Why Trusted, Licensed Drone Operators Matter

In today’s world of high-impact visual content, drone footage has become a creative essential offering cinematic perspectives that elevate storytelling. But when your production involves aerial footage especially around people, live aircraft, moving parts and complex environments, drone work goes far beyond asthetics, it becomes a matter of precision, safety, and expertise.

At 19zero3, we recently worked on producing a new trade commercial for Trans Maldivian Airways, based in the Maldives and home to the world’s largest seaplane fleet. It was a dream project but also a serious logistical and operational challenge. Working with live aircraft meant we needed more than just a good eye behind the lens, we needed deep knowledge of aviation protocols, local flight paths, airspace coordination, and licensed, experienced drone operators on the ground.

Why Licensing Matters

We’re proudly CASA REPL & AROC certified, which means we’re trained and approved by aviation authorities to operate drones safely and legally in controlled airspace, the kind that surrounds commercial airports, heliports, and seaplane operations like TMA’s. This isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about knowing how to integrate our work with existing aviation procedures, ensuring safety for everyone involved.

Before we even powered up a drone, we worked closely with the TMA team with planning sessions and detailed safety briefings with the aircrafts pilots. Together, we mapped out flight paths, discussed timing windows, reviewed weather patterns, and set clear communication protocols for filming days. Drone footage is more than just a creative tool, it’s an operational responsibility. Whether you’re filming near aircraft, in national parks, or across urban skylines, it’s essential to have a trusted, licensed team behind the controls.

At 19zero3, we take that responsibility seriously so that every shot is not only beautiful, but safe, legal, and expertly executed.

Here is the finished product, enjoy!

https://www.19zero3.com/tma