- If necessary, obtain clearance to enter the area, by clearly stating
your intentions to the controller
- Safety permitting, choose an altitude that is about 0.5 to 1.5 times
the length of the longest runway. For example, for a photo of an airport
with a 4000 foot runway, choose an altitude between 2000 and 6000 feet
AGL.
- In every case, choose an altitude that will allow you to comply with
all regulations and to safely maneuver to a safe landing in case of
emergency
- Configure your aircraft for slow flight. Fly slow but safe
- Keep a continuous scan for traffic, and announce your position and
maneuvers on the radio
- The following maneuvering techniques work well for taking photos of
an airport out of the right side window, from the south, looking north.
Their feasibility depends on local conditions such as terrain, obstructions,
and traffic.
- In a low wing aircraft, start southeast of the airport, fly west,
and as you cross south of the airport start a turn to the north
by banking right, giving your photographer a clear view of the airport
- In a high wing aircraft, start south-southeast of the airport
flying to the northwest. You should plan on crossing south of the
airport boundary. This will give your photographer a good view of
the airport without a strut in the way
- Avoid circling for an extended time over an area, as it may be considered
loitering or suspicious activity
- Avoid much maneuvering in the immediate area of the airport. If a
second photo pass is needed, leave the immediate airport area, reposition,
and reenter the area for a second pass
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- Set your lens focus to infinity, in manual mode
- Set your exposure to a fast shutter speed
- Shooting through an open window will eliminate the problem of reflections,
but extreme care should be used. Check with your pilot before opening
any window. Open windows often create higher vibration levels
- Make sure you camera and all other equipment is secure before opening
any window
- Compose your image to include the entire airport complex, including
all runways
- If there are any salient features in the surrounding terrain (coastlines,
mountains, lakes, large buildings, etc.) that help identify and locate
the airport, include those too in your image
- Take multiple photos of the airport during your pass. If is much cheaper
to discard a few photos than to have to make a second pass or a second
flight
- After your first photo pass, discuss with your pilot whether a second
pass is nedded, and if so discuss whether lower or higher altitudes
will work best, and what changes in maneuvers might be best for that
particular airport
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