Aerial Filmworks filmed spectacular aerials of the Andes Mountains for a new History Channel documentary entitled “I Am Alive: Surviving the Andes Plane Crash“. Working out of Santiago, Chile, we rigged an Astar AS350-B3 helicopter and headed south for refueling before climbing into the mountains. While completely calm at the base, the winds escalated to 70 knots by the time the helicopter reached the location at 15,000 feet. Fortunately, the AS350-B3 is built for performance at high altitudes. The Cineflex V14HD camera system handled the extreme temperature drop without a problem. The installation was at a balmy 70 degrees at the hangar with the temperature dropping to 14 degrees at the summit.
The film “I Am Alive: Surviving the Andes Plane Crash” was produced by AMS Pictures, and premieres October 20 on the History Channel. The film chronicles the tragedy of Uruguayan Flight 571 and its aftermath through the eyes of survivor and hero Nando Parrado.
~Andy Streitfeld, CEO | AMS Pictures
Ron Chapple was the Aerial Director of Photography and Cineflex Camera Operator, and Rebecca Giblin of Aerial Filmworks arranged for the international travel, export permits and US State Department licenses.