I will add that this is the one instance that I appreciate the vertical video format. I typically downvote most vert videos as they’re shitty crops or add 0 value.
It was awesome to see the plane slide up the frame.
Dumb question. Can these type of drone shoots be done with sound? Are there commercial drones like this that could capture the sound of the jet taking off too? Or is there just too much other background noise to zero in on just that 777 taking off with respect to sound?
Was there specifically to shoot planes at the end of the runway, I had a limited window with the LAANC approval. My goal is always to find different ways to shoot unique content, I was frankly surprised that the ATC approved it (only at 100') but you'll never know if you don't ask. You can see more of my work at Thurber_shots on IG if interested.
Great job! Strongly recommend you always include the fact that you received ATC approval anywhere you show these vids. Otherwise copycat idiots might think they can get away with doing it without.
Yep, I do every time and do my best to educate the drone community on doing things legally. I even do PSAs for the local police and DHS who works tightly with the FAA. This is a hobby shot but I do this for a living as well.
Edit: I assume you mean the Airfield Ops Guys in the yellow trucks? If that’s the case if they spotted a drone they would contact the tower, also the ATC would let airfield ops know there is a drone operation.
I'm way outside of the airport across the freeway near a public park so it wouldn't have mattered to them. This shot is designed to look way closer than it is both in the way it's shot and the way it's post processed.
100% onboard with this, I always like to notify anyone involved. I'll look into it next time, do you happen to know if they're alerted to planned LAANC times from approved requests?
Further back behind the powerlines, west of the park near El Camino Real. The biggest challenge for flights like these that are required to be so low is to safely keep it above local infrastructure. 100' is just above those powerline towers, had the ATC said any lower I wouldn't have been able to do it. It's a juggling act and should only be done by experienced pilots IMO.
yeah theres a lot of 'stuff' in that area. a long lens on top of the BART parking lot might be able to capture the same though I hear they don't like people doing that up there....
Yes, and the roof parking at Target as well. I've shot from both several times, just gotta do it in early mornings or cooler days because the heat waves at long zooms can easily ruin shots.
ATC approving this is an absolutely retarded decision and extremely negligent.
You could have made an honest altitude mistake and ended hitting that plane on ascent.
Any nefarious person can get that approval to get their drone into the approach / departure area without raising eyebrows, and then do this intentionally.
I truly have to wonder if anybody involved in the approval thought about this from a security standpoint instead of just brainlessly checking regulations
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Not even close. I'm limited to 100' which I never exceeded, this is also noted in the flight logs which the FAA would scrutinize had it ever came to it. It's also the same altitude as nearby hotels and power lines and you never see planes hitting those.
For the record, approval falls on the ATC, if they deem it more questionable they'll either deny or defer to the FAA for a Airspace Authorization Request (which I've also worked with them on before).
Everything I do is legit, the local ATC, FAA and DHS all know me by name and it's all approved, if anyone were to report I'm fully covered.
I’m inside with the Ativan working overtime, although I do have to say some of the newer aircraft are so damn smooth at takeoff that I don’t ever get the EEEEUUUURRRRRRGGGGHHH feeling when it lifts. Thank you, modern aviation.
I know it’s a matter of perspective but why would you build a parking lot and raised roadway right at the end of a runway? There’s barely any overrun. A disaster waiting to happen.
The plane’s wheels were off the ground with more than 3,000 feet of runway remaining. There’s another 1,000 feet of runway safety area, then another 800 feet until the car parking area. The first raised structure (the airport train track) is a full mile from the lift off point (5,200 feet) and 2,000 feet from the end of the runway.
By comparison, taking off the other way means the plane has 3,700 feet until it would be in the water.
It's definitely the perspective, I go out of my way to force zoom on these both when filming and in post for dramatic effect. This gives the appearance that it's much lower than it really is, they're probably over 1000' by the time they hit this area.
Ok, I'm gonna phrase it more civilly since my previous choice of words was too offensive:
Why would FAA / ATC allow a civilian to fly drones close to an airport?
What is preventing that person from exceeding their altitude restriction?
Was there security personnel close by to supervise you flying the drone?
I understand that you're not ALLOWED to exceed 100 feet or so, but technical issues and mistakes do happen.
Not to mention bad actors can get plausible deniability for flying drones close by, then intentionally cause a collison.
To my knowledge most airports have essentially no means at all of intercepting drones. Best case the whole airport is shut down, worst case there's a major crash.
By setting up the rules the way they have, they assure that a drone attempting to intercept a plane doesn't have the time to close the distance and gain the altitude required.
