Helivision is your resource for smooth stable aerial platforms for film, video and still photography. Use a Cineflex gyro-stabilized camera system and Sony CineAlta digital recording decks to create state-of-the-art footage.

(Helivision’s Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger with a nose-mounted Cineflex V14 gyro-stabilized HD video camera system. )

With 4 aircraft to meet a variety of budgets, we provide professional helicopter services for transportation, location scouting and real estate surveys. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Helivision’s office and hangar facilities are conveniently located at Concord Regional Airport (JQF) and only minutes from downtown city area and the Lowes Motor Speedway.

Precision Aerial Filmwork

(Working on the Motion Picture “The New Daughter”)

With clients from around the country, we work with the director, camera operators and photographers to create successful award-winning projects. We’ll help you maximize your aerial budget with good planning and precision flying.

Flight Training & Sales

We offer helicopter flight training at our North Carolina base. With two Schweizer 300s available, there’s always a convenient time to learn how to fly a helicopter.

In addition, we’re an authorized dealer for the Schweizer Model 269 Series Helicopters.

Please Click Here to Visit our Training Page

Helivision is a factory authorized Sales Center for Schweizer Model 269 Series Helicopters. The 269 Series include the 300C Model, 300CBi and Schwezier’s Turbine Powered 333.

If interested, please email kevin@helivision.com or give us a call at 704.792.1807.

Schweizer 300CBi & 300C

Schweizer Turbine Powered 333

Cineflex: Gyro-stabilzed Aerial HD Video Camera System

We Offer the Cineflex HD stabilized camera system to create stunning HD aerial footage. Micro-processor gyro sensors control powerful motors to remove even the slightest vibration creating rock solid HD video capture. The advanced design utilizes an aluminum and carbon-fiber structure with full internal gyro-stabilization of azimuth, elevation, and roll axes.

The Sony CineAlta HDC 1500 camera includes the capacity to shoot both 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 capture in a variety of popular formats including 1080/60i, 1080/24p and 720/60p. The 9.7mm 42x Fujinon lens has been adjusted to further remove any vibrations that could occur from using a standard video lens.

We Offer Sony SRW-1/SRPC-1 decks for recording to state-of-the-industry HDCAM SR tapes. Tape capacity is either 40 or 50 minutes depending on format selection. We have access to two decks for added benefit: the SRW-1/SRPC-1 decks can be used to make a dupe tape in the field, a second deck can be used with a ground camera unit, or simply for back-up.

Together, the Cineflex system and Sony record decks combined with the flying skills of the Helivision team will provide amazing aerial footage for your feature film, commercial or corporate presentation. Simply, there is not a better combination of equipment to create award-winning aerial footage.

Standard Package

We include the Cineflex system, Airfilm nose-mount for a Bell 206 Jet Ranger or Long Ranger, Airfilm vibration isolation plate, Panasonic operator and pilot monitors in our standard package. An extra director’s LCD HD monitor (Panasonic 8.4″ BT-LH900A LCD with built-in waveform) is also available.

SRW-1/SRPC-1 Record Deck
Full-bandwidth Portable HD Recorder

The SRW-1 HD Portable Digital Video Recorder and SRPC-1 HD Video Processor are latest in the CineAlta product lineup and form the first Sony full-bandwidth 4:4:4 (RGB) portable VTR system adopting the HDCAM-SR format. The SRW-1/SRPC-1 offers virtually lossless 1080-line high-definition recordings at multiple frame rates on the HDCAM-SR tape media. The SRPC-1 processor unit provides a variety of video-processing functions and houses an array of input and output connectors, including HD/SD signals. The processing functions include 2-3 pull-down insertions for 525 down conversion, and RGB 4:4:4 to Y/Pb/Pr 4:2:2 color space conversion. The system is capable of operating in three recording modes. SQ (standard Quality) providing 440 Mbps video payload to tape in both 4:4:4 or 4:2:2, HQ (High Quality) mode allowing for 2x speed recording yielding 880 Mbps to tape with a 2:1 compression ratio in full band RGB 4:4:4.

Camera, Record Deck and Monitor Technical Data

Sony CineAlta SRW-1/SRPC-1 Please note that the Sony SRW-1/SRPC-1 deck will only accept HDCAM SR “small” tapes. The HDCAM SR “large” tape cannot be used in this recorder.

