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NORTH HOLLAND

Hire a drone pilot in Amsterdam

Pilot, drones and crew for film, TV and commercials in Amsterdam — with the airspace and agreements worked out beforehand

180+
Productions
Film, TV, commercials, clips
CTR
Controlled airspace
Schiphol
ILT
Specific authorisation
Also above built-up areas
2009
Flying since
Film, series, ads

Canals, the Zuidas, the port and the IJ: Amsterdam is the most requested city for aerials in the Netherlands and at the same time the trickiest, because almost the whole city lies in controlled airspace. We have flown here for years for series, commercials and events and know our way around LVNL and the municipality.

With Skymotion you hire one aerial unit: drone pilot, drones, cameras and where needed a camera operator, spotter and RT operator. We work out in advance what the airspace in Amsterdam allows and which agreements are needed, so on the shooting day you only deal with the shot.

Airspace

Amsterdam: in or next to the Schiphol CTR

Amsterdam falls within the Schiphol CTR. Every flight goes to LVNL as a mission plan at least 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we hear which hours are allowed. On set an RT operator with an aviation radio stays in contact with the tower. Close to the runways lower heights apply, in the city centre usually 120 metres.

Example locations

Filming in and around Amsterdam: wherever the shot calls for it

We fly anywhere in and around Amsterdam the story calls for: city centre, industry, water, countryside. Below are a few places productions often ask for, with what to keep in mind for each.

  • 01
    Museumplein, Leidseplein and Paradiso

    the 100 years of Paradiso shoot, with crowds and stages in frame.

  • 02
    Oosterdok, Centraal and the IJ

    station architecture, water and ferries; we shot here within LVNL time slots.

  • 03
    Westergasfabriek and the gasholder

    industrial heritage for events and commercials.

  • 04
    Westhaven and Afrikahaven

    terminals, ships and cranes for corporate films in the port.

  • 05
    Zuidas

    office towers and the A10 ring road for business productions, often early in the morning.

Permissions and planning

How we arrange a shooting day in Amsterdam

Authorisation and requests

We fly under our Specific-category authorisation from the Dutch ILT and file the mission plan for the CTR with air traffic control.

Local agreements

Besides the LVNL mission plan we coordinate time and place with the City of Amsterdam, especially in the centre and at events. For take-off on private land we arrange it with the owner; for nature areas such as the Amsterdamse Bos the production has to arrange the manager's permission.

Planning

Ideally a week ahead, at least 48 hours for the CTR request. The earlier you call, the more hours are possible. If the shot requires a street or square to be cordoned off, we flag that well in advance so the production can plan for it.

On the shooting day

We arrive on set on time, brief with the director and DOP, and you watch live on the monitor. Then we fly until the shot is in, while a spotter keeps an eye on the airspace and the surroundings.

Credits

What we have done in and around Amsterdam

FAQ

Hiring a drone pilot in Amsterdam: questions

Can you film with a drone in Amsterdam?

Yes. Amsterdam lies in or right next to the Schiphol CTR: we file the mission plan with air traffic control at least 48 hours ahead and fly with an RT operator on the radio. Our Specific-category authorisation from the Dutch ILT also allows this above built-up areas, within the conditions of the authorisation.

How quickly can a drone pilot be on set in Amsterdam?

Because of the CTR request we prefer to plan a week ahead, at least 48 hours. Send the location, date and shot and you hear the same day what is possible.

What does it cost to hire a drone pilot in Amsterdam?

That depends on the drone and camera, the crew that comes along, the airspace, the travel time and the length of the shooting day; that is why we do not publish standard prices. You usually get a tailored quote the same day.

Which drone do you use in Amsterdam?

In controlled airspace we mostly fly the DJI Inspire 3 or a Mavic: light, quiet and quickly approved. For dynamic shots we use FPV, and for your ARRI, RED or Sony Venice the heavy-lift Alta X.

Can you film above the canals and the city centre?

Yes, within the hours LVNL allows and in consultation with the municipality. We often plan such shots early in the morning when there are few people around, and fly the Inspire 3 or a Mavic: light, quiet and quick to set up.

Need a drone pilot in Amsterdam?

Send the location, date and the shot you want — you'll hear quickly what's possible and what it costs, usually the same day.

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