2007Operating forum
Using Steadicam equipment for helicopter aerial cinematography
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Steadicam is not the appropriate tool for aerial filming from helicopters and should be avoided for this application.
- Purpose-built helicopter camera systems such as Tyler mounts, Wescam, or Gyron are better alternatives that provide superior image quality and safety.
- Attempting to use Steadicam from a helicopter presents serious safety risks and regulatory compliance issues, as civil aviation authorities typically require engineering certification for any non-standard equipment modifications to aircraft.
- Stabilization problems occur when Steadicam is mounted to a helicopter, including difficulty maintaining level footage and a rolling sensation similar to boat-mounted cameras.
- High wind speeds encountered when operating equipment outside a helicopter door create additional challenges that Steadicam systems cannot adequately address.
- Modifying Steadicam components such as trimming the center post or adding gyros does not resolve the fundamental mismatch between the equipment and the application.
- Practical experience from helicopter filming indicates that custom-mounted single-arm Steadicam rigs mounted externally to the aircraft produce suboptimal results despite multiple gyro stabilization attempts.
Depends on
- The discussion includes anecdotal evidence from operators with extensive helicopter experience rather than manufacturer specifications or controlled testing.
- Safety concerns are cited based on general aviation risk rather than specific mechanical failure modes.
- One operator mentions a Vietnam-era helicopter setup but notes this was primarily for transport rather than active filming.
- The discussion does not address all possible Steadicam configurations or mounting techniques that might be attempted.
- Regulatory requirements mentioned are specific to Canada and the US and may vary by jurisdiction.