"Official" aerial photography with a Trike

[ForensicFlyer]

Ok guys...

I have a question...

One of the reasons why I want to fly is to take some aerial photographs for work purposes.

As you all know by now, I do forensic accident investigation and reconstruction.

At times, an aerial photograph of an intersection would be PERFECT for our purposes (showing where who came from, etc), since this can be included in a reconstructive report and used in court.

If I fly over a scene for this purpose, would I need to consider this a "commercial application?"

Now remember - I am NOT talking about invoicing, charging for or billing for this. I can grab an aerial image from Google, but the quality is bad...

So - here's an explanation of a typical scenario:

1. I attend an accident (at-scene) and do the investigation.
2. I start to compile a report and need an aerial photograph for reference purposes, to show the intersection, etc.
3. I fly over the area and take a photograph (or video) with a camera on, or fitted to my aerie.
4. I include this photograph in my report.

This photograph will form PART OF the report, since it's in there, but I will not go "I need to fly over the scene, and therefore need to charge you X more..."

Obviously, any OTHER related advice will be welcomed, like "You're actually not allowed to fly over a city with a Trike."

Any contributions would be welcomed!

Stan.

[DarkHelmet]

I see no problem with that. It is part of the service you provide. You don't charge for the shots nor do you charge for the flight.

I get charged excorbitant landing fees sometimes when I take people for flips. It just vexes me that if I fly solo I can land as many times I want but when I have a Pax I gotta pay for every time I touch down!

[ForensicFlyer]

Sh*t, really?

So - is that the case for ANYONE?

And what are "exorbitant" rates?

Please explain that further helmet?

Does that mean that ANY person who takes a Pax must pay for eVERY landing?

And - why is that? Just one of those STUPID money-making rules, or based on some risk/resonsibility thing?

Stan.

[Abe]

Hi Stan!
I also do quite a bit of aerial photography, as do many microlighters I know. (Could we keep this thread to photography and start another one for landing fees?)
Keeping a safe altitude, results with my old Canon A1 zoomed in was shaky at best. Now using optical image stabilisation cameras (Panasonic) and get real sharp pictures every time even single-handed! I generally set ASA to 200.
Panasonic set the benchmark for 12x zoom compact digital cameras in speed of aquiring focus, which no doubt helps. If the camera hunts for focus from on high, see if it can pre-set focus so that you can just press the shutter release when you have the shot framed.
Now, about flying over built-up terrain I remember reading somewhere it stipulated "not for an extended time"?
Around Gauteng, where would qualify as not "built-up"?
On second thoughts, lets let sleeping dogs lie!
FlySafe!
Abe.

[ZULU1]

I have done many aerial shots of the KZN coast, Swaziland, Mozambique and so on, your choice of camera is critical (as is the clarity of the day and so on). I used for many years a Nikon F50 SLR but when I "reluctantly" switched to digital. A major decision exists, I dont use a SLR but instead I find the Fuji 9500 is as good bet as you can use two cards, 9 megapixel, you can zoom in from a whacking height with any decent editing programme. Its light as its not an SLR but with many auto functions which aids solo pics. Good battery life..But its a difficult choice. I would not go the SLR route because of the weight around your neck after 2 hours. I have been taking a portfolio of the entire SA coast for a while now...from Ponto to the Haven at present..(E Cape). I also have done a large part of the KZN battlefields. As regards flying commercially, its for your business and you are not charging...a bit like flipping, sell a T shirt for R200 and you get a free microlight flip..If in doubt ask Mr Zumas lawyers, they are looking for work at present.
Plus its great fun, but I will never, ever go looking for stolen vehicles again cos they shoot bits of lead..

Study the camera as its a harder choice than the microlight..

eish Zulu1

[Arnulf]

Hi,

ZULU1 wrote:

I would not go the SLR route because of the weight around your neck after 2 hours.

Do you guys shoot "free handed" or use a mount?

Regards,
Arnulf

[ZULU1]

Hiya

I have only used a wing mounted camera once; but not for aerial pics, this was a infrared remote Olympus but unfortunately was nationalised by a non deserving NSA.
My experiences have always led me to a "hand held" of various types, there are so many good pieces of kit now its quite a mission to find the right tool for your particular job.

Alan Mackenzies photo website has heaps of my work as has the Microlighters mag...

I do not use a card over 256mb as it slows it down a tad..thats why I enjoy the Fuji with a twin card setup.

My greater plot is to complete the entire SA coastline on camera..

I have been trying for nearly two years now to beat the "popular" shot of Durban and the Berg from 10,000 ft out at Tinley Manor but unfortunately to date have dismally failed because of clarity...

eish Zulu1

[Wart]

Going back to the original post, there are some RC chaps who use helicopters for this type of photography. No hassle with pre-authorisation and you can charge for it too!

[skybound®]

Hi ForensicFlyer

I think you can get away with this one under the industrial aid clause as it is for your work. I am of the thinking that you can even charge for the use of your aircraft. It is only if you charge for your time as a pilot that things get a bit more complex or start charging third parties for the flight as in a pax.

For instance, I have to work in towns other than my hometown, and I use my own aircraft to commute. I am able to charge for the hourly rate of my aircraft back to my business.

Hope that helps some - there is some text in the regs about industrial aid - will see if I can find it.

[skybound®]

Argghhh - I see the industrial aid clause has been removed from the regs! So guess this does go into grey area now.