Aerial filming Netherlands
Licensed cinema drone crew for film, TV and commercials
Aerial filming and cinema drone crew in the Netherlands
Drone Chiefs is a licensed aerial unit based in Utrecht, in the centre of the Netherlands. We fly the DJI Inspire 3 with the full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air for commercials, branded content, TV and international productions. Clients include the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association), the Rijksmuseum, Sunweb, the Efteling, Oceanco and Zeelander Yachts. From a 60-person stadium campaign at Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge to a theme park opened at night just for us: we handle the airspace, the permits and the shot.
Licensed to fly where others can't
• Operational Authorisation in the Specific category, issued by the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT): NLD-OAT-041-05G
• Flights inside controlled airspace (CTR) around Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and military airfields, coordinated with air traffic control (LVNL)
• Aeronautical radio licence for direct contact with the tower
• Night operations outside daylight hours
• Worldwide drone liability insurance up to €1.3 million per occurrence (€7.5 million at military airfields), compliant with EU Regulation 785/2004
• Operations across Europe and beyond, including South Africa and Greece
Camera platform: DJI Inspire 3
• Full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air: 8K/25fps CinemaDNG and 8K/75fps Apple ProRes RAW internal
• 14+ stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO 800/4000
• 4K/120fps full-frame for slow motion
• Full DL-mount lens set: 18, 24, 35, 50 and 75 mm, with matching ND filters
• 360° pan and 80° upward tilt, RTK positioning for repeatable moves
• Single operator or dual-operator crew: pilot plus dedicated camera operator
• Video village cart with client monitor and up to 5 kW of mobile battery power for the whole production
• Also on board: DJI Mavic 4 Pro and several FPV drones
Selected work
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Eredivisie campaign, Erasmus Bridge
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Winter Efteling at night
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Showreel 2025
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Hollywood Mansion, Cape Town
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Elk Projecten
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Cartor, UK
FAQ for productions
Can you fly in Amsterdam or near Schiphol?
Yes. We fly inside the CTR with permission from air traffic control. From 26 November 2026 part of the CTR opens up, but central locations still need a licensed operator.
Do you work internationally?
Yes. We operate across Europe and have filmed in South Africa and Greece.
How far in advance should we book?
Ideally two weeks. Civil CTR requests need at least one working day, military zones 24 hours. Productions start from €750, excluding VAT and travel.
Request a quote
Get in touch for a quote for aerial filming, FPV or a full aerial unit on your set.
Send us the location and shooting date with your request. We will check the airspace straight away and tell you which permits and flight preparation are needed. Based on that, we give you a clear quote. Productions start from €750.
It also helps to tell us briefly what kind of production it is, which shots you have in mind, and whether you need a single operator or a dual-operator crew.
