The place: Near Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL), Asheville, NC
The aircraft: Piper Aztec
The memory: While I would have preferred a clearer view of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC on the way back north from a family vacation in South Carolina, the obscured view east toward Mt. Mitchell illustrates the dangers that can lurk in mountainous areas. This was an IFR trip for sure and routing and altitudes should always be carefully selected so you can enjoy the sights from a safe vantage point.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your first solo, checkride or other special moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05170959/IMG_0552.jpg15372049studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-06-05 09:53:032021-06-08 19:22:46Friday photo: danger lurking behind the clouds
On occasion, there may be a need to contact a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility by phone. For IFR pilots, it’s a convenient method for obtaining or canceling an IFR clearance if a direct radio frequency is not available. For VFR pilots, you may want to check on a good time of day for a VFR arrival.
While FAA has a published TRACON numbers for many years as part of a modernization effort, it’s not always easy to quickly locate a facility’s contact information. It’s always good practice to check airport listings in the chart supplement for a clearance delivery phone number, but Student Pilot News has also published this directory as a reference tool. The directory includes stand-alone TRACONs and those co-located with Control Towers.
We live and breath acronyms in aviation. Accept it or else. Two more that you may not be all that familiar with are “TSO”, Technical Standard Order, and “STC”, Supplemental Type Certificate.
TSO vs STC
When looking at approvals for aviation equipment, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but are not the same. By definition, an STC is something that affects the type certificate of the aircraft. A type certificate is approved and issued the the FAA when an aircraft is manufactured and confirms that the aircraft is manufactured according to an approved design and complies with airworthiness standards. The type certificate is very prescriptive and dictates everything related to the design and build.
To alter the the type certificate for the aircraft, one would need to apply for, and receive approval of, a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). For example, if you want to replace the navigational lights or seat belts on your aircraft, the replacement lights and belts would need to have an STC issued for your specific type of aircraft. The new equipment manufacturer would manage this process and advertise the replacement as compatible with your model. Keep in mind, lights that are STC’d for a Boeing 737, aren’t normally STC’d for a Cessna 172.
A TSO, on the other hand, is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliances to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization. Receiving a TSO authorization is not an approval to install and use the article in the aircraft. It only means that the article meets the specific TSO. There are different TSOs for different parts of the aircraft. The TSO for life vests is of course different than the TSO for headsets.
TSO for headsets
When evaluating the reams of data available on aviation headsets, you will inevitably encounter models that use TSO – the FAA’s term for indicating it is approved for use on an airplane.
This might strike you as odd. Why would a portable headset fall under the scrutiny of the FAA? After all, neither your flight bag nor your flashlight needs an FAA approval. Why would any gear that is not permanently attached to the aircraft need TSO?
The answer for most pilots is that it doesn’t matter. Operating under FAR Part 91, general aviation flying, there is no requirement as to what type of headset is used in the cockpit. The FAA comes into play when you look at, or transition, to airline flying (Part 121 air carrier certification). All airlines are required to comply with more stringent FAA regulations. The standards are provided to the airline in the form of Operations Specifications or “OpSpecs” and can require, as part of the communication equipment, for a headset to meet TSO standards.
These standards, and how they are applied, may vary depending on the airline. I’ve heard reports of airline policies requiring a TSO’d headset to be available in the cockpit, yet pilots have the option to use their personal headset instead of the issued headset or headset that was delivered with the aircraft. Other policies might specifically require the use of a TSO’d headset for communication. If you’re worried about violating a company policy, check with your chief pilot prior to purchasing a non-TSO’d headset.
If you’re a new flight student and are looking to transition to the airlines someday, it might be worth considering the TSO’d headset options. Keep in mind that most pilots take years from the time they start, to the time they make it to an airline, and during that time, may transition through several headsets. However, headsets do represent a sizable investment.
What makes a Headset TSO’d?
Why buy a TSO’d headset if you don’t have to? Is there a benefit to having a headset that has the FAA’s stamp of approval? What does a manufacturer of headsets have to do to get the approval? Is this like the “FAA-approved” alternator that can be found for 80% less at the local automotive store?
