Radio communication announcing that a person, equipment, or item is currently en route to set – commonly used by ADs, PAs, and department heads to coordinate arrivals and prepare departments for incoming talent, props, or gear.
What is "Flying In"?
"Flying In" is a set radio term that signals a person, item, or equipment is currently en route to the current filming location. The term allows everyone to prepare for the upcoming arrival.
Usage
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Talent | "Talent flying in" |
| Equipment | "C-stand flying in" |
| Props | "Hero prop flying in" |
| Crew | "DP flying in" |
Typical Announcements
| Announcement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Flying in" | En route |
| "Actor flying in from trailer" | Actor en route from trailer |
| "Props flying in" | Props incoming |
| "Just left, flying in" | Just departed |
Who Uses It?
| Role | Reason |
|---|---|
| AD | Coordination |
| PA | Transportation communication |
| Department Heads | Informing the team |
| Drivers | Announcing arrival |
When Is It Used?
| Situation | Description |
|---|---|
| After "Standing by" | Requested and now en route |
| Proactive | Item/person on the way |
| Updates | Status communication |
| Delay | Communicating ETA |
Alternative Expressions
| Term | Nuance |
|---|---|
| "En route" | More formal |
| "On the way" | More colloquial |
| "Coming to set" | More direct |
| "Incoming" | Shorter |
Protocol
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Channel | Usually Channel 1 (Production) |
| Clarity | What/who is coming |
| ETA | Optional time to be stated |
| Confirmation | Expect "Copy" |
Reactions to "Flying In"
| Reaction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Copy" | Understood |
| "Copy that, standing by" | Ready to receive |
| "Let me know when arrived" | Update desired |
| "ETA?" | Time inquiry |
Workflow Example
| Step | Communication |
|---|---|
| 1. Request | "Props, can I get the hero watch to set?" |
| 2. Confirmation | "Copy, standby for hero watch" |
| 3. En Route | "Hero watch flying in" |
| 4. Arrival | "Hero watch on set" |
Cross-Departmental
| From | To | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Basecamp | Set | Talent flying in |
| Grip Truck | Set | Equipment flying in |
| Wardrobe | Set | Change flying in |
| Props | Set | Practical flying in |
Efficiency
| Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Team can get ready |
| Time Management | Parallel work |
| Expectation | No surprises |
| Flow | Smooth transitions |
Avoiding Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unclear what is coming | Specify |
| No ETA | Estimate time |
| Wrong channel | Use the correct one |
| No confirmation | Inquire |
Variations
| Variation | Context |
|---|---|
| "Flying in hot" | Moving quickly |
| "Flying in, 2 minutes" | With ETA |
| "Finally flying in" | After a delay |
| "Flying in from crafty" | With origin |
Professionalism
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Be precise | Be vague |
| Provide ETA | Leave waiting indefinitely |
| Give updates | Forget |
| Keep channel clear | Chat |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Communicate clearly | No misunderstandings |
| Estimate ETA | Enable planning |
| Confirm arrival | Close the loop |
| Address the right person | Efficiency |
Today
"Flying In" is an indispensable part of set communication. This simple phrase allows the entire team to work in sync and productively bridge waiting times – a small word with a big impact on workflow.
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