Filming near major national facilities, security-sensitive military sites, and some government buildings may require approval from the relevant authority. Whether approval is needed depends on the specific location and subject, so it's essential to check before filming.
When approval is commonly required
It's not limited to obviously sensitive areas — depending on the angle or what else appears in frame (e.g. a restricted facility visible in the background), approval can be required even at locations that otherwise seem fine. If you're filming somewhere for the first time, check in advance.
Application process and timing
Applications generally involve submitting a form and going through a review period, so it's best to apply well ahead of your planned shoot date rather than close to it. You'll typically need to include the filming purpose, location, date/time, and aircraft details.
If the process feels complicated, working with a filming company experienced in this kind of approval is a good option — they'll already know the required documents and typical turnaround, making the process much smoother.
