SCENE 01 / HELICOPTER FILMING
Helicopter Filming
Large-scale aerial cinematography with gyro-stabilized camera systems across Ireland.
Helicopter filming delivers dramatic aerial perspectives with the payload capacity, flight endurance, and altitude range that drones cannot match. In Ireland, helicopters equipped with gyro-stabilized mounts capture sweeping vistas over the Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the Dingle Peninsula, Connemara, and the rugged Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal to Cork.
We coordinate helicopter filming with IAA-certified aviation operators and experienced aerial cinematographers across Ireland. Our team handles Irish Aviation Authority flight authorizations, EASA airspace coordination, Office of Public Works approvals for heritage sites, and safety planning — so your production captures breathtaking footage over Dublin Bay, the Ring of Kerry, or the Giant's Causeway while meeting the highest aviation standards.
Capabilities
Complete Helicopter Services
From epic establishing shots to high-speed chase sequences, our helicopter teams deliver cinema-quality aerial footage for large-scale productions.
01
Cinematic Aerials
- Epic establishing shots
- High-speed chase sequences
- Extended aerial takes
- Long-range travel shots
- Large-scale landscape coverage
Sweeping Perspectives
02
Camera Systems
- Gyro-stabilized mounts
- Cineflex & Shotover systems
- ARRI & RED cinema cameras
- Long-range zoom lenses
- Real-time video downlink
Cinema Quality
03
Aviation Compliance
- IAA flight authorization
- Airspace coordination
- NOTAMs & flight plans
- Full aviation insurance
- Safety documentation
Fully Licensed
04
Safety & Coordination
- Experienced film pilots
- Ground safety teams
- Air-to-ground communication
- Weather monitoring
- Emergency protocols
Safety First
On Location
Executive Helicopters Ireland, Sligo Helicopters and Helicopters Belfast with Cineflex Elite, Shotover F1 and Wescam DRS gyro-stabilised mounts
Here is how this works in practice. Ireland's helicopter-filming operator bench runs through Executive Helicopters Ireland (the senior Republic of Ireland charter house. IAA-licensed commercial film-flight operator). Sligo Helicopters (Wild Atlantic Way + Connacht specialty). Helicopters Belfast and Heli Air (Northern Ireland UK CAA-licensed under the CTA seamless cross-border plan) plus the cross-border London Sloane Helicopters plan that brings A-tier UK helicopter inventory into Ireland for tentpole feature work.
Here is the short of it. Senior credits span Game of Thrones (the multi-year aerial second-unit work covering Titanic Studios Belfast + Tollymore Forest + Castle Ward Winterfell + Cushendun Caves + Carnlough Harbour + Downhill Beach Dragonstone all 8 seasons), Star Wars The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi (Skellig Michael UNESCO Kerry. Luke's hermitage approach plates filmed under strict OPW Ireland heritage protocol). Vikings and Vikings Valhalla (Atlantic crossing + Wicklow river-mouth Volga-equivalent helicopter plates), Foundation Apple TV+ Troy Studios Limerick, Pierce Brosnan Bond Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies Ireland sequences, The Wonder.
Plus the wider Tourism Ireland + Fáilte Ireland + Tourism The North The route and Causeway Coastal Route aerial campaign work.
Here is the breakdown. Helicopter inventory runs Eurocopter AS355 N TwinStar (the cinema standard for nose-mount Cineflex work). Bell 429 Global Ranger. Airbus H125 (formerly AS350 B3) for lighter-lift compact gyro work. Plus the heavier Eurocopter EC145 / Airbus H145 for multi-camera or large-payload flights. Gyro-stabilised mounts run Cineflex Elite v14HD + Cineflex Vivid carrying ARRI Alexa Mini LF + Sony Venice 2 + RED V-Raptor 8K. Shotover F1 + K1 + B1 for the heaviest cinema-feature work. Wescam DRS XR for the Bond and Foundation tentpole flights.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. IAA + UK CAA dual-jurisdiction flight authorisations cover all-Ireland routes; Shannon Airport + Dublin Airport + Cork Airport + Belfast Global + Belfast City CTR coordination is standard. Atlantic maritime weather drives Wild Atlantic Way storm-front windows; Skellig Michael + Giant's Causeway + Newgrange Brú na Bóinne UNESCO zones carry strict altitude-and-noise protocols. Section 481 32% relief plus 40% regional uplift covers helicopter day rates and gyro mount hire.
FAQ
Aerial Cinematography Expertise
When should I choose helicopter over drone filming?
Helicopters are ideal for extended aerial takes along the Wild Atlantic Way, high-speed sequences, shots requiring heavy cinema cameras, long-range coastal coverage, and situations where drones cannot operate due to IAA regulations or Atlantic weather. For quick setups and lower altitudes, drones may be more cost-effective.
What camera systems do you use for helicopter filming?
We operate gyro-stabilized systems including Cineflex and Shotover mounts, which can carry ARRI, RED, and other cinema cameras. These systems provide rock-steady footage even during dynamic flight maneuvers and allow remote camera control.
Can you film over cities like Dublin?
Yes, with proper authorization. Dublin has restricted airspace around the city centre and Garda stations, but we can obtain permits for helicopter filming with advance planning. We coordinate with IAA and local authorities to secure necessary approvals for shoots over Dublin Bay, the Liffey, and historic landmarks.
What types of helicopters do you use?
We work with various helicopter types depending on your requirements—from smaller aircraft for tight coastal maneuvers to larger helicopters for heavy camera systems and extended flights over Atlantic terrain. Aircraft selection depends on weather capability, shot requirements, and payload needs.
How do you handle air-to-ground coordination?
We use professional radio communication systems for real-time coordination between helicopter crew and ground teams. Directors can communicate with pilots and camera operators, and we provide video downlink for live monitoring of aerial shots.
How far in advance should we book helicopter filming?
We recommend 3-4 weeks minimum for helicopter operations to allow time for IAA authorizations and coordination. Shoots over Skellig Michael, Newgrange, or other OPW-managed sites may need longer lead times.
Related Services
Productions in Ireland that need this often pair it with Aerial Drone Services, Car Filming, and Vehicle Mounting for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Camera & Cinematography and Drone Videography.
On Set
Need Helicopter Filming?
Tell us about your aerial requirements and we'll coordinate experienced helicopter teams.