Sandy Vongries Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 A great many years ago, it used to be possible to take a helicopter from the tip of Manhattan to either of the major New York airports. Subsequent to that time a variety of accidents either temporarily or permanently ended the service. That notwithstanding, and no open doors, an entirely memorable experience. I still have slides taken with my Nikons of New York City from above. Frankly it always comes down to risk vs. gain. I have survived considered risks for a long time, and as a result, have enjoyed life. Flying in a helicopter is more dangerous than commercial airlines, but safer than driving - at least according to some statisticians. I won't quote Mark Twain. Edit: a touch late, but in the same spirit! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy_boren1 Posted January 6, 2021 Share Posted January 6, 2021 Decades ago, long before drones or even Google maps I was hired for aerial photos of some property. The budget allowed for a small helicopter, Robinson 22, 2 seater. Doors off, the flight was breezy but nice. Lots of vibration. Things I would suggest you look out for:1. make sure all cases/bags are closed and lids secured. 2. make sure bags are not in the way of any controls this includes your feet. 3. don't stick your hands/arm out of the open door, I did this and was immediately hit with massive static in the headphones. The pilot said the downdraft wash created the static and I grounded it. Perhaps your copter won't have that problem. 4. always do exactly what the pilot says. 5. check and recheck that your seatbelt/harness is secure. 6. have a good time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted January 8, 2021 Author Share Posted January 8, 2021 Decades ago, long before drones or even Google maps I was hired for aerial photos of some property. The budget allowed for a small helicopter, Robinson 22, 2 seater. Doors off, the flight was breezy but nice. Lots of vibration. Things I would suggest you look out for:1. make sure all cases/bags are closed and lids secured. 2. make sure bags are not in the way of any controls this includes your feet. 3. don't stick your hands/arm out of the open door, I did this and was immediately hit with massive static in the headphones. The pilot said the downdraft wash created the static and I grounded it. Perhaps your copter won't have that problem. 4. always do exactly what the pilot says. 5. check and recheck that your seatbelt/harness is secure. 6. have a good time. You had an interesting job. I am paying close attention to your advices; they make a lot of sense. The Victoria Falls helicopter flight is booked for October, the next day after my arrival at Zimbabwe, followed by a photo safaris tour - the main reason for the trip. The condition of the waterfalls will not be optimum but I am hoping it will not be too bad, and that the Covid-19 restrictions would ease off to allow visitors from the US at that time. Thank you so much! Happy New Year! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur_gottschalk Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 A great many years ago, it used to be possible to take a helicopter from the tip of Manhattan to either of the major New York airports. Subsequent to that time a variety of accidents either temporarily or permanently ended the service. That notwithstanding, and no open doors, an entirely memorable experience. I still have slides taken with my Nikons of New York City from above. Frankly it always comes down to risk vs. gain. I have survived considered risks for a long time, and as a result, have enjoyed life. Flying in a helicopter is more dangerous than commercial airlines, but safer than driving - at least according to some statisticians. I won't quote Mark Twain. Edit: a touch late, but in the same spirit! I remember a guy getting off a helicopter in Manhattan who went back to the rear luggage compartment to get a bag. He was decapitated by the still rotating blades. . The bag had $1 million in cash as I remember. And BTW, I've been to 21 countries in Africa but not by helicopter. Yes, Vic Falls is beautiful. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted January 10, 2021 Author Share Posted January 10, 2021 The bag had $1 million in cash as I remember. Was it worth it to lose one's head? :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Helmke Posted January 15, 2021 Share Posted January 15, 2021 Mary there is a saying among aviators that helicopters don’t fly, they just beat the air into submission. Basically it’s a machine that vibrates constantly while going from place to place. You can always tell a pilot is flying a helo when you hear him on the radio. Use whatever strap you want to keep you from falling out and keep the shutter speed fast enough to beat the vibration. Rick H. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur_gottschalk Posted January 16, 2021 Share Posted January 16, 2021 The last time I was up on Mt. Kenya (yes, that was a while ago) I saw the remains of a helicopter that had crashed during a rescue attempt. Reminds me of the completely destroyed ambulance wrecked in a crash on an Indian highway. I wonder if the passenger survived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Were it not for the inherent danger, would zip lines, bungie jumpsm virgin ski runsm and helicopter rides be as popular as they are? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant_stevens Posted February 22, 2021 Share Posted February 22, 2021 Decades ago, long before drones or even Google maps I was hired for aerial photos of some property. The budget allowed for a small helicopter, Robinson 22, 2 seater. Doors off, the flight was breezy but nice. Lots of vibration. Things I would suggest you look out for:1. make sure all cases/bags are closed and lids secured. 