Not exactly. The FAA won’t grant a TSO to just any headset. There is a long list of requirements that must be met prior to the granting of that designation. Some of it is crossing t’s and dotting i’s, but the testing procedure is pretty intense. It includes:
Mechanical durability evaluated through the tests such as drop, vibration, cable/connector pull and bending, etc.
Environmental robustness evaluated through the exposure of high/low temperature, humidity, fluid, altitude, decompression, electrostatic discharge, flame, etc.
Electroacoustic performance evaluated through various parameters such as sensitivity, frequency response, distortion, and noise for both microphone and speaker, ANR, etc.
RF immunity tested in terms of susceptibility to RF signals including lightning, voltage spikes, etc.
In addition to physical testing, a headset manufacturer must convince the FAA that it plans to service and support the headset for many years to come. Clearly-labeled parts that are replaceable, FAA inspections of the manufacturing facility, alerting the FAA to changes to parts, quality testing—the sheer volume of paperwork involved in getting a TSO and maintaining the TSO is extensive. It’s no wonder that only a few manufacturers complete the TSO process.
If you are occupying the left seat on a major airline flying heavy iron across the pond, you’ll probably need a TSO’d headset. If you’re going to be in a single-engine bug smasher for the next four years, you probably don’t need to check the TSO box.
If you can’t sleep at night and want to check out the current TSO-C139, you can find the complete document here. Don’t forget the referenced 250+ page document, RTCA/DO-160E: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. I’d suggest reviewing the riveting chapter on salt fog testing, or maybe magnetic effect? It’s a real page-turner.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/05173937/Bose-ProFlight-in-cockpit-with-pilots.jpg533800studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-06-01 11:01:572021-06-08 19:22:46More acronyms…what’s an STC and TSO?
Short and soft field operations might seem academic when you’re learning in a Skyhawk on a 6,000 foot long runway. But for some pilots these types of landings are just part of the job. Fly along with two professional bush pilots in this video, as they take their Kodiak into a remote mountain runway. On speed and on glide path is the only way to fly here.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05171007/Screen-Shot-2020-05-22-at-2.35.43-PM.png451801studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-05-29 08:51:182021-06-08 19:22:46Video: landing on a mountain runway in Papua New Guinea
Whether you like it or not, cameras are an integral part of our lives in 2020. They’re on our phones and iPads, in our front porch doorbells and on the trunk of our cars. The purpose varies greatly with each application, from capturing the fun times out with friends to security monitoring at your home and office.
GoPros are a great way to record training flights.
Some of the most memorable experiences in a pilot’s life occur in the cockpit of an airplane, so it only makes sense to bring a camera along to capture the sights and sounds on your flights. From your first solo, to landing at your favorite vacation spot with family, or capturing the approach lights as you break out from an instrument approach to minimums, you’ll find there are nearly endless reasons to bring a camera along on your flights.
The easiest and most cost-effective method is to use the video camera built into your iPhone or iPad. While this is a convenient option to record short clips of a unique cloud formation or passing traffic, it’s not very practical for extended use in the cockpit for a variety of reasons:
It requires pilot attention (a.k.a distraction) to hold the camera, frame the shot, start/stop the camera – not ideal for high-workload times
Videos shot on the iPhone take up a lot of storage space, which is at a premium for many users on their mobile devices
Quality and stabilization on mobile phones is subpar compared to the latest action cameras
For those reasons, many pilots choose to go with a small, dedicated camera, like a GoPro. I’ve used many action cameras over the years, from Sony, DJI, Garmin and others. My opinion on “what’s best” has fluctuated many times over the last ten years as each manufacturer developed new technologies and released better and better cameras.
To give a little context, GoPro has been around since 2002 and has developed many iterations of action cameras in the 18 years since. The first few models were well-accepted by sports enthusiasts because they were easy to use and made video recording easy for just about anyone. It didn’t take long for other companies to join in and develop similar action camera models, many with better features and superior video quality over GoPro.
The GoPro HERO 8 is the best action camera we’ve ever flown with.
During this period I preferred to use cameras from Garmin and Sony, as their recording quality was superior to the mid-generation GoPros. Fast forward to today though, and the GoPro 8 is back in the lead, with better-than-ever features, mobile app integration, and the best 4K picture quality on the market.
