FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is a UAV/UAS?
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
What is the FAA’s SECTIon 333 Exemption and can you fly UAS Legally?
A Section 333 grant of exemption is required for any civil UAS operation that is not for hobby or recreational purposes. It provides relief from current FAA rules where appropriate. HI-vantage can provide you with proof of our exemption (exemption #14059).
What sort of equipment can be used on your UAS?
Our smallest quad-rotors drones use 1" sensor to Micro Four Thirds camera rigs, which is perfect for capturing close-up action shots or sporting events to large interior spaces. This provides high resolution 4K down to full HD footage at 1080p and up to 120fps. The mid-sized quad, DJI Inspire 2, offers multiple lens options.
Our larger six-rotor (or hexa-copter) can carry a minimum payload of a few pounds (carrying such cameras as the Sony A7S series to the Lumix GH5. The hexa-copter is best for high-end productions that require professional-quality aerial footage.
What about safety? I’d love to book you guys for my event but I’m worried about all those rotors around all those people.
Safety is our paramount concern at HI-vantage. We will not fly directly over dense crowds or in inclement weather (precipitation, high winds, etc). As required, by the State of Hawaii as well as City & County of Honolulu permitting offices, we utilize a Visual Observer to provide an additional line of sight (for the pilot) and a level of on-site safety. Our pilots posses the required FAA license and are seasoned and responsible operators with experience on an array of equipment. HI-vantage pilots have created some safe yet incredible, innovative shots, from flying over open ocean, resort properties, through jungle canopy following cars, to tight interiors of churches.
How far can you fly?
The UAS must remain within the Pilot in Command's visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times, and our ceiling is 400' (or 120 meters) by FAA law. For an additional layer of safety, we've set a self-imposed limit of 2km (1.2 miles) from the transmitter. If the copter exceeds that limit, it will automatically return to the takeoff location. We maintain a visual of the drone at all times and fly accordingly, depending on visibility.
How long can you fly?
We use safe LiPo rechargeable batteries to power our copters. Each battery lasts approximately 12-18 minutes (depending on payload weight and wind conditions). A typical battery change only takes about a half minute and we always bring multiple batteries to each shoot and recharge during flights (we provide a 1000W generator for remote locations for battery charging).
Are you insured?
Yes, we are insured (up to $2 million aerial liability) by one of the few leaders in the industry who specialize in covering UAS for liability and damage. We provide you, and the filming location, with Certificates Of Insurance. We are also insured with a standard photography/videography ground production insurance policy. If you decide to book HI-vantage, we will be happy to provide you with documentation.
What else do you provide aside from the drones and insurance?
We realize how important your vision is to you. Our goal at HI-vantage is to make sure your flight plan of activity is worked out, the location is assessed (preferably on-site with you) and identify potential hazards and liabilities prior to filming. We can assist in the permitting process and provide the FAA the required NOTAM (Notice To AirMen) within 72 hours prior to scheduled filming. Finally, we will provide an estimate, of proposed filming indicating costs, any options, as well as cancellation policies and any additional fees.
Can news media fly a UAS to shoot stories or cover breaking news?
News media use of a UAS is not for hobby or recreational purposes, so FAA authorization is necessary. Media organizations may hire HI-vantage and we are currently in the process of obtaining multi-site specific Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to fly in a particular block of airspace.
What is a COA?
A COA is an authorization issued by the FAA to grant National Airspace access for specific UAS activity.
Where are you located and what areas do you service?
We are located in Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu and service all of the neighboring islands. That being said, we LOVE to travel! If you want to get us on a project that is requires a plane or a long drive then all we ask is that you pay travel, a rental vehicle, and lodging expenses. We travel fairly simply with, usually, up to two or three hard cases all under 50lbs. each.
I’m in, what’s next?
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