I have a shot that I am thinking about.

A helicopter is sitting on the ground with the rotor turning at full speed.  

Can I fly a drone over the top of the helicopter for a looking down on top shot?  Say about 10 meters above the rotor?

Would it cause the drone to crash??

Thanks,

Erik

Only one way to find out!

Go away.....and stay out of the USA. wow i am a poet and didn't know it

Cool shot idea but I highly wouldn't recommend it, you never know what could happen.

Personally, I would not risk it - even if helicopter's rotor blades were at a neutral pitch (no upward or downward rotor wash).  If something does go wrong, at very least drone would be toast.  Drone hitting helicopters rotors would be dangerous and expensive.

Seriously?  And your concern is “the drone”?  

Hi, thanks for the inquiry. We're sorry that this would not be a recommended use of your drone as this may cause interference and may lead to an incident. We would recommend flying your drone in open areas wherein there are no interferences to avoid the incident. Thank you for understanding. Please let us know if you have other concerns.

I'm sensing a "Hey, watch this.." moment coming soon.....

So, first of all thanks for the replies.  I want to be clear about one thing to see if it changes anything.  The people who operate the helicopter are not prohibiting me from flying over the top and there is no real danger of interference since the helicopter is not taking off or trying to fly.  I was thinking about what's happening with the air above the rotor of a helicopter.  My brief research on the internet leads me to believe that there is more going on below the rotors than above.  

Depending on how fast the blades are turning and if the helicopter just idle (may be ok) or taking off (don't do it), it may just work if you are at the blade rotor center, but you have to be very careful to maintain position and not get into the blade edge vortex area. The drone will naturally maintain a certain elevation, but if the helicopters blade suction overcomes the drone's ability to go up and maintain altitude... just imagine what happens in a blender. Drone damage isn't the issue (if the drone is disposable), it is the helicopter blade damage that you might be liable for, and those aren't cheap.

Of course, safety is the number one thing here, and making sure that the helicopter pilot, any passengers, are aware of what is being attempted, proper liability insurance is there and coverage in such cases confirmed, then you may be able to try. Otherwise, not recommended.

The new CAPTCHA crap is the last straw.
Im tired of DJIs crap and am removing my posts and will be on my way.

Candidate for darwinawards.com

Surely better done with a Mavic Zoom and put it 30m+ away - film in 4k and crop in to 1080? I don't see an issue if the chopper company is consenting - make them sign something to say you're not liable first. Could be a cool shot, especially slowed in post with some frame blending.

You're an idiot if you do!

Looks like the next I lost my drone thread in the making

Sorry but this seems dumb as hell.

INB4 a new post of "I lost my drone flying over a helicopter. AMA"

Why restrict yourself to flying over it?

Try flying through the blades ....

Much more interesting.

It's not something I would like to do. But if I did, I wouldn't want to post about it here. It's his drone and his friends helicopter, and he is researching the  project responsibly. What's to criticise?

It's a risky call and even if you manage to shoot it I don't find it that rewarding; pay attention the airflow may damage the helicopter and totaly destroy the drone. After all, I would try to find a better and more creative risk free subjects, as everything from above looks different, just you have to find it. LMK

I absolutely don't understand the need of people to make such risky things.....keep in mind that above the rotors of an helicopter there is a great suction force in the ground direction. So if you have some brain in your head you will understand that this is a stupid thing to do. And with a Mavic Air that weight 430 grams.....no less. My god....

Listen, guys relax.  I will go away and you can rant on someone else who simply asks a question.  I know, I'm a idiot.  Sorry to waste your time.  Bye.

Sounds like a neat perspective. Little expensive if any crashing is done, but at least you thought about that.

Brett Brandon Posted at 3-20 11:45
"My brief research on the internet leads me to believe that there is more going on below the rotors than above."

Where do you think the air from below comes from?

Not to come to anyone's defense, but I think the meaning was like a fan, there is much more perceived air movement in 'front' of the fan than behind the fan.  The air flow is the same on both sides of course, but more directed in the front.

In theory with 0 pitch on the props there would be fairly little air movement, but that is a LOT of risk (on the part of the helicopter pilot and the helicopter) for a 'cool shot'.

would probably be a pretty cool shot but if anything goes wrong will it have been worth it. losing yr drone is one thing.. fine if you can handle that.. but if any damage at all to the helicopter someone will have a big repair bill and worse what if a part of yr drone gets flung into someone - can you be sure it cannot happen..no..therefore the risk is too high. I repeat..losing your drone is one thing but any time other property or people or animals may become damaged or injured you should excercise restraint. To try it as a beginner is sheer craziness because there are many things that could go wrong that beginners are not yet aware of.

fans85cbcad8 Posted at 3-21 09:55
Listen, guys relax.  I will go away and you can rant on someone else who simply asks a question.  I know, I'm a idiot.  Sorry to waste your time.  Bye.

buh bye...

I have often heard these ideas accompanied by the phrase "Hold my beer". Seriously mate, let's not postulate on ideas that cast a bad light on our hobby. There are enough idiots in the world driving our hobby to over regulation as it is.

I have some goofy drone ideas but even I never thought of that one.