2. make sure bags are not in the way of any controls this includes your feet. 3. don't stick your hands/arm out of the open door, I did this and was immediately hit with massive static in the headphones. The pilot said the downdraft wash created the static and I grounded it. Perhaps your copter won't have that problem. 4. always do exactly what the pilot says. 5. check and recheck that your seatbelt/harness is secure. 6. have a good time. Hey Mary! Randy has good advice. I was a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the Army for about 12 years and I wanted to add a little to Randy's suggestions. First, EVERYTHING you bring on board needs a place where it can safely be stored and if possible, tied down. An air crew in Iraq had a pair of chocks that became wedged over the collective lever and it caused a terrible accident. Things shift in flight, especially if you have any fast drops in altitude, as helicopter pilots love to do. The static thing is also absolutely true and it is universal. It won't shock you unless you are one the ground and the airframe is at a hover and you touch it, but it will cause static in your headphones. All of the gear you plan to use during the shoot needs to be connected to you. I used to call this putting a "dummy cord" on it, but basically, anything you use should have a sturdy strap on it such that, should an angry gorilla want to take it from you, it won't go without the rest of you. The vibration issue is more accentuated at what is called Effective Translational Lift. This happens somewhere around 12 to 18 knots (around 15 to 20 MPH) so the best place to take photos with a slower shutter speed will be either at a hover or over 25 knots. This does depend on the airframe. In a Blackhawk, 120 knots was a sweet-spot, but closer you got to max speed the more shake you can feel. And like Randy said, do EVERYTHING the pilot says to do. The pilot can explain the "why's" in pre-flight and post flight, but in-flight isn't the time to ask "why?" You're in for a good time. Let us know how it goes! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Hey Mary! Randy has good advice. I was a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the Army for about 12 years and I wanted to add a little to Randy's suggestions. First, EVERYTHING you bring on board needs a place where it can safely be stored and if possible, tied down. An air crew in Iraq had a pair of chocks that became wedged over the collective lever and it caused a terrible accident. Things shift in flight, especially if you have any fast drops in altitude, as helicopter pilots love to do. The static thing is also absolutely true and it is universal. It won't shock you unless you are one the ground and the airframe is at a hover and you touch it, but it will cause static in your headphones. All of the gear you plan to use during the shoot needs to be connected to you. I used to call this putting a "dummy cord" on it, but basically, anything you use should have a sturdy strap on it such that, should an angry gorilla want to take it from you, it won't go without the rest of you. The vibration issue is more accentuated at what is called Effective Translational Lift. This happens somewhere around 12 to 18 knots (around 15 to 20 MPH) so the best place to take photos with a slower shutter speed will be either at a hover or over 25 knots. This does depend on the airframe. In a Blackhawk, 120 knots was a sweet-spot, but closer you got to max speed the more shake you can feel. And like Randy said, do EVERYTHING the pilot says to do. The pilot can explain the "why's" in pre-flight and post flight, but in-flight isn't the time to ask "why?" You're in for a good time. Let us know how it goes! Noted your advice. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur_gottschalk Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Were it not for the inherent danger, would zip lines, bungie jumpsm virgin ski runsm and helicopter rides be as popular as they are? Maybe that's why I still ride a motorcycle. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 According to my son, who studied aircraft mechanics in school, every piece of a helicopter, down to each nut and bolt, is under scheduled maintenance. This includes periodic replacement in addition to inspection. Hope this news keep the adrenaline flowing ;) Along this line, there are two classes of helicopters, the first being one that has not yet crashed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted March 5, 2021 Author Share Posted March 5, 2021 Along this line, there are two classes of helicopters, the first being one that has not yet crashed. Guess this classification is applicable to everything? ... how about "two kinds of people", the kind that are alive and the kind that are dead?:D:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick D. Posted March 5, 2021 Share Posted March 5, 2021 It should be really good adventure, go for it. If I would have a chance, I wouldn't hesitate, we all live only once:) On practical side, 2 cameras with 2 zooms, probably 24-70 and 70-200, for full frame, no time to change lenses. Both cameras secured with belt or line, so they wouldn't fall out. VR may help with framing, fast shutter speed, start with 1/1000 and shorter. Have a fun. Share pictures with us later. