On Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:07 -0700, Erik
wrote in :

Larry Dighera wrote:

On Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:29:58 -0700, Erik
wrote in :


What's the safest way to do this?


If you are _sure_ of remaining outside of Class D airspace, contact
the tower and advise them that you will be conducting a photo-shoot at
the coordinates of the location (expressed as distance from a VOR on a
given radial). It would also be good to request Radar Traffic
Advisory Service (flight following) from the appropriate approach
control facility prior to alerting the tower controllers.

Outside of Class A, B, and C airspace, you are the Pilot In Command
(PIC) of your flight operations, and it would be inappropriate for you
to request permission from ATC for the flight you describe.

Thanks.

You're welcome. And thank you for taking the vindictive to inform
yourself before venturing forth.

That's what I thought.

Other's may have other good ideas too, like the excellent suggestion
to take along an observer or two. A person to act as photographer or
a second pilot would be even better. Try circling at low level over a
ground feature out in uncongealed airspace, and simulate taking the
photographs in a safer environment first. You'll be better prepared
for the demands of scanning for traffic, controlling the aircraft, and
finding time to frame and focus the camera all simultaneously.

Calling the tower when I'm not entering their airspace seemed wierd to me.

I understand what you mean, but using common sense to enhance flight
safety in every way possible is the objective, the way I see it.

There is a GPS in the
aircraft I rent whenever I figure I'm going to do something in the
proximity of airspace so that I know where I'm at positively.

It might not be a bad idea to have plotted out the VOR radial and
distance on the ground during your flight planning just in case
there's a Solar Mass Ejection of something that renders the GPS
inoperative. Plan for all the possible contingencies that you are
able to foresee. That's what a reasonable and prudent airman does,
anything less could be construed by the FAA as reckless and careless
under FAR Part 91 Sec. 91.13:
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory...6?OpenDocument

I thought calling the tower and telling them that some jackass will
be flying circles just outside of their airspace was a good idea, too,

I presume you are just being candid among fellow airmen, but in
dealing with ATC and the public, I would always don the most
professional demeanor of which I was capable. That means remaining
dignified, knowing the pertinent regulations, and acting accordingly.
In my opinion, factitiousness is inappropriate when lives are on the
line; dignity and respect will serve better.

I'm always afraid of sounding like a dumbs417 calling towers, though.
I avoid it at every opportunity.

That is unfortunate. Communication when it can reduce risk is a
valuable tool.

I suffered from "mike fright" too until I read Bob Gardener's book:


http://www.amazon.com/Say-Again-Plea...dp/1560275731/
Say Again, Please: Guide to Radio Communications