I can see your house from here...
 

Dubai - UAE

I am planning an comprehensive aerial shoot of Dubai to take place sometime over the next few months (early 08 possibly). From your experience is there a particular time of year that will give us relatively haze free conditions?

I will be looking for a good film pilot and an AS 350 B2 or similar, recommendations are welcome.

And any tips to be aware of concerning permits, local conditions etc.

Many thanks,

McHover

Aerial Work DXB
 

:)
Check out www.helidubai.com
helidubai
PO Box 11097
Dubai
+ 971 4 22 44 033 Direct
+ 971 4 22 44 168 Fax
[email protected] or [email protected]
Operates a VIP configured fleet of A109E Power and AB412EP's for public transport and B206 for aerial work. The 206's (3 available for immediate sale) are being replaced by B3's in early 2008.
:ok:

Thank you Aer Maritz...

I'm assuming you that you are local to DXB; I was wondering if there are any times of the year to be avoided weather/visibility wise?

Many thanks,

McH

WX!
 

:hmm:
As stated, the weather here can be excellent generally between the middle to the end of November until around the end of March to the middle of April.
There is a major problem with smog and you will see a distinct layer of pollution all year round. Right now it tends to be between 1000 - 3000 amsl. The visibility can be 10+ km if the winds are right and especially after a shamal or a down pour in the winter months.
If you intend to shoot after March then you will be risking the prospect of reduced visibility and a build up of humidity. There will be increased mist and fog for a short period and we then settle into a period of 3 - 8 km for around 6 months, in haze and with the temperatures climbing into the late 40's mid summer.
Dubai being as it is there is filming all year round. There are no real slack periods anymore as the level of construction and change dictates the amount of flying.
helidubai is a Dubai government owned company and takes around 80 - 90% of the filming and photo work in Dubai. They can help you through the process of getting permissions which can be confusing and difficult as there several departments to go through and it can take up to 2 weeks to get approvals, or in some cases longer. Also, booking can be tight with all operators so once again you will need to plan the shoot and book your slots, permissions, etc well in advance.
All of the pilots have an average of 12 - 20 years in Dubai and all are highly experienced film pilots. They can help you with mounts, cameras, etc as they have an excellent relationship with the local providers and are also in the process of having their own side and nose mounts based on site at their hangar at the airport. They are also the only operator in Dubai with their own helipad situated near the Emirates Towers.
Hope this helps! :O

Well..., what can I say, that pretty much covers it all. Thank you very much indeed.

This project will hopefully develop over the next month or two so i will be in touch when I require to pencil some dates in or require further info.

Again, many thanks and I hope that I get a chance to fly with HD in the near future.

McH

Hello McH
I would suggest that you make at least an initial contact with them to provisionally book the slots you require. At least then you will have made contact and can discuss what it is that you need.
They are also a BBC approved organisation and can provide you with the BBC approval. There is also Aerogulf which operates B206 and B212 helicopters. They are an excellent company, but dont have the flexibility of helidubai for filming as their primary role is in offshore work. You could also look up www.filmquipmedia.com and contact Antony there for some further information on film support and equipment in Dubai.
Aer Maritz