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Post by jonesy on Jun 27, 2016 18:58:50 GMT 12
Hi team, I'm seeking some advice from users of GoPro type cameras for in-cockpit filming. My boy is going for a flight in a PC-9 next week, is was a prize for getting Dux on his cadet W/O course over here at RAAF Pearce. He'd like to record it, and will obviously check with pilot etc when he's there pre-flight. My question is: what methods of mounting have you found successful? He's got most of the mounts, I'm hoping they'll have a helmet mount, but if not probably hand held on a stalk with a lanyard. I've googled it a bit, seems to be a fair bit of use for suction mount, but I'd be sceptical of it sticking on and probably a FOD hazard inside the cockpit.... I'm hoping he'll get good coverage of it, I'll be at work so can't be there to see him on the flight line.  Cheers! |
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Post by suthg on Jun 27, 2016 20:45:37 GMT 12
Only what I have read from a friend - to ensure the body of the camera is far enough away from cockpit hardware to ensure no vibration rubbing occurs.
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Post by baronbeeza on Jun 27, 2016 21:49:15 GMT 12
If it is not your machine then you kind of have to follow whatever the owner says. In this case I suspect the owner and operator will have a few procedures and protocols for this kind of thing.
With the Air Force the engineers own the aircraft and the operators 'borrow' it. Both parties will probably have a vested interest in ensuring there is no risk of damage to it.
I guess we could imagine there may be a perceived difference between professional photographers, squadron pilots and other assorted pax in the protocols.
Rather than wait until the day and then drop it on the unsuspecting pilot, I would ask the question well in advance. The engineering guys may prefer a mount to be used rather than risk scratching a transparency, or worse.
It won't be like filming from a pax seat in an airliner as I can't recall any flight I did in a training aircraft where we didn't go upside down and throw the thing about. You could be pulling 4 'G' so holding a camera with a level of control may take some effort also.
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Post by camtech on Jun 28, 2016 10:29:23 GMT 12
Agree with Baronbeeza. A reporter who was given a ride in our new Texan was not permitted to have his camera during the flight as it was considered a "loose object" and therefore possible FOD.
Check first to avoid disappointment.
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Post by Bruce on Jun 28, 2016 23:39:57 GMT 12
I agree with the responses above - have a detailed discussion with the pilot about it as far ahead of the flight as possible. Dont rely on suction mounts - air pressure differences and G forces can dislodge them. a headband mount may be the best (as used by Kermit Weeks for his "Kermie Cams") but it needs to be compatible with any helmet worn - especially if ejection seats are involved. Check ahead and be prepared for possible disappointment regarding camera policy.
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Post by baronbeeza on Jun 29, 2016 18:59:43 GMT 12
The lad is sure going to have a memorable flight and naturally he is going to have well earned bragging rights. The guys about will do all they can to assist with the filming but as I mentioned they will be bound by rules and procedures.
I have no idea what they could be but the guys will know how they are going to deal with it. Depending on the seniority of the pilot he may have the answer but it may also require engineering action. I would imagine the squadron would have a mount or some role equipment they would utilise. I very much doubt they would be interested in a youngster trying to hold a camera, certainly outside the direct view of the pilot.
The engineering staff will be used to such requests and may even automatically prepare the aircraft accordingly. Even if the camera can't be carried inflight they will film the preparation, take-off and landing etc wherever possible.
I am sure we are looking forward to sharing the experience here with him later in the week.
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Post by jonesy on Jun 29, 2016 21:41:56 GMT 12
Hey thanks guys for that info, a few commonsense items we hadn't considered. I think the ideal situation will be a helmet mounted cam, so not relying on grip strength etc to keep control of the unit. I'll leave it in his capable hands to listen to the pilot and do as he's told!
Think I'm more excited about it than the young fella is....
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Post by lesterpk on Jun 29, 2016 23:38:36 GMT 12
I think the helmet mounted cam wont be a go. The 55P really has no suitable areas to mount one once you take the visor up/down positions into account. Extra weight would be an ejection hazard to the neck and the size could scratch the canopy so also unlikely to be allowed due to that.
We sent some Navy pax up in Hawks a few weeks ago and the CO wasn't all that happy about one of them taking even a small hand held camera.
Fitting a mount anywhere inside the cockpit is likely to be considered a modification and require some serious approvals so also probably not a go, although there could already be one designed for a GoPro.
As others have said, get him to ask the question early on and have lots of options with him. Some sort of wrist/backup strap will be a must to avoid dropping it.
Guess you wont be coming down for a coffee then if you're off at work?
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Post by jonesy on Jun 30, 2016 22:55:23 GMT 12
Cheers, Les. Nah will have to put that coffee off again. The young fella will discuss options whilst kitting up, and if he cant film then so be it.
Regardless, will be an incredible experience for him!
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Post by Mustang51 on Jul 4, 2016 15:59:51 GMT 12
I know it may sound like a silly idea but what about emailing RAAF Base East Sale and trying to find out from one of the "Roulettes" pilots and asking the question. I think they also have a website so "Contact Us" may help there.
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Post by AussieBob on Jul 5, 2016 10:13:30 GMT 12
Jonesy,
Don't know if this PC-9 GoPro footage may give you a few clues - not RAAF.
GoPro HD : PC-9 By SP135 V.1
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Post by lesterpk on Jul 16, 2016 2:00:16 GMT 12
How did he get on? and are there photos?
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