Sony CineAlta HDC 1500 Camera

Panasonic 8.4″ BT-LH900A Monitor

Communicate with Air-to-Ground Radios

We have iCom air-to-ground walkie-talkies available at no extra charge to coordinate ground vehicles and crew. Our field truck has a mobile iCom base station for enhanced communication.

Booking Info

• The Cineflex system and SRW-1/SRPC-1 Record Deck are available with a 2 day minimum charge. Inquire about our weekly rate at discounts of 40% off our daily rate. Or opt to use your own recording deck.

• A qualified camera operator is required at an additional charge. We have several award-winning operators that we recommend who know both the technical and creative capabilities of the camera system.

• We provide full insurance coverage for the Cineflex, record decks and other airborne equipment. If the system is leased, a standard insurance rider is required.

• Safety first! We’ll help you determine the safest way to accomplish your project. Use our experience with different camera systems, helicopter weight & balance, wind conditions, fuel and passenger loads to optimize your flight plan.

We’re here to help!

We want your project to be a success. Please contact us with any questions.

Telephone

704.792.1807 Office
704.792-1907 Fax

Buddy Knotts, Chief Pilot

704.400.8588 Mobile

Email

Buddy Knotts: buddy@helivision.com

We work with some of the best film directors, camera operators and photographers in the creative industry. Here’s a few samples from the projects where we have provided the aerial platform.

Aerial Footage Demo Reels: Cineflex

All footage shot with a Cineflex V14 gyro-stabilized camera system. Click on the screen to view the video. QuickTime required. (Turn up the volume!)

Coming Soon

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography shot from our Jet Ranger at Cape Fear on the coast of North Carolina. (All photographs copyright Ron Chapple)

Helivision is designed to support film, video and photography. We think through the logistics so our clients can focus on delivering a creative work. Here’s a list of the “extras” that we offer:

- On-board 12 and 24 VDC auxillary power available through 3 and 4 pin XLR plugs to power various camera systems and gyros.

- GPS systems on both aircraft and ground support vehicles.

- Aircraft are configured with color monitors to assist the cameraman, pilot and director with aircraft positioning to insure the correct shot is captured.

- FAA approved custom aircraft hard points for installation of heavier camera systems.

- Custom camera mount adapter plates for the new pro-sumer series HD cameras.

- HD, digital and analog microwave downlinks for live real time video to a ground based receiver site.

- VHF and programable UHF radios for air-to-ground and/or air- to-air communications.

- Aircraft refueling for remote location shoots. Two 200 gallon truck mounted Jet Fuel Systems plus one 360 gallon stand alone Jet Fuel Refueling Trailer.

- Each aircraft is dispatched with a Spares Kit consisting of aircraft generators, relays, lighting and various other critical parts.

- FAA Licensed Mechanics are available to be dispatched with each aircraft if desired by the client (additional cost).

With 30+ years of production experience, we’ve probably just about done it all! Helivision and our team of experienced pilots have shot air-to-air sequences, tracked speedboats and sailboats, chased motorcycles, and filmed NASCAR and motorsports racing events.

(Helivision at work. Left to right: 36″ Wescam Film System on the set of feature film “Cold Mountain”, chasing motorcycles on the Blue Ridge Parkway with CineFlex System, close-up of CineFlex nose mount.)

Helivision has extensive knowledge of helicopter camera stabilization systems. We’re experienced with Tyler, Wescam (PictoVision), Spacecam and Cineflex. We continously check the track and balance of our aircraft rotor systems to insure the smoothest flight possible.

Helivision just completed a cool project for a 3D animation studio.

“…pleasure working with Buddy (pilot) and Gray (camera operator) and I look forward to doing it again!”

The project involved flying exact technical routes for the creation of a video that places a detailed 3D rendering into live video. Click here for more detailed information.

Cineflex System, Sony CineAlta Digital Recording Decks

Helivision now offers the capability of the Cineflex HD stabilized camera. Here’s more information on using the Cineflex for your next project.

Services

- Aerial Film: 35mm & 16mm

- Cineflex HD Video (up to 1920×1080)

- SD Video

- Still photography

- Golf course profiles

- Microwave repeating

- Location scouting

- Storyships

- Real estate survey

- Industrial inspection

- VIP Transportation

Where do you need us?