I’ve used every GoPro model since the HERO2 in 2011, and it’s been fun to watch the evolution of the product. I’ve used the HERO8 extensively in a wide variety of aircraft while producing aviation training videos for Sporty’s Pilot Shop, from a Cessna 172 and Extra 300 to Cessna Citations and Airbus helicopters. I’ve also put it through its paces in some extreme environments, including skiing and dogsledding in the mountains of Montana and wakeboarding on the lakes of Tennessee. Unlike earlier models, the HERO8 is nearly indestructible and delivers reliable performance every time.
On the aviation side, the 4K video is so balanced and sharp that it blends right in with the footage shot on our Sony 4K production camera. And best of all, the HERO8 includes an upgraded hypersmooth feature to help you achieve stable, vibration-free shots in the airplane.
Getting started
Flying with a GoPro means different things to different people and usage will vary greatly among pilots. One thing hasn’t changed though – ease of use. Once you secure the camera in your preferred spot in the cockpit (or outside on the wing or fuselage), there’s literally nothing else to do besides press the record button. The camera automatically takes care of all the rest, so you can focus on flying and not get distracted with complicated camera controls.
For those looking for a simple answer on how to get going, here is a bare bones quickstart checklist:
Charge the battery for 2 hours before first use
Buy a memory card (the camera doesn’t come with one)
Of course there are many more customization options related to power, storage, mounting, video settings, audio recording, app integration and more for those who want to take their system further. Here’s a deep dive into all the options.
Battery considerations
Like previous-generation cameras, the HERO8 includes one battery with the kit. It will take about 2 hours to charge an empty battery, so factor in this time before your first use (it’s ok to always leave it on the charger). To charge the battery, insert it into the camera by opening the side access door and then use the included USB-C charging cable with any standard USB wall or car charger (your iPhone or iPad charger will work if you don’t have an extra).
A backup battery pack is a valuable accessory.
You can expect to get about 1 hour and 15 minutes of recording time (+/- 15 minutes depending on your settings) on a full charge. To keep the camera recording for longer durations, you have several options:
Plug the camera into a USB charger or port in your airplane’s panel (make sure you get a longer USB-C cable to accommodate various mounting positions since the one that comes with the GoPro is pretty short)
You’ll notice something different about the appearance of the HERO8 battery – it’s blue on the end. While it has the exact same dimensions and capacity as the battery used in the HERO 5/6/7 models, it is designed to allow for a higher discharge rate to support reliable operations at 120 and 240 FPS with the hypersmooth feature enabled. You can use HERO 5/6/7 batteries in the HERO8, but you’ll see a warning message each time on power-up and will not be guaranteed reliable recording performance when using slow motion and hypersmooth.
Pro Tip: Buy the GoPro Dual Battery Charger – this includes a 2nd battery and convenient charger, allowing you to keep two batteries fully charged at all times and ready for your next flight.
MicroSD card
The standard GoPro 8 camera does not include a memory card, so you’ll need to buy one before you can use the camera. Like with all memory and storage, the price on MicroSD cards has never been cheaper, so this won’t be a big expense. To get technical, here are the specifications from GoPro when buying a memory card:
microSD, microSDHCTM, or microSDXCTM
Class 10 or higher UHS-I rating
Capacity up to 256GB
While you can still buy 16 and 32 GB cards, I’d recommend at least a 64GB MicroSD card when using the GoPro 8, which will give you about 2 hours of recording time at the max 4K recording resolution.
Pro Tip: Buy a card rated at U3 or higher with at least 128GB – these cards last forever, so the high-performance specs will help future-proof your purchase and meet the needs of more demanding cameras in the future.
Mounting
Camera mounting is one area where you’ll want to consider your aviation-specific needs and plan accordingly. The first consideration is to ask yourself – what do you want to shoot? When starting out most pilots want to capture the view out the front of the airplane, out the side window and back at them flying. Fortunately, all three angles can be set up with a single suction cup mount, which works very well on plastic windows. While GoPro makes its own suction cup mount, I prefer to use a model that allows for more security and flexibility, like the Robust GoPro Suction Cup Mount. If you prefer RAM mounts, consider the RAM GoPro Suction Mount. Both incorporate dual ball joints, allowing you to rotate and aim the camera in an infinite number of positions.
