Can I hire a drone pilot with their own equipment?
Yes. Skymotion supplies the pilot and the drones, cameras, batteries and monitoring for the director and DOP — from an Inspire 3 to a heavy-lift drone with an ARRI Alexa or RED. You book it all at once, including flight preparation and insurance.
What does it cost to hire a drone pilot?
That depends on the drone and camera, the crew that comes along, the airspace (inside a CTR a request and an RT operator are added) and the length of the shooting day. That is why we do not publish standard prices. Send the location, date and the shot you want; you usually get a tailored quote the same day, with no surprises afterwards.
Do you handle the permits?
Yes. We fly under a Specific-category authorisation from the Dutch ILT (NLD-OAT-052/03G) and arrange what each location needs: the request with LVNL or Defence for a CTR, the extra exemptions that heavier drones require, and agreements with the municipality and landowner. For Natura 2000 areas the production or the location has to arrange permission from the site manager itself; we flag when that is needed.
How far ahead should I book?
Outside controlled airspace it often works within a few days. For a flight inside a CTR the request must be with LVNL at least 48 hours ahead; a week is better. For heavy-lift with extra exemptions, count on several weeks. The earlier you call, the more options.
How do I check whether a drone pilot holds an authorisation?
Ask for the operator number (it starts with NLD and is on the drone) and for the ILT operational authorisation for the type of flight you want. The ILT publishes a public overview of all UAS operators authorised in the Specific category; Skymotion is listed there (NLD-OAT-052/03G). Also ask for the evidence of cover and the pilots' certificates.
Can you fly inside the Schiphol or Rotterdam CTR?
Yes. We regularly fly in all thirteen Dutch CTRs, including Schiphol and Rotterdam. We file the mission plan, bring an RT operator with an aviation radio and stay in contact with the tower during the flight.
Who comes to the set?
At least one certified drone pilot. Depending on the shot, a camera operator, a spotter/observer and an RT operator join. We agree that with you beforehand, so you know exactly who will be there.
Can you fly our own cinema camera?
Yes. On the Freefly Alta X we fly the ARRI Alexa Mini and 35, RED and Sony Venice with your lenses, so the drone shots cut seamlessly with the ground camera. If the drone exceeds 25 kg we also arrange the corresponding exemption (TUG).
What if the weather turns?
We check wind, rain and visibility per drone; every aircraft has its own limits and we respect them. If it looks like trouble, we discuss a reserve day or a different shot in good time. Safety comes before the shot.
How do I get the footage?
In your codec and resolution — ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ, H.264, 8K or 4K — handed to your DIT on set or delivered straight after the shooting day. You watch live on the monitor while we fly.
Do you work outside the Netherlands?
Yes, across Europe and beyond. Our Specific-category authorisation can be used in other EU countries through the Article 13 procedure. In the Netherlands we most often work in and around Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the big CTRs.