Hello folks, I was curious if any of ya'll could give me some leads on how I can best shoot out of a "flying go-cart"...I'm doing a video for a small city in Alabama which will be used for biz recruitment and what not...

I have a resource which will enable me to fly shotgun in a two seated go gart which flies via a large back propeller and a parasail type overhead wing..
My current camera (JVC DV5100) is rather large and heavy...

Has anybody in here tried something remotely close to this?...The shot will be absolutely killer if I can somehow shoot out of my un-enclosed cockpit...I've looked into maybe renting an XL2 / glidecam...any comments?...

Any feedback would be mucho appreciated...

James Smith

Hi!

[...] "flying go-cart"... [...]

This sounds pretty much like a 'powered paraglider'- or 'powered parachute'-trike!?

http://www.fresh-breeze.de/pic/themen/skipone_01.jpg
http://www.motorschirmfliegen.de/motorschirm/content/images/eef9bf12f1d32348d204c342da672575.jpg

From flying paragliders I can tell you that in the mornings, the evenings and during winter time the air usually is beautiful smooth, especially if there is no wind at all. If you pick such a nice time, you will be able to shoot some absolutely great footage. Even though I have no own 'filming from a PPG or PPC' experience, I am pretty sure that it is the perfect vehicle to shoot aerial footage - it is extremely slow with a speed range of just about 35 - 60 km/h, you can look to all directions and there a probably not very much vibrations.

And - flying in a PPG or PPC is the cheapest way of motorized flying by far.

By the way - in Germany we need a license for these back-pack motors. I am just about to get it! :-D

Maybe you want to have a look at these wonderful aerial photographs, shot by a French guy while flying with his PPG:

http://www.photo-paramoteur.com/galeries-photos/best-off/photos-aeriennes.html

Regards, Oliver

The pics you linked are what i'm talking about...The one i'll be on has two seats (back to back).."Flying Go-cart" sounds like a circus ride doesn't it?

Good to hear that your trips have been smooth...Here in Alabama it's turning Spring (again) and the tree colors are awesome...

I'm still curious about how I should stabilize my camera...

Hi James!

[...] I'm still curious about how I should stabilize my camera...

I would simply lay it on my legs or use a short monopod that you put on the seat. I am pretty sure that there is no further stabilization required - just the usual stabilization as if you were filming on the ground.

Check this video out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La13I9_WzbU

Many shots look pretty stable and these guys have filmed 'out of the hand' and using helmet mounts. Don't you have the possibility to try it out, before it gets hot?

Regards, Oliver

I appreciate the link, that looks fun..Thanks for the responses and insight.
When I get this thing shot, i'll see about posting some of it, if anyone would be interested..