View Full Version : Putting DV Recorder in The Flight Deck
Hello,
The company I am attached with is looking at the possibility of using DV recorder in the flight deck to improve training standard. We are looking at using this tool to take video shots for approaches into airfields. It is hoped that by recording the approach (FMC setup, clearances, terrain, taxiing etc...) the newbies will have a better situational awareness when they undergo their training.
There are a few issues that have been brought to attention:
1) Safety of the third crew (cameraman) on the jump seat
2) Loose articles (eg DV recorder) during landing or emergency
3) What r the items to be recorded
I am quite sure there are airlines that have done this before. Would be interested to hear if there is any special procedure to comply with, the problems that were encountered and the end result...
Avroliner
2nd Jan 2004, 02:13
I find this idea quite strange. Flight simulators are the way to go I guess. Yet this depends on some factors
1. Does a simulator exist for your type of aircraft ?
2. Could you justify the use of such equipment when there are so many issues regarding interference with fight instruments?
3. Do you have a policy on who sits in jumpseat ?
Avroliner,
Appreciate your interest.
To answer your questions:
1. Does a simulator exist for your type of aircraft ?
Yes, we do have the simulator for the aircraft. However, the graphics aren't great. It also will not be able to show the complexities of radar vectors, ATC chatter and so forth.
2. Could you justify the use of such equipment when there are so many issues regarding interference with fight instruments?
This is one of the issues we want to be resolved. If interference is a problem, how does the others do it? I saw a Discovery documentary showing the pilots in the cockpit flying from Canada to Europe. There are also other issues we are looking at especially on how to make the equipment secure in the cockpit.
3. Do you have a policy on who sits in jumpseat
At this moment, there is no policy regarding that yet. Most probably we will put a pilot on the jumpseat to do the recording.
Rgds..
swish266
15th Jan 2004, 00:22
I guess you won't be able to buy it anymore inflight but Lauda Air was selling a flt deck video by Ole Nick himself a few years back.
DV on flt deck. Will come. Sooner or latter. If you ask me - the sooner the better. At least in a few cases that might shut the bloody laweyrs' mouths, when on the day after they blame all the **** on us.
It is not a technical issue, just a legal one. Soon we might even be able to watch last prayers on a hijacked Yank jet...
DSR10
15th Jan 2004, 00:36
Have a look at:
www.eyewitnessuk.co.uk
Click onto rentals - Extreme Sports & game shows - Aircraft
Look at cautions & warnings
West Coast
15th Jan 2004, 05:03
Ah hell, my mistake. I thought you said they were gonna put a DVD player on the flight deck. Tie that puppy in to the MFD's and those long flights would be nothing...
ICT_SLB
26th Jan 2004, 11:03
Beleive a similar requirement came up on the "Bone" a few years ago. A National Guard unit solved it by putting an ordinary Sony Mini-DV camcorder in the cockpit on a fixed mount (nothing to hold on to). They did not use a main power feed just the normal battery so as not to compromise aircraft systems or electrics.
cedarjet747
14th Feb 2004, 22:03
I can't imagine a problem with this - there are dozens of retail DVDs and videos with names like 'Flight In The Cockpit' which are multi camera shoots of flights. I've seen a couple and they tend to use at least four cameras, known as 'lipstick cameras' cos they're about the size of a lipstick, they come with very durable mounts and certainly don't require a camera man.
In fact there's a Martinair MD11 DVD which covers a flight from Amsterdam to Florida which is spread across two discs. My DVD of Once Upon A Time In America isn't this exhaustive.
I don't think these titles are made for professional use but I don't doubt there's plenty to learn from them; and if an airline were to start producing them for training it would be a very simple film to originate, as far as I can tell there are plenty of people already making them. Plus the airline could sell them for £30 a pop through the back pages of Airliner World! As long as they don't have dodgy sub-porno music soundtracks, as seems to be de rigeur for spotter flicks.
Cougar
17th Feb 2004, 06:09
We have done this and it is not a problem. However, having a cameraman in the jump seat is not the way to go IMHO.
We had one lipstick camera (small camera size of a lipstick container) mounted on the dash, and 2 other cameras mounted in the top right and left ceiling positions behind the pilots looking at each pilot. Also had it hooked up to a taping deck which was securely mounted near the rear door.
Actually made an interactive DVD for training purposes of checklists etc. Works well.
Hello,
Thanks everyone for the input. Sure appreciate it..
DSR10
Thanks for the link. However, because we are an airline in Southeast Asia, there will be some logistical issues hiring a European company to do the job.
Cougar
Am glad to read from somebody who actually has the experience. Would love to see the DVD. Can you please point me to the page where we can get the equipment?
Keep sending the messages please …