A suction cup mount is the most versatile mounting solution.
If your airplane has exposed support structures in the cockpit, consider using a clamp style mount. I also find the clamp mount useful in larger airplanes with strong glareshields, to shoot directly out the front.
As you gain confidence using the GoPro in the cockpit, you may want to consider external mounts to capture dynamic shots of the exterior of the airplane (yes, temporary mounts are legal in the eyes of FAA). There are so many variables here related to airplane configuration and preference that it’s tough to give a one-size-fits-all option like interior mounts, but here are popular mounting accessory options.
External Mount with ball joint – can be used anywhere you can find a #6, #8, #10 screw or AN4 bolt (I typically consult with an A&P when using this mount). For example on a Cessna 172, this mount is useful under the wingtip to capture the side profile of the airplane.
Strut mount – great option for high-wing Cessna airplanes
Tie Down Mount – easily secure the camera on the bottom of the airplane looking forward
Adhesive Mount – this is by the far easiest option if you own your airplane, but choose your location wisely and consider it a semi-permanent fixture. I’ve used this basic mount with Patty Wagstaff on the wing of her Extra 300 and it (and the camera) will stay securely in place through high-speed and high-G maneuvers.
Pro Tip: Once you purchase a suction cup mount (either the Robust or RAM type), you can easily add another attachment using the ball joint to switch to additional fixtures. I would suggest keeping both a suction cup and clamp mount in your flight bag for flexibility.
Using with GoPro app
The GoPro app is an easy way to control your camera.
You’ll want to download the free GoPro app for your iPhone, iPad or Android device when using the HERO8. Not only can you adjust all camera settings and preferences from the app, it’ll serve as a real-time viewfinder to help frame your shots. Like with the camera itself, this app has come a long way from the early versions and is very reliable now. You can also use it to manage your video files and make basic edits.
GoPro also significantly improved its computer software for editing your footage on either a Mac or PC, so make sure to download that free program as well.
Pro Tip: The one area where I’ve experienced some reliability issues with all GoPro models (including the HERO8) is starting and stopping the camera recording with the app. For this reason, I try to always use the physical start/stop button on the camera and make sure the beeps are set as loud as possible for aural feedback.
Camera settings
While the camera is completely automated when it comes to exposure, focus, etc, there are some settings you may want to tweak to further refine your shot:
Resolution – I prefer to shoot everything now at 4K resolution, to capture the most detail possible. You can, however, choose to record at a lower resolution if you choose. Why might you choose the 1080 resolution instead? It’ll allow you to capture twice as much footage compared to 4K on a memory card, and you’ll find the footage is easier to edit and work with if you don’t have a powerful computer.
FPS – this stands for Frames Per Second, and 30 frames per second is the standard value here for most video. Selecting 60, 120 or 240 is often referred to as slow motion, since it allows you to re-time the footage later for a slow-mo effect. While this is fun to use with action sports and other activities, I haven’t found much use for it in the cockpit.
Lens – At 4K resolution, you have the option to select Wide or Superview lens options. If I’m shooting out the window of the airplane, I typically go with the Wide option to prevent distortion at the edge of the frame. If shooting inside the cockpit, you may find the wider Superview option works better to keep everything in the shot.
Hypersmooth – I prefer to leave this setting on all the time, as it uses overscan and digital processing to remove even the harshest engine or turbulence-induced vibration. You will see the recorded video slowly bounce around the frame, but this adds to the realism. It’s worth experimenting with it off for a few shots to appreciate the difference it makes in the airplane.
Pro Tip: Set up presets for camera settings if you find yourself changing them frequently. For example, you might want to create a 4K wide lens preset for shooting out the front, and a separate 4K superview lens preset for shooting in the cockpit. This makes it easy to quickly switch in the airplane without having to reconfigure individual settings each time.
Cockpit audio
Recording cockpit audio can make your videos much more valuable for training.