I don't know about the birds you have, but I can't make my local birds where exactly to fly. Much less on command or on a suicidal course with an airliner
Exactly, the perspective is really misleading. For example I can launch the drone from my hard and take it up to 400' and then see a plane in the sky crossing the path at 20,000' at the same time and you would think they were going to hit each other.
What matters is sticking to the allowed rules and everything will be fine, even the ATC knows this. I can't speak for other drone operators but I have a lot to lose as it's my business and I'm known as a reputable pilot in the area. Do things right and it's not a problem.
so how far away from the runway threshold was your drone?
You mentioned 100 feet as the altitude limit you got.
Again: I'm not saying you did something wrong.
I'm just confused why one would run the risk of allowing drones within visible range of a runway in the first place. You could have have a technical issue, someone could have taken the control setup away from you at gunpoint, someone else could have shown up claiming to be you, etc etc etc
Most airline pilots I know mention drone incursions as one of their biggest fears. Still behind runway incursions on the ground, but a fear nonetheless
I know that you followed all the rules, yes. I am not saying that you did anything wrong. I'm just very surprised that this would be allowed in the first place.
To quote your other comment:
It's also the same altitude as nearby hotels and power lines and you never see planes hitting those
Hotels and power lines can't have technical- or operator issues that cause them to suddenly be 1000 feet higher though
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If this was shot with a drone WTF was SFO ATCT thinking giving it to you? Unless you were tethered, I wouldn't approve that for all the money in the world.
ForeverRED48@reddit
Wow, this is awesome.
Secret-Tennis7214@reddit
Work the machine!
Buzz407@reddit
Nothing like fans almost as big as the fuselage :D
N-cadherin@reddit
The sprays of dust or vapour on the runway as it takes off are really satisfying. Great shot.
midsprat123@reddit
GE90s never disappoint
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Is that what it is? Appreciate you letting us know, I didn’t have a chance to both film and determine the type.
Ficsit-Incorporated@reddit
The aircraft is a 777, which is powered by the GE90 engine. It is the largest and most powerful jet engine in service until the 777X is certified.
MichiganRedWing@reddit
Just to add, the 777 has come in three different engine type flavors:
General Electric GE90, Pratt & Whitney PW4000, or Rolls-Royce Trent 800
JaaacckONeill@reddit
Yep. To add, the 777-300 uses exclusively the GE90, as does the 77F. It's only the 777-200 that uses the other engine types.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I'm new to this type of photography so I appreciate the feedback, learning a lot from this sub.
MichiganRedWing@reddit
No worries mate! Incredible footage 🤙
Nice_Classroom_6459@reddit
Did anyone else briefly interpret the flashes on the belly from the runway stripes as an RCS jet slowing pushing the nose up?
MGreymanN@reddit
The quality with the amount of zoom (compression of depth) is really really good. Also nailed the drone movement during the shot.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Appreciate it, I practice the movements a lot for the cinematic approach.
Sboate@reddit
I will add that this is the one instance that I appreciate the vertical video format. I typically downvote most vert videos as they’re shitty crops or add 0 value.
It was awesome to see the plane slide up the frame.
Nordiquesfan@reddit
Dumb question. Can these type of drone shoots be done with sound? Are there commercial drones like this that could capture the sound of the jet taking off too? Or is there just too much other background noise to zero in on just that 777 taking off with respect to sound?
nd4spd1919@reddit
If the drone recorded audio, all you'd hear are the drone's props buzzing away.
To have 'real' audio, you'd need to set up a separate microphone on the ground to record the audio, then overlay it with the drone footage.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately not, it could easily be added in post though. Typically I add music to these when I put them in Instagram though.
9Twiggy9@reddit
Awesome share man, looks like it was a lot of fun.
FlyNSubaruWRX@reddit
Where you shooting aviation related content or using the drone for something else?
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Was there specifically to shoot planes at the end of the runway, I had a limited window with the LAANC approval. My goal is always to find different ways to shoot unique content, I was frankly surprised that the ATC approved it (only at 100') but you'll never know if you don't ask. You can see more of my work at Thurber_shots on IG if interested.
Work_for_tacos@reddit
Nice, I wouldn’t even think to ask but to your point if you don’t ask you won’t know.
hubec@reddit
Great job! Strongly recommend you always include the fact that you received ATC approval anywhere you show these vids. Otherwise copycat idiots might think they can get away with doing it without.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Yep, I do every time and do my best to educate the drone community on doing things legally. I even do PSAs for the local police and DHS who works tightly with the FAA. This is a hobby shot but I do this for a living as well.
hondaridr58@reddit
Might want to advise Airport Public Safety as well. They'll just get a report of a drone and run around trying to figure out who's it is.
