ROC NO: CAA/G1271D
🇿🇦  CAPE TOWN | SOUTH AFRICA

WE FLY DRONES

WE FLY 
DRONES

Darkwing Aerials is a leading drone company with licensed pilots flying in the film and industrial sectors.

WE FLY DRONES

WE FLY 
DRONES

ROC NO: CAA/G1271D
🇿🇦  CAPE TOWN | SOUTH AFRICA

ABOUT

Darkwing Aerials is an expert drone team with licensed pilots flying in the film and industrial sectors.
15
years in the industry
150
jobs per year
10
licensed drones
1340
licensed flying hours

FILM

We have 15 years' experience operating on fast-paced film projects.
Watch our showreel to see the diversity of productions we've worked on and the types of shots our pilots can deliver.

Film Showreel

FPV

Get shots that are fast and tight with FPV.
Our team includes some of the best FPV pilots in the industry, and our FPV drones carry heavy payloads like the Red Komodo to deliver high-quality footage, at speed.

FPV 2023 Showreel

Darkwing Aerials FPV droneDarkwing Aerials FPV droneDarkwing Aerials pilot setting up FPV droneDarkwing Aerials FPV drone pilots flying

Get off the ground easily with our various approvals.

Darkwing Aerials has flight permissions to fly over national key points
National key points
Darkwing has permission to fly over people
Over people
Darkwing Aerials has permission to fly over roads
Over roads
Darkwing Aerials has permission to fly at night
At night
Darkwing Aerials has permission to fly near airports
Near an Airport
Darkwing Aerials has permission to fly in Sanparks and Cape Nature
Sanparks & Cape Nature

Our clients include leading brands and production companies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rl27ACjcqY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2WRxnUO2-Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrwwrEBB5h8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5eZ2Zp7eTo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqM0ZYnA02g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVWJCRb3HMI&t=30s
https://vimeo.com/530284579
https://vimeo.com/699480886
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAnfzSKFbLQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_5XCeAIfPo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1TkJLrpyBs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZeYZ6OOCuY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZMHi8Umzlw
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtoM1legxY1/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsBDsULqQck/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co45PgrK41g/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CplVXWMLTXq/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUF6yHAUVa8
https://m.facebook.com/moonlighting.film.production.services/videos/samsung-never-give-up/6321773894547505/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F735WKDYUk
https://vimeo.com/839845759
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIEyvIS5jek
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co7kIv3IWLH/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpSSTBgIgpw/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ocnU2R_G-M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXyBraK0n8o
https://www.volvocars.com/za
https://www.discovery.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI_SbgtT-cE
https://www.stellaartois.com/
https://www.porsche.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrfO9rBFOSw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re3L_GJZII4
https://www.monsterenergy.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wPWea8smx8
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/
https://www.redbull.com/za-en/videos/red-bull-box-cart-race-video
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/
BMW
Santam
Cartier
The Challenge
Fear Factor
MTV
Apple TV
Pepsi
National Geographic
Mtn
Tommy Hilfiger
Michelin
Woolmark
Corona
Glenfiddich
Diesel
Adidas
Shark Week
Astron
Maersk
Delta
KLM
Double Century
Zenith

Hear what some of our clients have to say.

"The Darkwing team are professionals from enquiry all the way to delivery. We at Eyeforce were so impressed with their service and execution taking our film to the next level. We will work with them time and time again, no doubt."

Samantha Lowe
Producer & MD
Eyeforce
Client logo

"Whether in the bush, the desert or on the ocean, no challenge was too big. Not only did we not have a single incident, but we also got amazing footage. These guys come highly recommended!"

Kat Pachel
Producer & MD
Table Mountain Films
Client logo

It was a pleasure to meet you and your team, you guys are total pros and do great work.
Beyond appreciative of your efforts. I will highly recommend you to anyone and everyone at Discovery.

Jeff Kurr
Producer
Discovery Channel
Client logo

"The Darkwing team are professionals from enquiry all the way to delivery. We at Eyeforce were so impressed with their service and execution taking our film to the next level. We will work with them time and time again, no doubt."

