Question: What are the advantages of Model AP?

[R-4-L]

Several people/clients ask me, why model AP ? what are the advantages of using model helicopters for aerial photography/videography over full sized helis or airplanes?

I know that some are:

Cost of hiring service.
Ability to shoot at low altitudes
convenience of having the service at anytime?

I'm kinda stuck right there.. can anyone add?

[Tonystott]

The ability to confer with the client on site to ensure that results are exactly as required.
The ability to get the camera is precisely the right spot for the best photo (this is not just an altitude thing)
Environmentally more efficient (even if not using electrics) due to vastly reduced flight duration.

[jongalt26]

Like Tony mentions, the ability to get the camera in the right spot is key. The limitations are a lot less for an RC heli. You also have the ability to get more shots in less time as well. Your response time when given the go ahead would also be a lot faster too.
j

[bullaculla]

Also, unless you are hanging out of a full size heli, the pilot has to roll to the side a little to get a good shot. which means its always doing circles around the subject. That means longer flights and more burnt fuel.
cant hover banked! :D

[R-4-L]

very intresting points ! I would guess communication is very important, getting the right shot in as little time as possible would be the biggest advantage. with the digital technology, clients can actually obtain their best shots right on the area of subject.

these advantages should set potential clients straight into seriously thinking of shifting their demands to RC AP.

[R-4-L]

guys, I have TWO more important questions,

I REALLY do need everyone's input on these ones,, :

1- Advantages of using a Gasser over a Nitro heli for Remote Videography

2- Advantages (or disadvantages) of using a FRONT cam mount over a Undermount cam.

your input will impact what I am about to start so please share ur thoughts.

Thanks

[bullaculla]

As far as I know,
Gassers wont produce the white smoke from the exhaust as badly as a nitro will. Also less greasy slime everywhere. May also be smoother running than a nitro?

An under slung mount will usually give you 360 ability, but all the weight is down low and will act like a pendulum weight when it starts to swing. Better for pano type shots and photo.

A nose mount flys more like a normal heli, but has to have perfect balance and has to be nearly vibration free. much smoother in forward flight, but has limited pan ability. usually 180-270 degrees. Better suited for video, but can be used very well for photos with good pilot.

Thats why I use an underslung mount. I am still only comfortable tail in with this kind of weight and need the flexabilty of a 360 mount. Also I am only gonna shoot photo and my tuning/balancing skills are also still limited. eventually when I get better at this, i'll get a custom nose mount.
Hope this helps, and I'm sure someone with more experience can be more elaborate.
BTW, I have no experience flying anything but electric with an underslung mount. Everything i've posted was info i have gathered through this site ;)

[R-4-L]

thanks for the info.. I actually intend to use my "coming" underslung mount mainly for Video (although photos will be there too) so what you said worries me a bit.

and I thought that gassers fly longer in terms of duration than nitro , as well as the lifting power. but I would think that the smoke-free gassers are a big plus.

I have to say, I am went ahead with a Condor and a HCS MarkIV mount with a Hanson Engine, as I said my investment will be mainly for video shoots, so I know I have a LOT of training and trial/error to do.. 360 will sure be a plus in my ability.

Couldn't go for electric right now but I will only if my project goes smooth and beneficial.

[bullaculla]

Yeah, gassers will give you very long duration. I didn;t say anything cause I didn't know if AP people flying nitros were putting larger capacity fuel tanks.
I wouldn't worry too much about an underslung mount on a big gasser. Since the heli itself is heavy, probably much heavier than the mount and camera, it shouldn't swing too much. Underslung mounts are much more forgiving.
My whole setup with camera weighs 13 lbs. the heli itself without the mount weighs less than 7lbs. almost 50% of the weight is down low. your setup shouldn't be nearly as bad.

[Skiddz]

With a full scale aircraft, the cost starts as soon as the starter button is engaged on the aircraft. The aircraft has to fly to the location, do the gig, then fly back. All that travel time is billable. With the RC option, the operator drives to the site, unloads, spools up, does the gig, loads the gear back up and drives away.

Depending on the situation, one method will be more ecomical or possible at all.