FlyNSubaruWRX@reddit
They would contact the tower and report it.
FlyNSubaruWRX@reddit
Edit: I assume you mean the Airfield Ops Guys in the yellow trucks? If that’s the case if they spotted a drone they would contact the tower, also the ATC would let airfield ops know there is a drone operation.
hondaridr58@reddit
You'd be surprised.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I'm way outside of the airport across the freeway near a public park so it wouldn't have mattered to them. This shot is designed to look way closer than it is both in the way it's shot and the way it's post processed.
hondaridr58@reddit
Just trying to help. APS gets involved with any RC activity within a half mile or so of the airport. Quick phone call as a courtesy.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
100% onboard with this, I always like to notify anyone involved. I'll look into it next time, do you happen to know if they're alerted to planned LAANC times from approved requests?
hondaridr58@reddit
I am not sure. I would guess that Ops gets a notification, at the least.
robkillian@reddit
"But ...but... Mine's under 250g so I don't need to follow any rules"
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
LOL they should try that around and airport without approval and see how well that works out for them.
Desert-Democrat-602@reddit
I predict a free ride in the back of a car to somewhere they did not want to go…
definitelyainoreally@reddit
What are you flying over? somewhere between 101 and the (visible) airtran? or futher back behind the power lines?
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Further back behind the powerlines, west of the park near El Camino Real. The biggest challenge for flights like these that are required to be so low is to safely keep it above local infrastructure. 100' is just above those powerline towers, had the ATC said any lower I wouldn't have been able to do it. It's a juggling act and should only be done by experienced pilots IMO.
definitelyainoreally@reddit
yeah theres a lot of 'stuff' in that area. a long lens on top of the BART parking lot might be able to capture the same though I hear they don't like people doing that up there....
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Yes, and the roof parking at Target as well. I've shot from both several times, just gotta do it in early mornings or cooler days because the heat waves at long zooms can easily ruin shots.
OrangePeelsLemon@reddit
Plz don't shoot the planes :)
kelsobjammin@reddit
The best account for sf content love your work! And love seeing it all over reddit too!
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Appreciate that.
brooklynhomeboy@reddit
You knocked it out of the ballpark! I love this video 😍
Eisbaer811@reddit
ATC approving this is an absolutely retarded decision and extremely negligent.
You could have made an honest altitude mistake and ended hitting that plane on ascent.
Any nefarious person can get that approval to get their drone into the approach / departure area without raising eyebrows, and then do this intentionally.
I truly have to wonder if anybody involved in the approval thought about this from a security standpoint instead of just brainlessly checking regulations
aviation-ModTeam@reddit
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ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Not even close. I'm limited to 100' which I never exceeded, this is also noted in the flight logs which the FAA would scrutinize had it ever came to it. It's also the same altitude as nearby hotels and power lines and you never see planes hitting those.
For the record, approval falls on the ATC, if they deem it more questionable they'll either deny or defer to the FAA for a Airspace Authorization Request (which I've also worked with them on before).
Everything I do is legit, the local ATC, FAA and DHS all know me by name and it's all approved, if anyone were to report I'm fully covered.
Aconite_72@reddit
They're professionals. They have their reasons.
Just enjoy the fucking content.
richardlqueso@reddit
I have to wonder how brainless you are to use needlessly offensive words
FlyNSubaruWRX@reddit
Thanks man, love it.
Was it just for fun or for work?
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Just for fun/content.
tr3d3c1m@reddit
Beautiful!!!!!
External_Frosting485@reddit
I’m inside with the Ativan working overtime, although I do have to say some of the newer aircraft are so damn smooth at takeoff that I don’t ever get the EEEEUUUURRRRRRGGGGHHH feeling when it lifts. Thank you, modern aviation.
rostov007@reddit
From this angle V1 makes perfect sense to me. My non-pilot brain used to say “why not just hit the brakes?”
danit0ba94@reddit
Doesn't sound like a beast.
marzipanspop@reddit
What kind of drone?
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
The Mavic 4 Pro.
rtuck06@reddit
uh, hell yeah brother.
spearmint_flyer@reddit
777 going brrrrrrt
flyguy60000@reddit
I know it’s a matter of perspective but why would you build a parking lot and raised roadway right at the end of a runway? There’s barely any overrun. A disaster waiting to happen.
definitelyainoreally@reddit
the 28's are over 2 miles long and have that EMAS safety concrete at the end
richardlqueso@reddit
The plane’s wheels were off the ground with more than 3,000 feet of runway remaining. There’s another 1,000 feet of runway safety area, then another 800 feet until the car parking area. The first raised structure (the airport train track) is a full mile from the lift off point (5,200 feet) and 2,000 feet from the end of the runway.
