Aerial Video – 52 Degrees South

The Falkland Islands are an amazing archipelago, 52 degrees south,  and about three hundred miles off South America. A British Overseas Territory, the islands are about half the size of Wales and home to just 3,500 residents. West Falkland, one of the larger islands, is about the size of Cornwall, yet has only 100 residents. Add to that an amazing diversity of wildlife and stunning vistas and you have one very special place to film. So the opportunity to create video marketing content for Falklands Islands Tourist Board was one we couldn’t wait to get our teeth into, and of-course this was going to mean shooting as much aerial video as possible.
a drone mid flight in the sky
An Aerial video at 52 degrees South

The Practicalities

Flying overseas comes with a number of practicalities which you need to consider. You can’t just jump on a plane and unleash your drone when you land. Firstly, before you leave you need to research the local aviation rules and regulations. The Falkland Island Civil Aviation Authority are really pro-active, and supply wannabe drone fliers with all the necessary information you need. For UK pilots with permissions for commercial operations, you’ll find it fairly straight forward to apply for and purchase a UAV licence,  with local rules and regulations looking virtually identical to the Air Navigation Orders we follow in the UK. Once you’ve got your licence and contact numbers for the local towers you’re good to go.

The Falkland Islands from the air

The Falkland Islands

Secondly, the LIPO batteries which power the drone need to be carried in you hand luggage rather than the hold. They need to travel in LIPO safe bags. Our batteries (we had lots of spares) took up most of our hand luggage space. The drone can go in the hold, but due to weight restrictions, we pared down the kit to the bare essentials.

Pengins at Yorke Bay, East Falkland.

Penguins at Yorke Bay, East Falkland.

Once there, there are other considerations: I wasn’t sure what the satellite coverage this far south in the Atlantic would be like. It is superb. Beware, don’t forget to calibrate your compass. Finally it’s time to get in to the air. What a treat. No high rise buildings or congested areas to consider, hardly a tree in sight, just wild open spaces. Flying is best early morning and later evening as this is when the light and the winds are most suitable.  You do need to ensure you don’t fly too close to wildlife sites, but the normal 50m exclusion zones apply. The landscapes of the Falklands are stunning, a drone operators dream. Add into that penguins, whales, dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
stunning views in the Falklands.

One of the stunning views in the Falklands.

Once we have reviewed all of the aerial footage, we will be creating a series of films to promote this amazing destination to potential visitors from all over the world. And aerial video will play a big part in marketing what is a world-class experience for those who visit.

Soundview Plymouth, Devon aerial video

Our aerial video drone has captured great footage of the South West and beyond. Based in Plymouth, Devon aerial video production is something we have offered our clients throughout the region. From Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to Cornwall’s Lands End, our drone is pretty well travelled. Like the Falklands, this region looks impressive from the air and it’s rare to make a video for a client that doesn’t feature aerial footage these days.

Our best footage is often captured early in the day. And although seasons and weather are a consideration, the landscapes in this part of the world look great all year round. Check out our blogs for some idea of how amazing this region looks from the air:

Duke of Cornwall and Plymouth Hoe

Treetop Escapes

Visit Dorset Films

Visit Cornwall Film

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