Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions2019-04-15T09:00:14+01:00
What kind of cameras do you use?2019-04-15T09:12:36+01:00

Our machines allow the use of a wide variety of movie and still cameras, ranging from small GoPro-type cameras up to cinema cameras of Alexa Mini or Red Dragon class.

Most frequently, we fly with Sony A7S II, A7R II, Panasonic GH4 and Red Dragon.

On request, we are able to prepare our multicopters for other types of technology, like thermal imagers.

Can take offs and landings be conducted from any place?2019-04-15T09:11:41+01:00

Generally in the case of an aerodrome or an area designated for take-offs and landings of aircraft, it is always necessary to negotiate the intended operations in advance with the operator of that aerodrome or area (Section 13 of the Decree No. 108/1997 Coll., as amended).

In case of using any area other than the above mentioned, it is always necessary to obtain a written consent of the owner of the area (Section 14 of the Decree No. 108/1997 Coll., as amended).

How is privacy and personal data protection addressed?2019-04-15T09:11:02+01:00

This issue is addressed by the binding Position No. 1/2013, prepared by the Office for Personal Data Protection on the basis of suggestions by the CAA. This position is freely available at: https://www.uoou.cz/en/vismo/zobraz_dok.asp?id_org=200156&id_ktg=1342&p1=1342

The issue of privacy and personal data protection with regard to the operation of unmanned aircraft is the subject of extensive debates just as in other countries. They have been sparked by the technological advancement, which brings along a massive growth of the possibilities to acquire video and audio recordings using unmanned aerial vehicles. Other specific features are the small dimensions and low noise footprint of most unmanned aircraft (for both commercial professional machines and recreational or sports aircraft models), allowing nearly or completely unobserved operations and recording of data for the subject of interest.

Where can we (not) fly?2019-04-15T09:10:30+01:00

UA operations are generally allowed in Class G airspace. This airspace extends from the surface to 300 m above ground level.

Flights at altitudes over 300 m above ground level are currently only possible within ATZ or CTR airspaces under the conditions prescribed by law (Section 7, Appendix X, Aviation Regulation L2 – Rules of the Air), or by special CAA permission.

Operations of an unmanned aircraft must not be conducted at less than a safe distance from persons, buildings and congested areas. General figures are provided in Section 16, Appendix X of the Aviation Regulation L2 – Rules of the Air.

Operations of an unmanned aircraft must not be conducted in prohibited (designated LKP), dangerous (designated LKD), and other user activated restricted (designated LKR), temporarily reserved (designated LKTRA) and temporarily segregated (designated LKTSA) airspaces, except when authorized by the CAA.

Operations of an unmanned aircraft must not be conducted at a greater direct distance from the pilot or observer than one allowing the pilot or observer to have continuous immediate visual contact and full ability to safely control the aircraft and avoid other traffic (it is not sufficient to see one’s own UA as a mere point in the sky).

How is a congested area defined?2019-04-15T09:08:43+01:00

A congested area is defined by the Aviation Regulation L 6/III in relation to a city, town or settlement, as any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial or recreational purposes (e.g. buildings, residential and commercial zones, shopping center parking lots, parks, playgrounds and the like).

How about flying in urban areas?2019-04-15T09:08:08+01:00

It is usually necessary to obtain special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for flying in urban areas.

Permission to fly in urban areas (referred to as “congested areas” in the regulations) can be obtained if certain conditions are met. The main criterion is to ensure safety. It is not possible to fly over non-participating persons or their property. This means that the flying area must be secured against the entry of such persons. In practice, this is addressed by exclusive property occupation, event marshals and the like.

If you are planning a project where you anticipate the need to fly in urban areas, please contact us. Together we can discuss possible approaches and arrange for obtaining permission.

A congested area is defined by the Aviation Regulation L 6/III in relation to a city, town or settlement, as any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial or recreational purposes (e.g. buildings, residential and commercial zones, shopping center parking lots, parks, playgrounds and the like).

Operations of an unmanned aircraft must not be conducted at less than a safe distance from persons, buildings and congested areas. General figures are provided in Section 16, Appendix X of the Aviation Regulation L2 – Rules of the Air.

Can you fly above people?2019-04-15T09:13:30+01:00

No, not at the moment, generally speaking.

Not before unmanned systems technology reaches acceptable levels of reliability, and before standards to ensure an acceptable level of safety for air traffic, people and property on land and the environment are available and practically implemented.

It is necessary to maintain certain minimum distances from non-participating persons.

An exception may be persons directly involved in the operations of an unmanned aircraft (actors, for example) provided that two basic conditions are met:

(a) Appropriate measures have been taken to prevent putting the persons in danger; and

(b) An agreement has been made between the involved pilots and those persons. In the operator’s own interest, this agreement should be in writing in case of a retrospective inquiry. Nevertheless, this agreement does not relieve the operator and the pilot of the liability for the incurred damage.

Can you fly in a confined space?2019-04-15T09:14:16+01:00

Yes we can,

provided enough room for maneuvering and provided that safety considerations are taken into account.

How high and how far away can you fly?2019-04-15T09:15:14+01:00

It depends on where the flight is to take place. Flying out in the countryside from the middle of a meadow will be quite different from flying in urban areas (if it is at all possible to make a flight there).

Generally, the maximum allowed altitude is 300 m above ground level, but in many places the allowed altitude is smaller.

Drones normally operate within the range of 250 meters from the pilot – it is important for the pilot to have a good view of the drone.

How long can you stay airborne?2019-04-15T09:17:05+01:00

The maximum duration of one flight is approximately 8 to 25 minutes.

This varies greatly with the machine being used, the overall payload, the style of flying, and, last but not least, the weather conditions.

Is it possible to see in real time what the camera is capturing?2019-04-15T09:20:37+01:00

Yes of course.

We use a FullHD (1080p) video downlink with virtually zero latency and a range of up to 1000 meters (under ideal conditions and provided direct visibility).

On the ground, the image is displayed on LCD monitors. One is always used by the cameraman; the other is available for the director, for example.

We can also provide live stream via HDMI and SDI interfaces.

What are the maximum possible wind force and other weather requirements?2019-04-15T09:21:30+01:00

The maximum technically permissible wind force is 10 m/s, but acceptable wind forces in practice are below 6 m/s. The weaker the wind, the better. Strong winds make piloting difficult and can affect the quality of the shots.

In addition to the wind, the temperature (-10 to +30 degree Celsius) and air humidity should also be taken into account. It must not rain or snow.

Can you fly while it is raining or snowing?2019-04-15T09:23:10+01:00

If it rains or snows, we don’t fly. If there is fog, it is only possible to fly under valid regulatory conditions (e.g. specified minimum visibility).

Can you fly at night?2019-04-15T09:31:57+01:00

The law generally does not allow the operation of unmanned aircraft at night.

Unmanned aerial flights are possible 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

However, in some specific cases it is possible to make night flights. Please contact us for more information.