Samantha Lowe
Producer & MD
Eyeforce
Client logo

Fly fast and tight with FPV

Our FPV drones carry heavy payloads like the Red Komodo to deliver high-quality footage, at speed.

LEARN MORE
FPV done
Client projects
We’ve worked on a variety of feature films, commercials, and other exciting film projects.
View all projects
Mercedes-Benz | ElectroKinetic
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux
KLM Holidays - Alles Komt Samen
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux
Edge of Earth
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux
Panthère de Cartier: Vanessa Kirby
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux
Publicité Faire bouger le sport - Decathlon
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux
Wear Wool, Not Fossil Fuel - Woolmark
Alta-X
Red Komodo
5" FPV Racer
3" Micro Drone
Riegl VUX-1UAV
DJI H20T
Alta-8
Go Pro Hero 10
Inspire 2
Mavic Pro 2
M300
FPV
DJI Z30
DJI XT2
Riegl Minivux

OUR GEAR

Make use of the best drone, gimbal, and camera gear available on the market.

Our drones

DJI Inspire 3
DJI Inspire 3

Introducing the DJI Inspire 3, a revolutionary aerial cinematography drone that redefines the possibilities of capturing cinematic footage. With its advanced camera system and cutting-edge gimbal stabilisation, this drone delivers exceptional image quality and smooth, steady shots, elevating your filmmaking to new heights. Its intelligent flight modes and enhanced safety features provide a seamless and immersive piloting experience, while the extended flight time gives you the freedom to capture your artistic vision without limitations.

Key Specifications:

  • Camera: Advanced camera system for exceptional image quality
  • Gimbal Stabilisation: Cutting-edge technology for smooth and steady shots
  • Flight Modes: Intelligent flight modes for automated tracking and predefined flight paths
  • Obstacle Detection and Avoidance: Enhanced safety features for a hassle-free flying experience
  • Flight Time: Extended battery life for longer shooting sessions
  • Control: Intuitive controls for seamless piloting and precise manoeuvrability

Experience the DJI Inspire 3 and unlock a new realm of aerial cinematography. Capture breathtaking footage with outstanding image quality and stability, while enjoying the convenience of intelligent flight modes and safety features. With the DJI Inspire 3, your creativity knows no bounds.

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Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Freefly Alta-X
Freefly Alta-X

The ALTA X is Darkwing’s heavy lifter, carrying a payload of up to 15 kg. This drone is a leader in the film industry, proven by its predecessor – the ALTA 8. This drone will suit a production with the need to carry the largest cinema payloads available.

- 15 kg payload – bigger cameras and lenses

- Carries the Sony Venice

- Longer flight times – up to 20 minutes with cinema cameras

- Repeatable flight paths with advanced onboard GPS module and RTK

- Carries a LIDAR scanner for VFX

All of these features – coupled with the best in-house pilots and crew – makes this drone package an industry game changer, ready to streamline your next film production.

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Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Freefly Alta-8
Freefly Alta-8

The Freefly Alta 8 is the workhorse of the drone film industry. Darkwing Aerials has two licensed Alta 8s available, ready to carry cinema payloads as well as lighting rigs and smoke machines.

Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Inspire 2
DJI Inspire 2

The Inspire 2 offers a quick turnaround in between setups. The Inspire 2 offers a quick turnaround in between setups, and boasts a 95 km/h top speed.

Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
7 inch Heavy Lift FPV
7 inch Heavy Lift FPV

Traditionally, FPV racers have been small - only carrying GoPro’s and small action cameras. With this Heavy Lift FPV drone we’re now able to carry cinema cameras such as the RED Komodo, Black Magic pocket Cinema 6K and Sony FX6. 3 - 5 min flight time 120km/h

Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
5 inch FPV Racer
5 inch FPV Racer

An FPV racer unlocks a whole new realm of cinematic possibilities, allowing your camera to get closer to the action like never before. With a 3 - 5 min flight, travelling at 120km/h, this drone is able to achieve manoeuvres and shots which were not previously possible in traditional drone operations.

