I wanted my friend to record the fireworks using his drone while I was running the show. I ended up doing some of the flying because it was hard for him to tell where he was in the sky. This is the checklist for pre-flight and the night before I determined what altitude and positioning was best for capturing the fireworks.

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Pre-flight Checklist

  • Make sure SD card is fully wiped.
  • Make sure batteries are fully charged
  • Make sure remote controller is fully charged.
  • Make sure video is 60fps, 2.7k
  • Turn on cinematic mode so that all of the shots/pans are gradual.

Small firework, still shot

  • Bottom of screen with the launch point in view (buckets/where we light the fireworks).
  • When facing bird feeder, drone is at 1 o'clock.
  • 180 feet high.
  • 165 feet away.

Larger fireworks and cakes, still shot

  • Bottom of screen with the launch point in view (buckets/where we light the fireworks).
  • When facing bird feeder, drone is at 1 o'clock.
  • 260 feet high.
  • 260 feet away.

Flyover Type A:

  • Gimbal at 45 degree angle down.
  • 190 feet high.
  • 260 feet away starting point.
  • Flight paths: A, C, D

Flyover Type B:

  • Gimbal at 90 degree angle (straight down).
  • 190 feet high.
  • 260 feet away starting point.
  • Flight paths: A, C, D