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted March 6, 2021 Author Share Posted March 6, 2021 Share pictures with us later Yes, unless I chicken out when I get there; or Covid would deter me from getting there this year; but this would only delay it because I don't plan to cancel the trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick D. Posted March 6, 2021 Share Posted March 6, 2021 (edited) I was living in Niagara Falls for two yeas, never tired to photograph it. Another advice, have polarizer filters for your lens, don't think it would be practical use them on helicopter ride, they cutting light and you will need high shutter speed, to minimize vibration. But for the land shots polarizer probably can help a bit to reduce softening effects of water spray. Edited March 6, 2021 by Nick D. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur_gottschalk Posted March 8, 2021 Share Posted March 8, 2021 I note that billionaire politician Olivier Dassault was killed yesterday in a helicopter crash in northwestern France, and he wasn't even trying to photograph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted March 8, 2021 Share Posted March 8, 2021 You've already shot from small planes, but when I did this many years ago with film, I found 35 mm woefully inadequate. The amount of fine detail was just too much for it. I find a similar thing happens on some landscapes with my Z6. Take the Z7! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 I note that billionaire politician Olivier Dassault was killed yesterday in a helicopter crash in northwestern France, and he wasn't even trying to photograph. So sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricochetrider Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 Hi MAry, Wondering if you've gotten over to fly and photograph in/from the helicopter? I'd be very interested to see your photos and hear of the experience. I do a fair amount of work "at height". Harness up, add a tether from your camera to either yourself or to the vehicle, absolutely secure all personal items against sliding about inside the aircraft, and enjoy the fun. I am certain the flight crew will be well versed in all of this. No reason to worry- as long as you take all (very) necessary precautions. Failure to strictly adhere to safety protocols could end badly for you- but what a way to go, eh? But clipped in to the vehicle or craft, with your camera secured properly, you cannot possibly fall to your death. Even if you drop the camera it will only fall to the end of the tether. In the event of a fall or drop, you or the camera may get banged up a bit - but you won't die and the camera will be a nice reminder of that time you hung out the side of a moving helicopter over one of the World's Natural Wonders. Remember most of all that this is routine for the flight crew & staff- you wont be the first or last to do this. DO IT! and post pix upon your return. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted August 13, 2021 Author Share Posted August 13, 2021 The trip will be in October. I worry a little about the Covid situation but will be booking the flights in the next few days. Whatever happens will happen. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted August 14, 2021 Share Posted August 14, 2021 (edited) In open-door shooting from any kind of aircraft, it's a "good idea" to fasten yourself AND the camera to the aircraft, of courseo_O Edited August 14, 2021 by JDMvW 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_ante Posted September 20, 2021 Share Posted September 20, 2021 My one and only helicopter ride was in c1962, as part of a requirement for course at Columbia. Copter had a transparent bubble for viewing down on city, almost between legs. My one and only experience with helicopters. Once was enough. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Doo Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share Posted September 20, 2021 Once was enough. LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul burd Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 Just got back on this forum after 12 years away. Ive kind of concluded that drones have pretty much taken over the aerial photo world. They have great optics and built-in stabilizers...and they can fly at altitudes that actually work for photography, as in under 500 ft. I was a U.S. Coast Guard Photo-Journalist back in the early '70s and photographed from helicopters a lot; HH52A's as well as Army Hueys. At that time either used a machine-gun belt and shot out the open door, or on the Hueys just sat on the floor with feet on the runners. 1/250 will stop a rotor in flight, but you need at least 1/500 to minimize the vibration coming through the deck and causing movement in the camera. When shooting motion picture, had to stand with knees bent and elbows bent to soak up the vibration. About every 500 ft. of altitude knocks down about an f-stop of light, depending on how much crud is in the air. A good UV filter helps some, but you probably won't have time to play with polarizers, etc.--which also knocks down another 2 stops of light. A really good neck strap is really bout all you will get as far as holding your equipment on--depending on what type of helicopter you are using you won't have room for much gear anyway I was a commercial and editorial photographer from 1980-2009, and did a lot of aerials for architecture and engineering work, shooting out of both helicopters and fixed-wing. No reason not to trust either platform over the other, although the nicest helicopter I ever flew in and photographed from was the same one Stevie Ray Vaughn was killed in, I'm almost certain. Anyway, unless there's a ban on drones, I'd use a drone to get those amazing photos, and take the helicopter ride for fun. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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