- Fast, agile, "Freestyle"

- Good for fast action, car chases, building dives etc.

- Payload: GoPro Hero 10

- Speed: +- 120kmh

- Flight time: 5 minutes

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Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
3 inch Micro Drone
3 inch Micro Drone

This micro drone is equipped with prop-guards making it great for safe close proximity. Carrying a naked gopro with a flight time of 5 minutes, this drone is perfect for slow cinematic shooting styles.

- Small, good for indoors

- Propguards = safe

- Good for close proximity to people & slow cinematic shooting style

- Camera: Insta 360

- Flight Time: 5 minutes

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Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI M300 RTK
DJI M300 RTK

The M300 is a purpose-built industrial specialist. Practical and tough to the core, the M300 is ready for any inspection challenge. Combined with the P1 RGB and H20T thermal/zoom cameras, the mission profiles are diverse.

- 15 km Max Transmission

- 55-min Max Flight Time

- -20°C to 50°C Operating Temperature

- Hot-swappable Batteries

- UAV Health Management System

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Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Mavic 3 Cine
DJI Mavic 3 Cine

A compact and powerful aerial cinematography drone that revolutionises the way you capture cinematic footage. Equipped with a Hasselblad sensor, this drone delivers stunning visuals with exceptional clarity and rich color reproduction. With advanced gimbal stabilization, the Mavic 3 Cine ensures smooth and stable shots, while intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack and Point of Interest make subject tracking and framing effortless. With obstacle avoidance and extended flight time, this drone offers a safe and immersive filming experience. Elevate your storytelling with the DJI Mavic 3 Cine.

Key Specifications:

  • Camera: Equipped with a Hasselblad sensor for exceptional image quality.
  • Gimbal Stabilization: Advanced stabilization technology for smooth and stable footage.
  • Intelligent Flight Modes: ActiveTrack and Point of Interest for effortless subject tracking.
  • Obstacle Avoidance: Enhanced safety features for obstacle detection and avoidance.
  • Flight Time: Extended battery life for longer filming sessions.
  • Portability: Compact and lightweight design for easy transportation.
  • Control: Intuitive controls for seamless piloting and precise maneuverability.

Experience the next level of aerial cinematography with the DJI Mavic 3 Cine and capture cinematic shots like never before.

Drone specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
NEW
COMING SOON

Our payloads

Red Komodo
Red Komodo

Compact 6K cinema camera perfect for flying on the 7inch FPV.

Lenses include: LAOWA 9mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Canon RF and LAOWA 14mm f4 FF RL Zero-D Canon RF

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
ARRI Alexa Mini
ARRI Alexa Mini

Compact, lightweight, and self-contained - ARRI ALEXA Mini is the small and versatile allrounder in the ARRI camera family. In some productions it is used as a second or third camera, while in others it is the main camera throughout a shoot. As a result, it is frequently moved from one configuration to another. Any time savings that can be made during these transitions will have a big impact on the daily shooting schedule.

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The symmetrical design permits filming in any orientation, including upside-down and in portrait mode, while multiple accessory points enable highly creative mounting solutions. In addition, ALEXA Mini comes with a series of interchangeable lens mount, allowing the use of B4 video, EF mount stills lenses, or with the even ARRI Signature Primes with the LPL mount for ALEXA Mini.

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We can fly a huge range of lenses. Our in house lenses are as follows:

- Zeiss 25mm CP2 Lens

- Zeiss 35mm CP2 Lens

- Zeiss 50mm CP2 Lens

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Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
ARRI ALEXA Mini LF

The go-to camera for drama series, feature films and commercials. Combining the compact size and low weight of the popular ALEXA Mini with the large-format ALEXA LD sensor, ALEXA Mini LF brings exciting new creative possibilities to ARRI's large-format camera system. Featuring 16 recording formats, the Mini LF can be universally used for large format and Super 35 productions

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
GoPro HERO11
GoPro HERO11

- Includes HERO11 Black camera, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, curved adhesive mounts, mounting buckle + thumb screw and USB-C cable

- Larger new image sensor delivers an immersive, extra-large field of view.

