Filming the 100 Days to Armed Forces Day Event in Aldershot
- colin6605
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30
Earlier this year, South Downs Drones was invited to capture aerial footage of the official 100 Days to Armed Forces Day event in Aldershot, marking the countdown to the UK’s National Armed Forces Day celebrations.
The event brought together military personnel, organisers, local dignitaries, and members of the public as preparations began for one of the largest Armed Forces Day events in the country.
While the finished footage may only last a few minutes on screen, a considerable amount of planning and coordination took place behind the scenes to make the drone operation possible.
Operating Within the Farnborough Flight Restricted Zone
The event location fell within the Farnborough Airport Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), meaning drone operations required permission before any flying could take place.
Detailed flight information was prepared and submitted to Farnborough Air Traffic Control, including the proposed operating area, flight heights, timings, and safety measures. Following review, permission was granted for the operation to proceed safely within the restrictions of the FRZ.
Having experience operating within the Farnborough FRZ allows South Downs Drones to respond quickly to client requirements and efficiently navigate the approval process when projects are located near the airport.
Additional Permissions on Military Land
The event was held on military land, which required additional permissions beyond those needed for the Flight Restricted Zone.
Prior to filming, approval was obtained from the relevant military authorities to ensure the operation could take place safely and without impacting the event or site security requirements.
This highlights an important aspect of professional drone operations. Airspace permission alone does not automatically grant permission to fly. Landowner consent and coordination with event organisers are often equally important parts of the planning process.
Guided by Military Security
On the day of filming, military security personnel escorted and guided us around the site, ensuring access to the agreed filming locations while maintaining security around restricted areas.
This support allowed us to position safely for a variety of aerial shots while ensuring all event and security requirements were met.
Working alongside military personnel, event organisers, security teams, and air traffic services demonstrated the level of cooperation often required to successfully deliver drone filming at high-profile public events.
Capturing the Story from Above
Drone footage offers a unique perspective that cannot be achieved from the ground alone.
The aerial footage helped showcase the scale of the event, the venue, and the people involved in marking the countdown to Armed Forces Day. Combined with ground-based filming, it provided organisers with engaging content that could be used across social media, promotional campaigns, and future event marketing.
The ability to quickly capture wide establishing shots, crowd scenes, and the surrounding area helps tell the complete story of an event.
Professional Planning Behind Every Flight
Projects such as this demonstrate that professional drone operations involve far more than simply arriving on site and taking off.
Successful flights often require:
Airspace planning and coordination
Farnborough FRZ permissions
Military landowner approvals
Risk assessments and safety planning
Liaison with event organisers and security teams
Professional qualifications and insurance
Compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations
By managing these requirements on behalf of clients, South Downs Drones helps ensure projects run smoothly while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Supporting Armed Forces Day
It was a privilege to be involved in the 100 Days to Armed Forces Day event and to help capture the start of the countdown to the national celebrations.
Events such as these recognise the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community, and it was an honour to contribute aerial imagery that will help promote and document such an important occasion.
Need Drone Filming for Your Event?
Whether your event is located within the Farnborough Flight Restricted Zone, on private land, or at a venue with complex permissions requirements, South Downs Drones can help manage the planning process and deliver professional aerial photography and videography safely and legally.
From community events and public celebrations to commercial productions and promotional campaigns, we provide high-quality aerial content that helps tell your story from a unique perspective.
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