Chief Camera & Stunt Pilot
David Adamson
The pilot who flies the frame23,000+ Hours. Nil Accidents. Flying Since 1986.
David Adamson is one of the most experienced helicopter camera and stunt pilots working in film and broadcast — licensed across nine countries, type-rated on 28 helicopter models, and the pilot who secured the first-ever approval for a helicopter stunt over and onto the Sydney Opera House. He flies the helicopter as part of the camera system, interpreting framing, movement and timing directly with directors and DOPs.
Whether matching the pace of a racing car, holding formation with another aircraft or repeating a complex move take after take, every input on the controls is made with the final image in mind — a discipline closer to operating a camera than to flying transport.
Director’s eye, pilot’s handsEvery move flown
for the final image
Selected workFeature, Series & Live Broadcast
- Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
- Anyone But You
- Mad Max: Furiosa
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
- Poker Face
- Foe
- Lion
- Planet Earth III
Live broadcast- World Rally Championship
- SailGP
- Tour Down Under
- Rolex Sydney Hobart
Credentials & authorityA Standard Held, And Set
- CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) — flying since 1986
- CASA Grade One Flight Instructor (Helicopter)
- CASA Flight Examiner (Helicopter) — one of a handful nationally
- Low-level, sling, winch, float, formation and stunt approvals
- Licensed across nine countries; type-rated on 28 helicopter models
- First-ever approval for a helicopter stunt over and onto the Sydney Opera House
Talk to usDiscuss Your Production
Tell us the shot, the schedule and the location — we'll build the aerial unit, stunt and coordination plan around it.
