Terminology

I would like to start off with giving you, as a reader, a few general aviation terms that are used around the world, coming from the BBC guidance listings.

AOC – Air Operators Certificate, this is issued by a state’s Regulatory Authority when they are satisfied that the operator has all systems, process and procedures in place to carry out normal Public Transport flight. If a company has an AOC, they will normally satisfy all BBC basic requirements in relation to Aerial Filming

Pilots Licenses – These in three categories, Private (PPL), Commercial (CPL) and Air Transport (ATPL). For Aerial filming purposes only CPL & ATPL license holders can be engaged.

Public Transport – Companies who operate under a Public Transport category in regulatory terms are the most stringently controlled and regulated, therefore offers the highest level of safety. Companies which have an AOC in the Public Transport category should be used for aerial filming purposes.

Let’s begin with the AOC (Air Operator Certificate). This certificate serves the same purpose all around the world. Every pilot must have this certificate in order to do any sort of aerial operations. For the beginner pilot, training for their Private Pilot License (PPL), you must:
– train for a minimum of 40 hours of flight time (10 of those solo)
– have some ground schooling, and
– fly for three hours with an FAA Flight Instructor, and
– finally, pass a written exam
After doing so, and passing, you will then recieve your PPL and also your AOC. Flying is not cheap, therefore, you WILL need to have a budget between two thousand and fifteen thousand dollars. This money will go toward the rental of the plane, the time put into flying, and the fuel. The cost of obtaining each certificate and licenses all depends on where you go and how long it takes you to learn all of the material and master the material. With the PPL, you will be able to fly for recreation and/or pilot for a small business. Typically though, with only a PPL, jobs, like Aerial Photography, are the most common. Anything higher you will then need to move up the ladder, as they say, to receive a higher ranking Pilot’s License and Flight Certificate. If I haven’t mentioned already, these licenses and certificates are no different than  your driver’s license. You will need to carry them at all times!