A good aerial sequence starts on the ground. Wind direction, shadow movement, safe return paths and lens choice should be decided before take-off.
Build the flight around one visual idea.
Use the aircraft as a camera movement tool rather than a novelty. A slow reveal often carries more narrative weight than a complicated orbit.
“The shortest flight plan usually produces the most confident footage.”
Leave margin for weather.
Battery estimates are only estimates. Temperature, wind and elevation change the practical margin quickly, especially in mountain environments.