Have you considered using a camera mounted on a R/C helicopter?

Rc helicopter flying over the heads of members of the public what could possible go wrong LOL.

I was at a camers show last year (focus at the NEC may be check who had a stand this year) where several companies where selling this sort of kit mainly aimed at people selling houses to provide aerial photographs of the property. but there where certainly cheaper alternatives which where literally a camera on an extendable pole with a remote switch. what sort of height would you need to reach with it. i would have thought it possible to even make something yourself. certainly there are companies that do sell the equipment.

Red