- Cinematic 5.3K60 + 2.7K240 video with 24.7 megapixel stills from video.

- Stunning 27 megapixel high-res photos.

- HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization with Horizon Lock.

- Waterproof to 33ft + built tough.

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Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
GoPro HERO10 Bones
GoPro HERO10 Bones

Get the same 5.3K60 video and HyperSmooth stabilisation of our powerful HERO10 Black camera in an ultra lightweight design that’s made specifically for FPV (First-Person View) drones. Weighing 54g1, HERO10 Black Bones takes the core elements of the HERO10 Black imaging pipeline—lens, image sensor and GP2 processor—and packs them into a slim, well-ventilated enclosure that’s ready to fly.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
GoPro HERO10
GoPro HERO10

All-out speed and ultimate ease, now in the most powerful GoPro ever. Powered by the revolutionary new GP2 processor, HERO10 Black shoots 5.3K video with double the frame rate, 23MP photos, enhanced low-light performance and game-changing HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization in all modes.

- All-new GP2 processor makes this the most powerful GoPro ever

- Unreal 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 video resolution + 23 megapixel photos

- Advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilisation

- Waterproof to 33ft + built tough

- Automatically upload footage to the cloud when charging

- TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo + tons of other features to nail any shot

- Compatible with Quik app

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Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

The 6K Pro Cinema Camera from Blackmagic still packs the large 6144 x 3456 Super 35mm Sensor; to capture high-quality cinematic video footage and shallower depths of field.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Zenmuse X7
DJI Zenmuse X7

The X7 is a compact Super 35 camera with 14 stops of dynamic range and 6K DNG and 5.2K Apple ProRes.

Lenses available:

- DL-S 16mm F2.8 ND ASPH

- DL-S 24mm F2.8 LS ASPH

- DL-S 35mm F2.8 LS ASPH 

- DL-S 50mm F2.8 LS ASPH 

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Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Zenmuse P1
DJI Zenmuse P1

The Zenmuse P1 integrates a full-frame sensor with interchangeable fixed-focus lenses on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal. Designed for photogrammetry flight missions, it takes efficiency and accuracy to a whole new level.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Zenmuse H20T
DJI Zenmuse H20T

Capture everything. Up close or from a distance. In true living color or thermal. An integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) measures the distance to an object at up to 1200 m away. A powerful, integrated payload that unleashes advanced intelligent capabilities for DJI’s industrial drone platforms.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Zenmus XT2
DJI Zenmus XT2

Pairing the FLIR Tau 2 thermal sensor and 4K visual camera withDJI’s leading stabilisation and machine intelligence technology, the XT2 quickly transforms aerial data into powerful insights.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Zenmuse Z30
DJI Zenmuse Z30

The first integrated aerial camera with an optical zoom up to 30x and digital up to 6x, the Zenmuse Z30 offers unparalleled image data capture.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Riegl VUX-1UAV
Riegl VUX-1UAV

The RIEGL VUX-1UAV is a very lightweight and compact laser scanner, meeting the challenges of emerging survey solutions by UAS/UAV/RPAS both in measurement performance as well as in system integration. The entire data set of an acquisition campaign is stored onto an internal 1 TByte SSD and/or provided as real-time line scan data via the integrated LAN-TCP/IP interface.


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Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Riegl MiniVux
Riegl MiniVux

The RIEGL miniVUX-1UAV is an extremely lightweight airborne laser scanner, designed specifically for integration with UAS/UAV/RPAS.

Camera specifications
NEW
COMING SOON

Our gimbals

Freefly MoVI Pro
Freefly MoVI Pro

A lightweight, portable system that offers industry leading performance, flexibility, and ease of use.

Gimbal specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Ronin 2
DJI Ronin 2

A professional 3-axis stabilisation system, built to excel in high-stress environments.

Gimbal specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
DJI Ronin RS3
DJI Ronin RS3

Create stunning and smooth video footage with the latest DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer. The DJI RS 3 Pro is an advanced, comprehensive camera expansion platform that empowers videographers and provides coordinated shooting solutions to solo video creators as well as independent crews.

