Here’s a philosophical question for the YouTube era: If a flight takes place without being recorded on video, did it really happen?
Action cameras can produce high-quality videos that allow us to share the flight experience widely, but pilots must take care to prevent them from blocking their view, interfering with flight controls, damaging airplanes, or becoming a hazard to people on the ground.
Two companies, MYGOFLIGHT and NFlight, make aviation-grade accessories designed for mounting action cameras inside the cockpit or on the airframe. As far as the cameras themselves, GoPro dominates the category for good reason: Internal stabilization (on GoPro 7s and newer) produces steady images despite airplane vibration. If you’re going to be shooting through the propeller arc, make sure to use a “neutral density” filter that slows shutter speeds and helps avoid prop distortion.
A couple other tips learned the hard way: Suction-cup mounts are wonderful inside the cockpit but not outside; plastic camera mounts can get brittle and break in cold weather; and 3M-brand sticky tape is more durable than cheap imitations.
Action cameras can be tremendously helpful for flight training, self-critiquing takeoffs and landings, and post-flight reviews. The best part of editing them yourself is that you can leave your wobbly approaches and bouncy landings on the cutting-room floor.
NFlightCam Propeller Filter
GoPro cameras make recording flights a breeze, but the cameras do have some shortcomings. One of those is propeller distortion caused by the camera’s digital sensor. NFlightCam created a neutral density filter (essentially sunglasses for the camera), which alleviates the distortion, creating a more normal looking image. The filters are sold in a two-pack—one filter for bright light, and another for standard light. A microfiber carrying bag protects the filters from scratches when not in use. Most GoPro models are supported, and a clip-on filter is available for smartphones. —CC (Image courtesy NFlightCam)
$59.99 | nflightcam.com
Insta360
360-degree cameras offer some spectacular views, and the Insta360 is no exception. The camera captures clear video and is easy to mount in various positions around the aircraft. Video recording can be started remotely from the app, so it’s easy to operate cameras from the cockpit. There’s a learning curve for editing on the phone and desktop apps, but once you get the hang of it you can create dynamic videos with sweeping pans and zooms that let you focus on exactly what you want to show. —Michelle Walker
$449.99 | insta360.com
Tentacle Sync TRACK E
If you shoot with multiple GoPros in your airplane, the Tentacle Sync TRACK E Pocket Audio Recorder is a worthwhile addition to your kit. It allows you to automatically sync all your cameras with video editing software. The device pairs to your phone, and the Tentacle Timebar app generates a QR code. Install GoPro Labs firmware on your camera, hold the QR code in front of the camera, and the GoPro will sync to timecode using the QR code. —Josh Cochran
$349 | tentaclesync.com
GoPro Enduro rechargeable battery
A standard GoPro 1,220mAh lithium-ion rechargeable Hero 9/10/11 battery usually has enough juice to document departing the pattern at the home ‘drome and little else. It almost certainly won’t have enough life left to capture fun, new, and different airfields—even with judicious Wi-Fi remote on-off capability. Since you can’t climb outside to change it, instead install a new, white-capped 1,720mAh GoPro Enduro lithium-ion battery before you go. Expect about a 40-percent battery-life improvement to help you save the day. —David Tulis
From $19.99 | gopro.com
NFlightCam’s Strut Clamp Camera Mount
Strutted, high-wing aircraft provide a convenient mounting platform for pilots using action cameras to make images for personal enjoyment, to share the experience with others, or to hone technique. Strut mount clamps incorporate an attached ball head for the camera platform and generally fall into three basic designs: adjustable bands, rigid metal strapping, or hook-and-loop fasteners. NFlightCam’s Strut Clamp Camera Mount allows action cameras to be attached and removed with the pull of an industrial-strength rubber strap-and-buckle sourced from the ski industry. With a few turns of Allen hex bolts, the aluminum clamp jaws are adjustable in width, accommodating anything from a Piper J–3 to a Cessna 208 Caravan. The design is elegant, simple, and stable. (Pro tip: Zip-tie the excess strap, don’t cut it off.) —DT
$149.99 | nflightcam.com
Pro Tip GoPro Remote
When you’re working with GoPros, battery life is a constant challenge with anything but short local flights. Fortunately, the GoPro app has improved over the years, and in my experience the newer GoPro models pair reliably to the app for turning exterior cameras on and off in flight. —Josh Cochran
$79.99 | gopro.com
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