United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Aviation Safety Alert
NO. 2002-03
Page 1 of 1
SUBJECT: Photo and Movie Productions
AREA OF CONCERN: Aviation Operations
DISCUSSION: Several movie production companies have done documentaries on Forest Service leadplane, airtanker, and
helicopter aerial operations. This type of activity is well beyond the scope of our normal aviation activity and has the potential
of significantly increasing operational risk.
Probably the greatest majority of us in aviation can recall a mishap that occurred while making movies or taking photographs
from aircraft. Some that come to mind are:
•
The very recent Basler Aviation DC-3TP photo session midair;
•
The Airforce B-70 and F-104 midair while doing a publicity photo for General Electric;
•
The two DC4 airtankers that collided in flight while taking pictures of each other;
•
The mid-air collision between a Hughes 369D and a Mooney while filming off the coast of Hawaii.
Photo and movie making flights by “seasoned industry professionals” can be a hazardous undertaking. Those of us that don't
normally work in this industry can easily get “caught-up” in the sensationalism. This sensationalism can cause a pilot to push a
little harder, fly a little slower or faster, fly a little closer, turn a little steeper or divert his/her attention just to please the
customer and to get the “best shot.” This can lead to an unacceptable risk to the aircraft or its occupants, which can and has
ended with a mishap.
Another area of risk comes from the pilots flying other aircraft to photograph our mission aircraft. The production companies
will often procure this service locally and the skill and experience level of the pilot will be unknown to us. This becomes of
great concern when an aircraft is moving in close proximity to our aircraft. There is little we can do to control these other
aircraft except to keep in constant communication with them, require them to give notification when entering the restricted area
(TFR), and know where they are while taking photos or filming.
The installation of special photographic and sound equipment is yet another risk area. These installations can cause accidents
or injury and can not be done haphazardly. Therefore, installations must be coordinated with the Regional Aviation
Maintenance Specialists. We want to prevent a repeat of the incidents experienced with filming equipment during the 1996 fire
season.
We as an agency are certainly open to and enthusiastic about showing the world that the Forest Service has a safe, efficient and
cost-effective fire and aviation program. We encourage complete cooperation with the production companies. However, in
doing so we must ensure each of us follow our safety procedures and do not deviate from them just to satisfy requests form
production people. Pre-mission briefings must include a through understanding of expectations, limitations and operating
parameters by all parties involved prior to flight.
We all know that action photos and films make a better story than dull, humdrum ones. However, if you find yourself involved
with making of these documentaries do not compromise safe air operations or violate procedures to get the action shots that
makes for exciting movies.
Morgan H. Mills
Acting, National Aviation Safety and Training Manager