- Combo Includes Phone Holder, Focus Motor

- Multiple Camera Control Cables

- Advanced 1.8" OLED Touchscreen

- Instant Mode Switching, Auto-Lock Axes

- Supports Wireless Transmitter, LiDAR

- Wireless Shutter Control, SuperSmooth

- Fine-Tuning Knob on Tilt Axis

- ActiveTrack Pro, DJI SDK Support

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Gimbal specifications
NEW
COMING SOON
Darkwing Aerials pilot catching drone for landingDarkwing Aerials drone pilots Dean Engela and Olli Lane with clients on film setOlli Lane and Tim Ferreira drone pilots for Darkwing AerialsDarkwing Aerials FPV pilot flying FPV drone with headset onDarkwing Aerials Alta 8 flying on film setDarkwing Aerials FPV drone pilots flying with headsets onDarkwing Aerials drone pilot flyingDarkwing Aerials drone pilots and film crew on helicopter for Mission ImpossibleDarkwing Aerials FPV droneDean Engela and Olli Lane drone pilots for Darkwing Aerials

ABOUT DARKWING AERIALS

Your eyes in the sky, and your team on the ground.

Darkwing Aerials was founded in 2012 as one of the first fully licensed UAV companies in South Africa. With extensive aerial cinematography and film experience with several local and international productions, Darkwing quickly became a favourite in the industry. In 2015, Darkwing added to their service offering by introducing a focus on the main industrial sectors.

With a combination of film and industrial inspection experience, Darkwing has evolved into one of the leading UAV companies with an extensive service offering.

Darkwing is able to provide bespoke drone solutions which encompass our varied and extensive service offering, and are specifically tailored to our clients’ needs.

The Darkwing team

Dean Engela
Dean Engela
CEO & Founder
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Darkwing Aerials was founded by Dean Engela in 2012 through his passion for film and the desire to bring a different perspective to the viewer. His combination of on-set and cinematography experience has led to a collaboration of multi-axial shots that have been made possible through the use of a drones.

Ceil Reyneke Gregg
Ceil Reyneke Gregg
Head of Production
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Thomas McLeod
Thomas McLeod
QAQC & HSE Manager
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Tom has been with the Darkwing team since 2012. He is behind the various permissions that Darkwing has secured over the years, giving our team the cutting edge when it comes to flying in unexplored locations.

Oliver Lane
Oliver Lane
FPV & Drone Pilot
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Oli is a permanent FPV and drone pilot on the Darkwing team. With a start in FPV, his drone control skills are sought after by clients – and envied by fellow pilots.

Robin 'Gumby' Moulang
Robin 'Gumby' Moulang
Drone Pilot and Camera Operator
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Timothee Ferreira
Timothee Ferreira
FPV & Drone Pilot
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Timmi is our FPV pilot & cinematographer who is known for being passionate & puts massive effort into every project he takes on. Timmi has a high-spirited demeanor and adapts to whatever is required of him.

He keeps his head up and his heart humble.

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Andrew van Niekerk
Andrew van Niekerk
Drone Pilot
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Dale Staples
Dale Staples
Drone Pilot and Camera Operator
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Mike Everard
Mike Everard
Drone Pilot and Camera Operator
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Wesley Green
Wesley Green
Drone Pilot and Camera Operator
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Andre Eksteen
Andre Eksteen
Drone Pilot and Camera Operator
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Get the shot you want

Fast, strong, big, and small – our suite of drones cater for any production requirements.

Alta X drone
Inspire drone
Alta X drone
FPV done
View all gear

Let's work together

Contact us directly to discuss your shoot requirements and for more information on our licensed pilots and gear.

Dean Engela CEO and founder of Darkwing Aerials

Dean Engela

Founder & CEO
+27 83 678 2326dean@darkwingaerials.com
Darkwing Aerials Head of Production Ceil Reyneke Gregg

Ceil Reyneke Gregg

Head of Production
+27 82 757 7453ceil@darkwingaerials.com