The most frequently available type worldwide is Cessna, with a high
wing giving good downward visibility; generally economic; user
friendly; easy to remove door, although some pilots are initially
unwilling, and may suggest you film out of the window. In my opinion
this is inadequate and you should use your powers of persuasion to get
the door off - it'll be worth it if you are handholding the camera.
There are various different types of Cessna, which either have a
tricycle undercarriage with a nose wheel, or are traditional tail
draggers with a tail wheel. Of the tail wheel options, the Cessna 180
and 185 are good aircraft, powerful and with impressive short field
landing performances. Of the nose wheel models, my preference goes to a
Cessna 182 - it is probably the most manoeuvrable of the single engine
Cessnas; has plenty of room inside, and plenty of power to get you out
of trouble. The Cessna 172 is also good, but not as powerful, although
there are some French manufactured versions (Reims Rocket) with a more
powerful engine and variable pitch propeller. The Cessna 206 or 207 is
a larger aircraft. It is more expensive, somewhat underpowered and
heavy in manoeuvres, unless you are lucky to find one with a turbo
injected engine, but a great utility aircraft that is the choice for
many bush or missionary operations. The Cessna 150 or 152 have only two
seats, and therefore very cramped and lack engine power when fully
loaded. The Cessna 210 is a six place aircraft, and (except for early
models) has no wing strut. If you are looking for high altitude work,
the Pilatus Turbo Porter is an excellent aircraft, though expensive. It
has a high wing, like the Cessna, and a wide door from which to film.
