Our Experience
Jovan Sales:
Professional Cinematographer/Director/Producer/Drone Pilot
Director Producer:
House Hunters Renovation Pie Town Productions, Field
Caesars Palace (Pilot) Director/Producer
Cinematographer:
Live Free or Die, National Geographic
Great Human Race, National Geographic
Dual Survival, Original Media (Discovery Channel)
Survivor, Mark Burnett Productions (CBS)
Bachelor/Bachelorette, Next Entertainment (ABC)
My Big Redneck Vacation Road Trip, Pink Sneakers Productions (CMT)
Big Rich Texas, Fly On The Wall Productions (Style)
Wake Brothers, Pink Sneakers Productions (MTV)
Mama Drama, 495 Productions (VH1)
Most Eligible Dallas, Pink Sneakers Productions (Bravo)
Jersey Shore 495 Productions (MTV)
Tool Academy 495 Productions (MTV)
Ralph Rebaya:
FAA Certified Pilot/Fixed Wing and Rotorcraft
FAA-licensed pilot with over 20 years of flying experience and is also a Remote Control Helicopter Instructor.
Served as a US Army Officer and is an aerospace engineer that has worked for major aerospace corporations such as Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, McDonnell- Douglas, Lockeed Martin, Airbus and Barbardier.
Credentials and qualifications include:
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Aerial Surveillance
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Academy of Model Aeronautics, registered member
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Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, registered member
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Experimental Aircraft Association, registered member
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Seaplane Pilots Association, registered member
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United States Parachute Association, registered member
Ralph earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Read more about Ralph and Heli Watch here.
Marcel Melanson:
Steady Cam/Gimbal Operator/Technician/ Drone Pilot
Over 20 years of Cinematography experience from broadcast news to major production. Provided media for over 40 major networks including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CNN, and KTLA.
Vast knowledge of all aspects of production, from concept to post. Certified “Tech Nerd” Marcel is proficient in Digital Camera systems (Red, Sony, Arri) DSLR and Medium format.
He is also a skilled Ronin/Movi/Steadicam user. Multicamera set-ups and systems have become his specialty. Marcel is a freelance photographer, who specializes in time lapse and long exposure photography.
Other proficiencies include, editing (Final Cut Pro & Adobe Primere) and web design.
Heli Watch Crew
About Us
Heli Watch currently holds a Section 333 Exemption and Certificate of Waiver or Authorization COA from the FAA UAS Integration Office
Heli Watch will manage the flight-related components of your shoot and will obtain the proper approvals from the FAA, local police and fire department.
Obtaining a Drone Film Permit can be a complex and time-consuming process. We work with out clients BEFORE they scout locations to ensure all regulations are met.
Section 333 Exemption
The FAA is currently developing rules to govern the use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - commonly referred to as "drones." Until the final rules are issued, commercial UAS operators are required to receive an exemption from Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FRMA).
Heli Watch currently holds a Section 333 Exemption and Certificate of Waiver or Authorization COA from the FAA UAS Integration Office, which is tasked with the "safe, timely and efficient integration of UAS into the National Airspace System."
The Section 333 Exemption requires that drone operators strictly follow a set of regulations and restrictions including:
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Flights may only be conducted during daylight hours
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5nm separation from an airport that has a control tower
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500' separation from any individuals who are not participating in drone operations
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400' maximum altitude
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Permanent flight restrictions over sporting events/stadiums, military operating areas and the airspace surrounding Washington, DC.
We can help you navigate current UAS rules and Section 333 Exemption requirements to make sure that your shoot fully complies with current FAA regulations. Contact us to discuss your project.