TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Climbing legend Alex Honnold will attempt a free solo climb of Taipei 101 (台北101) on Saturday (Jan. 24), in a globally anticipated event that will require complex aerial photography coordination. Drone operations around the 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper demand dual approval from the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC, 中央災害應變中心) and the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA, 民航局), experts said. The climb will be live-streamed worldwide.
Drone photographer Kevin Cheng (鄭泰然), with four to five years of experience, outlined the challenges of aerial filming in Taipei. He said applications to the CAA must be submitted 15 to 30 days in advance. He recommended drone operators visit Taipei's airport control tower and schedule drone operations during gaps between aircraft movements. Cheng is not involved in Honnold's live-stream production.
Flight density after 10 a.m. often limits drone operations to five-minute windows within two- to three-hour periods, Cheng said. Taiwan's numerous airports near urban areas, combined with Taipei's high flight frequency, create significant coordination challenges for professional aerial photographers. Tall buildings throughout the city center frequently disrupt drone signals, further complicating aerial missions and requiring precise timing.
Professional drones capable of capturing 8K resolution footage cost approximately NT$600,000 (around US$19,000), Cheng said, noting that only 20 to 30 such specialized units exist across Taiwan. These high-end aircraft are typically reserved for large commercial advertising projects or major film productions, reflecting their exceptional value and the precision requirements demanded by professional aerial cinematography operations.
Honnold's free solo climb of Taipei 101 has drawn global attention, placing immense pressure on teams responsible for delivering technical aerial footage of the historic attempt. The event marks one of the most technically challenging live-stream productions ever attempted in Taiwan's capital city, requiring unprecedented coordination between aviation authorities and media professionals. ◼