What distance from the flare would you need from the helicopter?

This is all dependant on the aircraft used, the operator, and Pilot. Generally in the North Sea, we try and position the Helicopter 50m or closer to the flare, this will obviously depend on wind directions size of flame etc… The closer to the flare the photographer can get the more detail (and meaning) the photographs have. Our photographer says that in some cases they have positioned the aircraft 20-30 m from the flare – this is obviously down to the Pilot and conditions at the time of the fly-by. Our photographer is well accustomed to what is required, and is generally in radio contact with the pilot, directing him to the shots he would like.