Aerial photography - what's it really like?

[witchdoctor]

Hi there,

Has anyone got experience of aerial photography/mapping etc? Is it a good way of building hours?

Might have a chance of a job doing this, but don't know how useful the experience would be for life as a FO (what I really want to do). I'd be grateful for any replies from people who have done/are doing this kind of work, and where it led you to.

Cheers, WD

[cochise]

First of all, you don't want to be an FO, come on man, you want to be a Captain someday ;)
Aerial photography is fun and it's a good way to build hours, the only downfall is that it's usually single time but as they say, "take what you can get".
It does get a little tricky in built up areas with buildings as you still have to obey the rules of the air no matter what your client wants. I've found it interesting and fun most times, you just have to be willing to tell the client NO when they try and get you in a jam.

hope this helps

[Homer_J]

He he, there isn't a more amusing type of flying in my humboe opinion.

After doing a lot in a c172, i got lumbered with doing about 5 hours or so in a Pa28.....with your man pointing his camera out of the DV window!!!

This gave me two options........either do lots of fly pasts, which would have taken for ages. Or, spend almost all the time in 45 degree turns with loads of power and cross controls, to kinda skid my way round the object.

Its great fun, cant wait for the summer when i get to do some more.

[witchdoctor]

Thanks guys.

Although I desperately need the money (hence an airline job preferred) I would much rather do something I enjoy, and this sounds like it could be a hoot.

Just hope this works out before that aircraft cleaning job - yuck!:yuk:

[contrail]

I agree with cochise.

Great fun, but you don't want to be doing it forever.
Ive 8years single crew photo experience.

Main advantage is that you get around all over the country and meet contacts face to face, which is always the best way to gain career progression.

If you do go down this avenue WD, the main trick of the trade is not to hang about in the same area for too long (noise) & stick to rule 5 regardless of what anybody else asks you to do.

Im now on Fa20 falcons and the hands on experience stood me in good stead.

Hope it all works out

Contrail

[witchdoctor]

Hi folks,

Just thought I'd let you know I received a firm job offer today for aerial photography and took it. I've had a chance to talk to the current pilot (off to a glamorous RHS position) and he loved it and reckons the boss is a good egg too - he's both the MD and the photographer, so should have a vested interest in keeping out of trouble too.

It may only be a C150, but I can't wait to pile into those 60 degree turns - woohoo!:D

Thanks for the feedback and happy flying guys. WD