SCENE 01 / AERIAL DRONE SERVICES
Aerial Drone Services
Licensed drone operators delivering cinematic aerial footage across Mexico.
Here is how this works in practice. Aerial drone services deliver cinematic overhead and sweeping perspectives across Mexico's vast and different terrain—from the beaches of Cancún to the volcanic peaks surrounding Mexico City. Drones give cost-effective aerial coverage for setting up shots, scenic reveals, and any production needing elevated viewpoints over iconic Mexican scenery.
Here is the short of it. We set up fully DGAC-licensed aerial drone services that comply with Mexican aviation rules. Our team manages RPAS sign-ups, flight plan submissions through SENEAM, and planning with local authorities to make sure your production captures stunning aerial footage safely and legally at each location.
Capabilities
Complete Aerial Services
From sweeping establishing shots to dynamic FPV sequences, our certified drone teams deliver the aerial perspectives your production needs.
01
Cinematic Aerial
- Sweeping establishing shots
- Tracking & reveal shots
- Orbit and point-of-interest
- Low-altitude proximity flying
- High-altitude panoramas
Stunning Perspectives
02
FPV Drone Services
- Dynamic chase sequences
- Indoor FPV flying
- Action sports capture
- Through-the-gap shots
- High-speed proximity
Immersive Action
03
Regulatory Compliance
- aviation authority certification
- Airspace authorization
- Flight plan submission
- Insurance documentation
- Safety assessments
Fully Licensed
04
Specialized Operations
- Night aerial filming
- Heavy-lift payloads
- Long-range operations
- Multi-drone coordination
- Live broadcast feeds
Advanced Capabilities
On Location
Aerial drone services across Mexico — AFAC RPA II/III certification, INAH archaeological no-fly buffers, Spectre 007 CDMX Zócalo lineage, Copper Canyon and Sumidero Canyon signature flights
Here is how this works in practice. We set up aerial drone services across Mexico through AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil, formerly DGAC) RPA II and RPA III certified pilots running DJI Inspire 3 (cinema-grade 8K ProRes RAW with Zenmuse X9-8K), Inspire 2 with X7, Mavic 3 Cine ProRes, Freefly Alta X for ARRI Alexa Mini LF / Sony Venice 2 / RED Komodo heavy-lift. Plus FPV cinewhoop teams (DJI Avata, Cinelifter custom Pyrodrone builds) for stadium tracking, car chases, and interior scene matching.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. On the ground, AFAC mandates NOTAM planning inside 9.2km of each controlled airport (CDMX MEX, Cancún CUN, Guadalajara GDL, Monterrey MTY, Tijuana TIJ, Cabo SJD, Mérida MID). Drone-pilot liability insurance to global standards is filed before any commercial flight. Tijuana operators give 12-minute cross-border drive to LA, enabling same-day Filmworks LA or Vision Research Phantom Flex 4K aerial-package fly-in.
Here is the short of it. INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia) limits drone flights over each pre-Hispanic site under federal heritage law. Teotihuacán (UNESCO 1987), Chichén Itzá (UNESCO 1988 — El Castillo equinox phenomenon), Palenque (UNESCO 1987), Monte Albán (UNESCO 1987), Uxmal (UNESCO 1996), El Tajín (UNESCO 1992), Xochicalco (UNESCO 1999), Mitla, Coba, Ek' Balam, Tulum — INAH-specific permits with rotor-distance buffers (typical 300m exclusion) precede any aerial footage. INBAL governs flights near Palacio de Bellas Artes and colonial baroque heritage in Puebla, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia (UNESCO 1991 FICM home).
Here is how the picture comes together. On the ground, Heritage Mexican aerial credits trace through Spectre (007 2015. The list covers Sam Mendes Day of the Dead Zócalo opening helicopter sequence that set up CDMX as a tentpole-aerial destination), Sicario / Sicario 2 Sonoran border drone work, Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), Roma (Cuarón 2018 rooftop coverage). Signature subjects: Copper Canyon (4× deeper than Grand Canyon), Pico de Orizaba (5,636m), Popocatépetl (active. CENAPRED plume tracking), Sumidero Canyon Chiapas, Sian Ka'a UNESCO Biosphere, Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, gray-whale aerials San Ignacio Lagoon Jan–Mar.
FAQ
Aerial Cinematography Expertise
What drone certifications do your pilots have?
All our pilots hold Mexican aviation authority certifications needed for commercial drone operations. Many also hold certifications from other aviation authorities. We keep full records including flight logs, insurance, and operational manuals.
Can you fly drones in cities like Mexico City?
Urban drone flying in Mexico needs special sign-off. Mexico City has major off-limits airspace. But we can obtain permits for specific locations with advance notice. We handle all regulatory submissions and set up with authorities.
What cameras can you mount on drones?
Here is the breakdown. We operate everything from integrated camera systems like DJI Inspire and Mavic lines to heavy-lift platforms carrying RED, ARRI Mini, and other cinema cameras. We match the platform to your image quality needs and shot complexity.
Do you provide FPV drone services?
Yes, we have skilled FPV pilots for dynamic shots including chase sequences, indoor flying, and high-speed proximity work. Our FPV team uses purpose-built drones with cinema-quality cameras for broadcast-ready footage.
What about night aerial filming?
We're signed off for night drone operations with proper lighting systems, boosted safety protocols, and appropriate certifications. Night flying needs extra planning and sign-off, so please talk about needs early.
How far in advance should we book?
Standard aerial shoots can often be arranged with 1-2 weeks notice. Complex operations needing special sign-off, off-limits airspace access, or multi-drone setups may need 3-4 weeks for proper planning and approval.
Related Services
Productions in Mexico that need this often pair it with Helicopter Filming, High Speed Filming, and Cable Cam Systems for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Camera & Cinematography and Drone Videography.
On Set
Need Aerial Filming?
Tell us about your aerial shots and we'll provide licensed drone services.