Book a drone pilot: aerial filming with pilot for film, commercials and automotive
Need an experienced drone pilot for a commercial, automotive production, series or event? At VR-Copter you book the pilot with the right drone, insurance and permit coordination – from the compact DJI Mavic 4 Pro to the DJI Inspire 3 with full-frame camera and interchangeable lenses.
VR-Copter has been flying for film and automotive productions across Europe since 2009. We answer enquiries the same day with a proposal and a quote.
What you get when you book a drone pilot
- Experienced drone pilot: Jochen Riehm has been flying for commercials, automotive, film and TV since 2009 and plans flights together with director and DoP.
- The right drone: DJI Mavic 4 Pro for fast, low-profile shoots; DJI Inspire 3 with full-frame Zenmuse X9 and DL lenses – including Laowa 9 mm and 11 mm – for commercials and cinema.
- Second operator on request: With the Inspire 3, a camera operator controls camera and focus while the pilot only flies.
- Live image for the director: transmission to a director’s monitor or video village – more on live broadcast.
- Insurance and permits: liability insurance for commercial drone operations, coordination with owner, track operator or authority.
- Data handover: raw footage on the shoot day, on request straight to DIT or edit.
Mavic or Inspire 3: which drone for your shoot?
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro: compact, quick to launch, ideal for social media, corporate film, real estate and shoots at short notice.
- DJI Inspire 3: full frame up to 8K, RAW, interchangeable lenses and second operator – the choice for commercials, automotive and cinema.
- FPV drone: for chases and fly-throughs – book an FPV pilot.
Shoots you book a drone pilot for
- Automotive: driving shots, race track, press drive events – drone and car-to-car.
- Commercials and corporate film: establishing shots, reveals and camera moves from the air.
- Film and TV: series, documentary and feature film – drone pilot for film and TV.
- Events: driving events, trade fairs, concerts – drone for events.
- Indoor: halls, museums and plants – indoor drone.
How booking works
- Enquiry: subject, location, date and desired format by phone or email.
- Proposal and quote: the same day, with a recommendation for drone and crew.
- Preparation: permits, location check, flight planning with director and DoP.
- Shoot day: safety briefing, test flight, shoot with live image for the director.
- Handover: raw footage on set.
Projects we were booked for as drone pilot
- Arjeplog, Sweden: AMG Experience on Ice with Inspire 3, FPV and car-to-car
- Hockenheimring: aerials, FPV and car-to-car at the track
- Nürburgring: aerials, FPV and car-to-car at the track
- Film and TV: aerials for the ZDF series SOKO Stuttgart since 2014, plus the ZDF film “Winterjagd” and the Arte/ServusTV series “Im Bann der Jahreszeiten”
- View all projects
Prices: what does a drone pilot cost per shoot day?
A shoot day with drone pilot and DJI Mavic starts at €1,300 net. With DJI Inspire 3 and cinema setup the shoot day starts at €2,400 net – this price covers the pilot; a second camera operator joins on request. As a combination of drone, FPV and car-to-car the shoot day starts at €3,900 net. Pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination are included in each case. The day rate covers 9 + 1 hours; travel is charged at €0.70/km. All prices and terms: prices for drone filming.
Coverage: drone pilot for all of Germany and Europe
VR-Copter is based in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart. From here we drive to shoots all over Germany – Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg or Berlin, for example – and fly abroad regularly, from Scandinavia to Spain.
Frequently asked questions about booking
What does a drone pilot cost per day?
A shoot day with drone pilot and DJI Mavic starts at €1,300 net, with DJI Inspire 3 and cinema setup at €2,400 net, as a combination of drone, FPV and car-to-car at €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination. The day rate covers 9 + 1 hours; travel is charged at €0.70/km.
Do I need an additional camera operator with the Inspire 3?
The price from €2,400 covers the pilot. For demanding camera moves we recommend a second operator who controls camera and focus while the pilot only flies. We bring the second operator on request.
Which permits does a drone shoot need?
That depends on the location: property owner, track operator, and in geographical zones such as nature reserves or near airports the competent authority. For Baden-Württemberg we hold a general permit from the Stuttgart Regional Council. We handle the coordination.
What happens in rain or strong wind?
The pilot decides whether to fly based on wind and weather. If a flight is cancelled, we agree an alternative date or a different shooting schedule with you.
How far in advance do I need to book a drone pilot?
Often for the following week, in the Stuttgart region sometimes at shorter notice. The earlier we know location and date, the more certain permits and availability are.
Do you also fly abroad?
Yes. We are based in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart and fly throughout Germany and Europe – including Sweden, Finland, Austria and Spain.
Get a quote: Drohnenpilot jetzt
Tell us subject, location and date – you will get a reply the same day with a proposal and a quote.
Phone +49 151 22840959 · info@vr-copter.de