By comparison, taking off the other way means the plane has 3,700 feet until it would be in the water.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
It's definitely the perspective, I go out of my way to force zoom on these both when filming and in post for dramatic effect. This gives the appearance that it's much lower than it really is, they're probably over 1000' by the time they hit this area.
GravyPainter@reddit
Oh lawd, rotation
Eisbaer811@reddit
Ok, I'm gonna phrase it more civilly since my previous choice of words was too offensive:
Why would FAA / ATC allow a civilian to fly drones close to an airport?
What is preventing that person from exceeding their altitude restriction?
Was there security personnel close by to supervise you flying the drone?
I understand that you're not ALLOWED to exceed 100 feet or so, but technical issues and mistakes do happen.
Not to mention bad actors can get plausible deniability for flying drones close by, then intentionally cause a collison.
To my knowledge most airports have essentially no means at all of intercepting drones. Best case the whole airport is shut down, worst case there's a major crash.
EclecticFruit@reddit
By setting up the rules the way they have, they assure that a drone attempting to intercept a plane doesn't have the time to close the distance and gain the altitude required.
Eisbaer811@reddit
... if said drone follows the rules.
reminds me of the meme: "in Denmark, it is illegal to commit a crime"
EclecticFruit@reddit
Most drones are a similar risk factor to birds, and we've not even tried to give birds altitude restrictions. 🤷
Eisbaer811@reddit
I don't know about the birds you have, but I can't make my local birds where exactly to fly. Much less on command or on a suicidal course with an airliner
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Exactly, the perspective is really misleading. For example I can launch the drone from my hard and take it up to 400' and then see a plane in the sky crossing the path at 20,000' at the same time and you would think they were going to hit each other.
What matters is sticking to the allowed rules and everything will be fine, even the ATC knows this. I can't speak for other drone operators but I have a lot to lose as it's my business and I'm known as a reputable pilot in the area. Do things right and it's not a problem.
Eisbaer811@reddit
so how far away from the runway threshold was your drone?
You mentioned 100 feet as the altitude limit you got.
Again: I'm not saying you did something wrong.
I'm just confused why one would run the risk of allowing drones within visible range of a runway in the first place. You could have have a technical issue, someone could have taken the control setup away from you at gunpoint, someone else could have shown up claiming to be you, etc etc etc
Most airline pilots I know mention drone incursions as one of their biggest fears. Still behind runway incursions on the ground, but a fear nonetheless
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I have all the technical information in my approval but I have a feeling none it is going to matter to you so I'll leave it at that.
Eisbaer811@reddit
i already wrote 2 times that everything you did was perfectly ok and I'm not blaming you.
The fact you're already bailing tells me that you got my point though.
Very nice footage btw
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I responded in your removed post.
Eisbaer811@reddit
I know that you followed all the rules, yes. I am not saying that you did anything wrong. I'm just very surprised that this would be allowed in the first place.
To quote your other comment:
Hotels and power lines can't have technical- or operator issues that cause them to suddenly be 1000 feet higher though
ScienceMechEng_Lover@reddit
The beast tearing out in SFO.
ScienceMechEng_Lover@reddit
The beast molting in SFO.
razareddit@reddit
This is one of the most beautiful aircraft footages I have ever seen
Crash_override87@reddit
Hell yeah brother
No-Hand-8359@reddit
Great shot! How unique
AdultContemporaneous@reddit
How did the video get taken?
lordaddament@reddit
Op said in another comment it was a drone shot approved by the airport
mike-manley@reddit
From a Canada goose on final approach on the reciprocal runway
Otto_von_Grotto@reddit
HONK, HONK!
brocktacular@reddit
Fantastic shot.
Crystal-kim@reddit
777 from united 🥰 wonderful piece of aviation 😍☺️👌😉😊
Crystal-kim@reddit
Forgot to say wonderful video thanks for sharing 🙏👌
Terrible-Growth1652@reddit
Very cool OP. Wondering how you got this dolly shot. Were you on a train?
post-explainer@reddit
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uzernaimed@reddit
If this was shot with a drone WTF was SFO ATCT thinking giving it to you? Unless you were tethered, I wouldn't approve that for all the money in the world.
PapaSheev7@reddit
Amazing footage, thanks for sharing this with us OP!
airport-codes@reddit
I am a bot.
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