Helivision will re-position our aircraft to wherever you need us! We will either fly to you, or we will transport our aircraft on our custom-designed helicopter haulers. In the last year, Helivision completed projects from Florida to Upstate New York, and from North Carolina to Nevada.

Helivision designed it’s own custom built air-ride helicopter transporters. Each self contained rig is outfitted with a  Four Wheel Drive Ford F250 or 350 Super Duty Crew Cab Truck equipped with two auxilary Jet Fuel tanks to refuel the aircraft while operating in remote locations. This configuration helps stretch your shooting budget while reducing the repositioning cost.

Helivision
Concord Regional Airport
9000 Aviation Blvd
Suite 219
Concord, NC 28027

Click here to find us on a Google map.

Our rates are competitive with the extra benefit of our years of experience. We want success for you and your project! Careful planning prior to the flight maximizes your investment in aerial services.

We offer many extras for full air and ground support including GPS, radio communications and fuel transport for remote location production. Click here for a full listing of our support gear.

Aerial services are not just about precision flying, but knowing how to manage the logistics of aircraft, fuel & weight loads, changing weather, changing light and different camera systems.

We’re here to help. We would be happy to discuss your project and provide a written quote detailing the costs.

Telephone
704.792.1807 Office
704.792-1907 Fax

Buddy Knotts, Chief Pilot
704.400.8588 Mobile

Email
Buddy Knots
buddy@helivision.com

Call or email us for more information. We’ll talk through your project to ensure success for you and your client. Is this the first time you have needed a helicopter? Call us, we’ll help you determine the best solution.

(Buddy Knotts, Helivision President and Chief Pilot, working on the North Carolina coast.)

Helivision Mailing Address
9000 Aviation Blvd
Suite 219
Concord, NC 28027

Telephone

704.792.1807 Office
704.792-1907 Fax

Buddy Knotts, Chief Pilot

704.400.8588 Mobile

Email

Buddy Knotts

buddy@helivision.com

Our aircraft are inspected and maintained by our own factory trained and certified mechanics. Safety is our most important goal.

What Aircraft is Best for My Project?

If you’re not sure what aircraft you need, Helivision can recommend an aircraft that provides the best fit for your production requirements. We’re happy to discuss client needs for a particular production! We’ll suggest the best aircraft for a camera system given considerations such as the location, type of shots needed, equipment weight, fuel loading, and the on-board personnel requirements.

Bell 206 Jet Ranger Series

The 206B JetRanger III offers the lowest operating costs and the highest standards. Known around the world for its ruggedness, reliability and simplicity, this aircraft is the most popular turbine helicopter ever built.

Bell 206 Long Ranger Series

The Bell 206 Longranger – a remarkable combination of simple design and superior value. With all the best features, coupled with a stretched cabin and more powerful engine. The power margin makes it ideal for operating in hot weather and high altitude environments. Best features. Best value. Best ride.

Schweizer 300CB

The Schweizer Model 300CB was point designed for training and is used worldwide by many of the top flight schools. The 300CB provides a stable platform for the lower budget photo and video productions. The 300CB has a proven record of success and multi-mission capablility, rugged dependability, inherent value and unmatched safety.

Helivision is an F.A.A. Certified Commercial Helicopter Air Carrier company with office and hangar facilities conveniently located at the Concord Regional Airport in the city of Concord, N.C. Helivision’s base of operation provides quick access to the Lowes Motor Speedway and the downtown area of Charlotte, N.C. Our centralized location allows us access within 1 hr to both the beautiful beaches of the Carolinas and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina Mountains.

Our professional flight crew works with you to deliver successful projects. Our team has over 30,000 flight hours in helicopters and more than 36 years of commercial operational experience.

Helivision carries full aircraft liability insurance written by Starr Aviation, the leading rotorcraft insurance underwriter.

Aerial filming is our specialty

Helivision specializes in aerial filming. We offer a smooth stable aerial platform to accommodate the still photography, film, video and microwave repeating needs of our clients. Helivision is the resource for location scouting, storyships and cameraships.

We have 30+ years of production experience in helicopter camera stabilization systems such as Tyler, Wescam (PictoVision), Spacecam and Cineflex.