Film & Broadcast

Helicopter Aerial Filming

Helicopter aerial cinematography

Helicopter Aerial Filming

Specialist Helicopters is a dedicated helicopter aerial-filming unit for feature film, television, documentary and commercials. Chief pilot David Adamson flies the helicopter as part of the camera system — not as transport — interpreting framing, movement and timing directly with directors and DOPs.

Guide: how to choose the right aerial operator ›

What’s included
  • A pilot who flies the frameDavid orientates the helicopter like a camera — repeatable, precise moves to the DOP's brief, not generic passes.
  • The systems that get the shotGyro-stabilised cinema rigs — including the only K1 and F1 Rush systems in Australia — matched to your lens package.
  • Low level, where film lives8,000+ low-level hours mean we hold a line close to terrain, water and action that a charter pilot can't.
  • One unit, fully managedPermits, approvals, ATC and crew handled in-house, so your team stays on the creative.
Discuss Your ProjectSee Our Credits
Equipment

Camera, Aircraft & Rigging

The kit a shot actually needs — sourced, integrated and flown.

Camera Systems

Externally mounted fixed and gyro-stabilised systems, with certified aircraft integration and compatibility with the leading digital cinema packages.

  • Shotover
  • GSS
  • Cineflex
  • Tyler Systems

Operated alongside aerial DOPs and camera techs — we can supply or recommend cinematographers and crew.

Helicopters

We supply and fly almost any helicopter the shoot calls for — hero aircraft, stunt ship or background — matched to performance, payload and the creative brief.

  • Single- & multi-engine turbine
  • Light piston
  • Warbirds & rare types

Light piston for compact or cost-sensitive shoots; warbirds and rare types sourced on request.

Stunt Systems & Rigging

Full-service helicopter stunt support, with concept development, safety planning and CASA coordination.

  • TSOP
  • SPIE
  • Fast-rope
  • Rappelling
  • Ladder kits

Training and SWMS documentation provided for every system.

On the day

Flown like a lens,
not a taxi

The whole aerial production

More Than A Camera Ship

Most shoots need more than a camera ship. We coordinate every aviation party and can source the whole aerial production — aircraft, camera crew and equipment.

See how we coordinate aerial productions ›

David is the only pilot I have flown with who orientates his helicopter like a camera. His innate knowledge of light, angles and timing — and his ability to tell the story through the lens — is something unique.
Jon DavisonAviation Photographer, Eye in the Sky
I’ve worked with the best aerial cinematographers and pilots worldwide, and I rank David Adamson as one of the very best pilots I have ever worked with.
Lucy van BeekSeries Producer, BBC

Recent credits — Anyone But You · Mad Max: Furiosa · Foe · Planet Earth III · Great Barrier Reef (IMAX)  See all ›

Questions

Helicopter Aerial Filming FAQ

What camera systems do you use for helicopter filming?

We operate gyro-stabilised cinema camera systems — including the only K1 and F1 Rush rigs in Australia — and partner with the country's leading aerial DOPs to match the right system and lens package to the shot.

Can the pilot fly to a specific shot or storyboard?

Yes. David Adamson is known for orientating the helicopter like a camera — flying precise, repeatable moves to the director's frame rather than generic passes, which is what sets a film pilot apart from a charter pilot.

Where do you film?

Primarily Australia, but we operate worldwide and David is licensed across nine countries.

More aerial services
Helicopter StuntsAerial CoordinationMotorsport Aerial FilmingAir-to-Air FilmingLive Broadcast
Talk to us

Discuss Your Production

Tell us the shot, the schedule and the location — we'll build the aerial unit, stunt and coordination plan around it.

Discuss Your ProjectSee Our CreditsMeet The Unit