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Hire a drone pilot in Rotterdam

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

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

Skyline, Erasmus Bridge and the largest port in Europe: Rotterdam was made for aerials. We fly here for drama series, football, corporate films and the port itself, from the Kop van Zuid to the Maasvlakte, and know exactly which request belongs to which part of the city.

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 Rotterdam allows and which agreements are needed, so on the shooting day you only deal with the shot.

Airspace

Rotterdam: in or next to the Rotterdam The Hague Airport CTR

The city and the eastern port area lie in the Rotterdam The Hague Airport CTR: mission plan to LVNL, RT operator on set. Further west, around Botlek, Europoort and Maasvlakte, the Port Authority's rules apply and we register the flight in their UTM system. Many quays have their own safety regulations.

Example locations

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

We fly anywhere in and around Rotterdam 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
    Erasmus Bridge, Kop van Zuid and Wilhelminapier

    the classic skyline, at its best in the evening.

  • 02
    De Kuip

    we filmed here for Feyenoord and for live sport.

  • 03
    Waalhaven and Botlek

    terminals and tank storage for corporate films; registered with the Port Authority.

  • 04
    Maasvlakte

    wind turbines, container cranes and offshore industry, such as our film for Sif Group.

  • 05
    City centre and station area

    street scenes for series like Flikken Rotterdam.

Permissions and planning

How we arrange a shooting day in Rotterdam

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

Inside the CTR we file the mission plan with LVNL; in the port area the registration with the Port Authority and the terminal. For the city centre we coordinate with the municipality. Quays and company sites have their own safety rules, which we go through with the location beforehand.

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 Rotterdam

FAQ

Hiring a drone pilot in Rotterdam: questions

Can you film with a drone in Rotterdam?

Yes. Rotterdam lies in or right next to the Rotterdam The Hague Airport 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam?

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 in the port of Rotterdam?

Yes. The port is familiar ground for us, from Waalhaven to Maasvlakte. Depending on the spot the request goes through LVNL (CTR) or the Port Authority, and we coordinate with the terminal. We have also done night shoots of heavy transports here.

Need a drone pilot in Rotterdam?

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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