Drone Operator in Burbank for Film, TV and Commercials
Burbank is where a lot of Los Angeles television gets made, and it's also one of the trickier places in the city to put a drone in the air. The studios are a few miles from a commercial airport, the city runs its own film office with its own rules, and there's a local ordinance aimed squarely at drones near production. Lithium Aerials is a Los Angeles drone crew that flies for film, television and commercials across the Media District, the studio lots and the hills above them. Here's what flying in Burbank actually involves.
Burbank Airspace: Living Next to BUR
Hollywood Burbank Airport has its own Class C airspace. It borders the LAX Class B and sits over the Class D at Van Nuys and Whiteman, so almost all of Burbank is controlled airspace. That doesn't rule out drone work. It means every flight needs an FAA authorization and a plan that fits inside it.
- Authorization through LAANC. For most locations we request authorization through LAANC and typically get an answer in near real time, at the altitude the FAA's facility map allows for that grid.
- Low ceilings near the runways. Grids close to the airport can be limited to very low altitudes. If the shot needs more, a "further coordination" request goes in at least 72 hours ahead, and some requests have to go through FAADroneZone, which takes much longer.
- Helicopters. Between news, police, medical and tour flights, the Burbank and Hollywood corridor is busy at low altitude. We keep a visual observer on the sky, not just the monitor.
If you're scouting a Burbank location, send us the address early. Knowing the ceiling before you lock it can save a rewrite of the shot.
Burbank Film Permits Are Their Own Thing
Burbank isn't a FilmLA city. Filming in Burbank needs a permit from the City of Burbank's film office, and a drone has to be added to that permit with its own documentation.
- Timing. Burbank asks for applications three business days ahead for most shoots and five for more complex ones. Burbank counts business days as Monday through Thursday, because the film office is closed Fridays. A Monday shoot means getting the paperwork in the week before.
- Drone paperwork. The city's drone addendum asks about the aircraft, the airspace class, any TFRs, pilot certification and insurance. We prepare that package and the plan of activity, and send it to your locations team.
- Insurance. We carry $5 million in aviation liability coverage and can usually turn around a certificate of insurance with the required endorsements the same or next business day.
For the wider picture, including FilmLA jurisdictions next door in North Hollywood, Studio City and Griffith Park, see our Los Angeles drone permits guide.
The Studio Rule
Burbank's municipal code makes it unlawful to fly a drone above or within 50 feet of a film studio or a closed production set without permission from the studio, producer or director. In practice that means two things. If you're shooting on a lot, the studio's permission is part of the plan from day one. And if you're on location next to someone else's closed set, we plan around it. It's also a good reason to hire a crew that knows the neighborhood.
What We Fly in Burbank
Stages and backlots
Interiors, process work and close-quarters moves on stages and backlots are cinewhoop territory: small, ducted FPV drones that can fly near talent and set dressing.
Studio exteriors and establishing shots
For establishers and reveals that need to match the show, the DJI Inspire 3 covers most of it, and our heavy-lift Freefly Alta X carries the production's own cinema package when the shot has to cut seamlessly.
The Verdugos and the hills
Burbank backs onto the Verdugo Mountains, and the trails and ridgelines above the city make useful exteriors for driving shots and wide reveals. They also come with the same airspace and permit questions, so we treat them the same way.
Night work
Night exteriors are routine with the right pilot training and aircraft lighting. For scenes that need light rather than a camera in the air, see drone lighting.
Who We Work With
Most of our Burbank work is television and studio backlot work. Lithium Aerials has provided aerial support on network and streaming series and feature films. See our work and our film and television drone services. Every shoot is flown by FAA Part 107-certified pilots. We're IATSE Local 600 members.
Book a Burbank Drone Crew
Send the location, dates and shot list and we'll tell you what the airspace allows. Lead time usually follows the film office's timeline. Contact us or call 323-505-7104.
Burbank Drone FAQ
Can you fly a drone near Hollywood Burbank Airport?
Often, yes. Most of Burbank is inside BUR's Class C airspace, so every flight needs FAA authorization, usually through LAANC, and altitudes near the airport can be very limited.
Does Burbank use FilmLA for permits?
No. Burbank issues film permits through its own film office. The drone needs to be added to the Burbank permit with its own paperwork.
How far ahead do I need a Burbank film permit?
Burbank asks for three business days for most shoots and five for complex ones. Its business days are Monday through Thursday.
Can a drone fly over a Burbank studio lot?
Only with permission. Burbank's municipal code bars flying above or within 50 feet of a film studio or closed set without permission from the studio, producer or director.
Are your pilots union?
Yes. We're IATSE Local 600 members, and our pilots are FAA Part 107-certified.