Cameras in the Cockpit

I have used a camera (ContourHD and later a GoPro3white) for filming my aerobatic routines.
I see lots of things on film which I don't notice during the flight itself, because so much is happening. I'm getting way more from each tow when I use the camera.

From time to time the operating of the camera can be a distraction, in much the same way that other new gear can be. This is valid for both the mounting (suction cups failing) and operating the camera.
However, with proper preparation and the right mindset I believe you can operate them safely.

I often fly with a camera. I enjoy some of the footage but most is
unbelievably boring!!! If you intend to publish any of it, get good at
editing.

CAUTION: The camera itself is not the problem. Problems arise when the
pilot becomes cameraman / director in a film. There is a massive temptation
to do things which will look exciting to the viewer, which may not be
sensible from a flight safety point of view. The pictures may also become
evidence of breaking the Rules of the Air. e.g. low flying.

We had a fatal here in the UK when the pilot thought that flying closer to
a cameraman standing on a Land Rover would result in a better picture.

Use with discretion.

Jim

Recording glider flight video is great fun! Yes, safety is a worthwhile concern.

I try to set my cameras to be 99.9% "press record and forget." Once in awhile I will adjust the angle of my forward camera from recording "me" to recording "something interesting" to the side. But overall you do not want to spend much time paying attention to "aiming" the camera or changing batteries or SD cards. This is bad news. My other "over the shoulder" camera position faces forward and gets the panel usually and 60 degrees to each side. It is easy to interlace these 2 camera angles into a nice continuous multi-angle video with common video editing software such as Final Cut Pro which can time sync simultaneous video easily by using the sound.

Also be careful to run any wires carefully to ensure they are free of any flight controls. I run extended batteries and multiple cameras at times on ReplayXD cameras. This takes some planning. Each glider is quite different. Don't just run up to the glider and slap in in and go flying. Leave ample time to test angles and make sure the camera is free of control movements and not obstructing your vision.

7T