View Full Version : External cameras
Taxedtilldeath
22nd Aug 2014, 20:15
This may have been done till death but I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
In the UK, can you mount go-pro (or similar) externally to an aircraft, I.e. Wing strut on a c152?
Pilot DAR
22nd Aug 2014, 21:02
I'm not speaking for the UK regulations, but in Canada for comparison sake, sorta yes. If you know your way around the paperwork system, such a thing can be paperworked to be legit.
Get the owner's consent.
If you want to intrude least on a Cessna, "obtain" an extra wing inspection panel - a sympathetic maintainer would be a good person to start with. Mount the camera to that panel, and ASK if you can replace an existing wing inspection panel for your flight. Chances are an "okay" will be close at hand. The aircraft owner will be more interested in how the pilot will fly with a camera aboard.....
My greater concern is how the aircraft is flown with the pilot knowing there is a video camera attached. "Watch this" and airplanes do not mix well. Consider very carefully how the pilot will continue to fly responsibly, and not "amp it up" for the camera - that's where the trouble begins.
ChickenHouse
23rd Aug 2014, 19:48
Technically, you can - just screw it on the strut.
Legally, I don't know the UK privacy and video protection jurisdiction, but in many european countries they might put you in jail for it ("governmental surveillance prerogative").
Genghis the Engineer
23rd Aug 2014, 21:07
Legally - all sorts of problems and complications.
Practically - people do it all the time, but take care not to do anything daft like run cables in front of leading edges or (able to go) anywhere near a prop, or take pictures of anything likely to cause official concern such as military bases or nuclear power stations. It it falls off or damages the aeroplane, you're on your own, so make darned sure it doesn't.
The CofA or permit will probably be invalid, whether that concerns you is your problem, not mine!
G
worldpilot
23rd Aug 2014, 21:35
Obviously, the risks outweighs the benefits.:ugh:
It suffices to have cameras used or mounted internally without unnecessarily subjecting oneself to risks.
I use cameras all the time I go flying.
ZEoS0Bd955s
WP
ChickenHouse
24th Aug 2014, 03:10
Yes, people do it all the time and even publish many astonishing things on YouTube, BUT ... at least in Europe, with all the fuzz on dashcams in cars (forbidden in many countries and the first law suits came to public recently) and the emerging thread by camera drones, it can be expected that authorities will check these video tapings for obvious illegal actions in great style soon. It is a money machine to collect the fines connected to airspace violations and watching YT is such an easier way of surveillance ...
Fishtailed
24th Aug 2014, 22:34
Just bolt it on with big enough bolts.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/fishtailed/TURIN10151_zpsea1de590.jpg (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/fishtailed/media/TURIN10151_zpsea1de590.jpg.html)
rarelyathome
26th Aug 2014, 08:18
WP
Why oh why put a camera where it obscures your view out of the cockpit. I would far rather you were able to see and avoid if necessary than have a great film of the collision. :ugh:
rarelyathome
26th Aug 2014, 09:12
Do you mean who has mounted a camera obscuring the view?
Look at the vid WP has embedded. The device is there at the start of the vid, seems to be absent from other bits, but is certainly there when flying at min 2.30. Right in the middle of the coaming and taking up a big chunk of the view. Given that a conflicting aircraft will have no change in the relative bearing, he's unlikely to see an almost head-on conflictor. By all means mount a camera internally or on one's head as WP has done but please not where it obscures the view outside.
We have a responsibility to each other to SEE and be seen.
I hadn't watched the video, fair points raised.
I mounted mine internally a couple of weeks ago, some great shots but wish I had rotated it to the left some more.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/rsyodi/Flying/10551003_10152279207108364_765037902341183302_n_zps242dc996. jpg
worldpilot
26th Aug 2014, 13:25
Why oh why put a camera where it obscures your view out of the cockpitYour point makes sense but the camera position was not significantly impairing my view. Otherwise, it won't be there.
Anyway, I've decided to mount the cameras on the side windows.
We have a responsibility to each other to SEE and be seen.Absolutely correct and it is assured all the time.
WP