About Solent Sky Services
Solent Sky Services is a multi-award-winning drone and aerial media company based in Portsmouth, run by husband and wife Mike and Sara Woods.
1000+
Projects Completed
3
Industry Awards
200+
Happy Clients
UK-wide
Coverage, plus overseas projects
Solent Sky Services began as a hobby and a dream: to build a tech business that uses drones to help people, businesses and cities. Our very first flight took place in a hotel room. SSS Direct Limited was founded on Halloween, 31 October 2016, and a year later to the day, on 31 October 2017, we moved from surveying into drones and creative media.
From there, a fascination with what drones can do, what it feels like to fly them well, and what you can create once a camera is in the air has driven everything we do, from testing new aircraft and building our own drones to chasing a shot nobody has tried before. Introducing clients to what drone technology can do for them is still one of the most exciting parts of the job, and we love growing with an industry that's progressing so fast.
Since 2017 that mix of technology, flying skill and creativity has taken us from building inspections to festivals, fashion launches, live TV, local authority work and projects with artists. Being based on the Solent, maritime has become our specialism, from Royal Navy documentaries to cruise ship arrivals, maiden calls and heavy lifts. Mike's 17 years as a property surveyor gives us a precise, safety-first way of working, and Sara's planning and permissions work lets us fly in places others can't.
We're still family-run. Mike leads the flying and production, Sara looks after our clients and runs project planning and permissions, and we bring in trusted freelance crew and apprentices as the team grows, so every project gets the same personal attention.
Working ports, moving vessels and naval bases are where we do some of our best work. Tides set the timetable, every flight needs the right permissions, and the shot often only happens once. We plan around all of it, from the air, on the quayside and on the water.
Managing Director, Chief Pilot, Self-Shooting Producer Director and Co-Owner
B.Sc. (Hons), 17 years as a property surveyor. Holds the CAA General VLOS Certificate (GVC) and A2 Certificate of Competency, as well as EASA A1/A3 and A2 certification, and leads every flight operation under our CAA PDRA01 Operational Authorisation. Shoots predominantly on RED cinema cameras.
Customer Relations, Project Co-ordinator and Co-Owner
Looks after every client from first enquiry to delivery, and handles the permissions, risk assessments and logistics that let us fly where others can't. Award recipient at the Inspirational Women's Awards 2024.
We're proud to have taken on two apprentices, both of whom successfully completed their courses with us. We've also run drone workshops on several occasions, helping people take their first steps into flying.
As we grow, we want to create more opportunities for people in Portsmouth to build careers in drones, filmmaking and media. If you're interested in an apprenticeship, work experience or a future workshop, we'd love to hear from you.
From working ports to film sets, we bring the same planning, permissions and creativity to every sector.
Some of our favourite work is with artists and cultural organisations. We regularly collaborate on Arts Council-funded projects and private commissions, filming live performances, installations and community work from angles that would otherwise be impossible, and giving artists and funders a lasting record of what was created. We're proud to support Portsmouth Creates by offering reduced rates on cultural projects, and to work closely with Portsmouth City Council on projects across the city. We're very grateful for the help and collaborations we receive as a business.
We're also part of Hampshire Cultural Trust's Culture Connects network.
Got an idea that needs a different perspective? Drones can be part of the artwork, not just the camera. Bring us your idea, however early, and we'll explore what's possible together - including how to build it into your funding bid.
Share your ideaCAA authorised
Specific category, PDRA01
£10m insured
Public liability
RAMS every job
Risk assessed
DBS checked
All crew
Royal Navy
Five years of documentaries
Award-winning
Three industry awards
In 2023 we won both Small Business of the Year and Overall Business of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Excellence Awards. In 2024, Sara was an award recipient at the Inspirational Women's Awards. In 2026 we also passed our CAA oversight audit with flying colours.
Maritime is our specialism - see our maritime work.
We've also worked with Channel 5, GB News and Burberry, and local authorities including Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport councils.
Pilot, camera operator and kit for your shoot, working alongside your production company, agency or broadcaster.
From planning, permissions, storyboarding and direction to filming in the air and on the ground with RED cinema cameras and professional lighting, then editing, colour grading, motion graphics and delivery. One team from start to finish.
We work under your brand for agencies and production companies, with confidentiality agreed upfront.
We're proud to be part of Portsmouth and the wider Solent. It's always a privilege to be involved in local projects, and we do our best to support our local business community wherever we can. Our documentary, A Different Perspective of Portsmouth, told the stories of key workers, business owners and residents through the Covid-19 pandemic.
We've supported Portsmouth Hospitals Charity's Walk for Wards with photography and film every year since 2017, and we've worked with The Elizabeth Foundation, the Portsmouth-based charity supporting deaf babies and pre-school children, and their families, across the South of England.
Our Facebook page has always been about showcasing the local area rather than our commissioned work, sharing the views, events and moments that make the Solent special. Follow us on Facebook to see more.
These principles guide everything we do at Solent Sky Services.
We never settle for 'good enough'. Every frame, every shot, every project receives our absolute best.
We work alongside our clients as creative partners, and have fun along the way.
We constantly push boundaries with new techniques, equipment, and creative approaches.
Every flight is planned, risk assessed and flown under our CAA Operational Authorisation (PDRA01) in the Specific category. If it isn't safe, we don't fly.
Tell us what you need, and we'll come back within 24 hours.
Discuss your project