Film Locations Glossary
Aerial filming permit
What is an aerial filming permit?
Also called helicopter filming permit.
An aerial filming permit is the authorization required to shoot from a helicopter, drone, or other aircraft over a location.
In the United States it involves the FAA as well as the local permitting authority, and drone work additionally requires a certificated remote pilot and airspace authorization. Congested airspace, airport proximity, and crowds overhead each add their own approvals and lead times.
Example
A helicopter pass over a downtown block needs the local film permit, an aviation authorization, and coordination with air traffic control because the location sits inside controlled airspace. Lead times run weeks, not days, so the aerial day is locked long before the ground schedule is.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Applied for in parallel with the film permit, since the aviation and municipal tracks are separate.
Common mistake
Treating aerial work as one approval. The aviation authorization and the municipal film permit are separate tracks with separate lead times, and the longer one sets the date.
Related questions
- What approvals does helicopter filming need?
- An aviation authorization, coordination with air traffic control where the location sits in controlled airspace, and the local film permit for activity on the ground.
- How far ahead should aerial days be booked?
- Weeks rather than days. Congested airspace, airport proximity, and flying over crowds each add their own approval, and none of them can be rushed.