dangerous or beyond the capabilities of the aircraft.
Aerial Photography Rates & Fees
These rates apply to all still or video photography over non-moving subjects such as landscape, buildings, roads, bridges, etc.
These rates also apply to still or video photography that requires the pilot to “chase” high-speed subjects, including cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, or boats during races, time trials, or other events. Passenger load is limited to 2 people (excluding the pilot) with a total passenger weight not to exceed 400 lbs. due to the performance demands of this kind of flying.
All Flight Time, Including Aircraft Repositioning Time:
Less than 5 hours: $495/hour
5 to 10 hours: $450/hour
More than 10 hours: $400/hour (must be over a period of 2 or more days)
These rates apply only to the time the engine is running. Time is measured by an on-board Hobbs meter, which records engine-on time in 1/10 hour increments. This rate also applies to aircraft repositioning time — for example, to move the helicopter from its home base to another location for the job.
Waiting Time (Engine Off):
Up to 2 hours: included
More than 2 hours: $50/hour
Overnight: $250-$400/night (depending on location)
This compensates the pilot and covers the cost of meals, lodging, and ground transportation costs for the pilot during long assignments.
Permits and Other Fees:
Clients are expected to obtain, at their own cost, any required permits for a flight. In areas requiring permits, Flying M Air will not fly unless we have a copy of the permit on file. Flying M Air will advise all clients, at the time of the booking, if a permit may be required for a flight.
Clients are also responsible for any landing fees, ground fees, or other fees related to the flight.
