Belfast-based Drone Pilot for TV, Film and Commercial Productions

Common Questions About Aerial Photography

How much does it cost to hire a drone pilot in Belfast? Day rates for a broadcast-experienced drone pilot in Northern Ireland typically range from £400 to £700 depending on the deliverables, location, airspace complexity and crew requirements. Half-day rates and bundled package rates (drone + camera op + edit) are also available. Contact me for a tailored quote.

What drone do you fly? A DJI Mini 4 Pro — 4K up to 60fps, 10-bit D-Log flat profile, HDR, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. It's a sub-250g drone, which simplifies operational requirements in UK and Irish airspace and lets me fly in locations a heavier drone couldn't. Despite its compact size, the image quality is broadcast-spec — my drone footage has appeared on BBC, Channel 5, RTÉ and TG4.

Are you a licensed/registered drone pilot? Yes. I hold a CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID for UK flight, and I'm registered with the Irish Aviation Authority for cross-border work. All flights are conducted under the Open Category in compliance with the relevant national rules, no-fly zones and NOTAMs.

Can you fly in built-up areas? Yes — within the legal limits. The sub-250g class of drone has specific allowances under UK and Irish regulations for flight closer to people and built-up areas than larger drones. Every site is assessed on a pre-flight basis: if a permission is needed for airspace, restricted zones or congested events, I'll seek it as part of the production.

Are you insured? Yes — I carry full Public Liability insurance, equipment insurance, and EC785/2004-compliant aviation insurance for commercial drone operation. Certificates of insurance are available on request.

Can your drone footage be used for broadcast? Yes. The DJI Mini 4 Pro shoots 4K in 10-bit D-Log, which provides the dynamic range and grading flexibility needed for broadcast delivery.

Do you travel for drone shoots outside Northern Ireland? Yes. I fly regularly across the Republic of Ireland and the UK for drone shoots, with airspace clearance and operator-state registrations handled in advance. International commissions undertaken on request.

Can you supply graded and edited drone footage? Yes. As an editor and colourist as well as a drone pilot, I can deliver raw drone footage, lightly-graded selects or fully cut-and-graded sequences ready for delivery — single point of contact, no handovers, no extra invoices.