Like previous models, the GoPro 8 includes an internal microphone to capture ambient audio. Many pilots prefer to tap into the intercom to record cockpit and ATC audio, to help tell a better story with their video. To do this, you’ll first need the appropriate audio adapter, which will connect your from the headset jack to the USB-C port on the camera:
Both of these adapters include a USB-C pass-through port, allowing you to still keep your camera charged while recording cockpit audio. There’s one thing different on the design HERO8 compared to previous models to make note of – the battery, MicroSD card slot and USB-C port are all behind the same protective door. While I haven’t had any issue recording with the door removed, there’s a possibility for the battery to become unseated in a high-vibration environment like an airplane.
To accommodate this, GoPro offers an optional Media Mod accessory which extends the USB-C port to an exterior location on the frame. It also includes a higher-quality direction microphone, HDMI port (for playback on a TV) and 3.5mm mic port for other audio recordings.
Pro Tip: The input/output settings in the Preferences menu provides fine control over audio input settings. You’ll want to do a test with your particular airplane audio panel to make sure it’s recording properly using the trial and error method with the various mic options. Read more here.
Prop filter
External mounts are another option for in-flight videos.
For years I’ve recommended using a prop filter with any action camera to reduce the distracting effects of propeller distortion when shooting out the front of the airplane. This was always a tradeoff, as it was designed to trick the camera into automatically adjusting the shutter speed, but the downside was often a darker shot with less detail, color, and added graininess.
With my experience using the HERO8 though, this is really no longer needed, thanks to improvements with the camera sensor. You may see a little propeller distortion compared to shooting with a higher-end camera, but in my opinion, the better picture quality achieved by not using it is worth tradeoff.
Should I upgrade?
There has never been a better time to invest in a camera for the cockpit, thanks to the advances in design, technology and 4K picture quality with the HERO8. If you currently use a GoPro HERO4 or older and actively use your camera in the cockpit, I would definitely consider upgrading to the latest model. You’ll be blown away with the improvement in picture quality, hypersmooth stabilization, and more reliable experience with the GoPro app.
The improvements from HERO5 to 6 to 7 were more incremental, introducing higher frame rates at high-resolution settings and continuous improvements to the stabilization feature. If you own a HERO5, I would still give a strong recommendation to upgrade to take advantage of the picture quality and stabilization improvements. HERO6 and 7 owners will see less of a difference but may find value in upgrading to take advantage of the new accessories supported when using the Media Mod attachment.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05170955/GoPro_on_Citation_front.jpg7501000studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-05-28 15:26:202021-06-08 19:22:46Pilot’s guide to flying with the GoPro Hero 8
The place: Near Richmond Municipal Airport (KRID), Richmond, IN
The aircraft: Piper Malibu Mirage
The memory: There’s nothing like breaking out on top after departing a cloudy Muncie, IN. After weeks away from the cockpit, I decided to mount my GoPro HERO 8 for a lasting memory and was able to grab this cool shot above an overcast layer near Richmond, IN although it looks like it could be anywhere in the world.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Friday photo: danger lurking behind the clouds
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: danger lurking behind the clouds
The place: Near Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL), Asheville, NC
The aircraft: Piper Aztec
The memory: While I would have preferred a clearer view of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC on the way back north from a family vacation in South Carolina, the obscured view east toward Mt. Mitchell illustrates the dangers that can lurk in mountainous areas. This was an IFR trip for sure and routing and altitudes should always be carefully selected so you can enjoy the sights from a safe vantage point.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your first solo, checkride or other special moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
TRACON Directory
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsWhile FAA has a published TRACON numbers for many years as part of a modernization effort, it’s not always easy to quickly locate a facility’s contact information. It’s always good practice to check airport listings in the chart supplement for a clearance delivery phone number, but Student Pilot News has also published this directory as a reference tool. The directory includes stand-alone TRACONs and those co-located with Control Towers.
Please submit updates or corrections to [email protected].
Download a PDF copy.
More acronyms…what’s an STC and TSO?
/in Pilot Gear, Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsWe live and breath acronyms in aviation. Accept it or else. Two more that you may not be all that familiar with are “TSO”, Technical Standard Order, and “STC”, Supplemental Type Certificate.
TSO vs STC
To alter the the type certificate for the aircraft, one would need to apply for, and receive approval of, a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). For example, if you want to replace the navigational lights or seat belts on your aircraft, the replacement lights and belts would need to have an STC issued for your specific type of aircraft. The new equipment manufacturer would manage this process and advertise the replacement as compatible with your model. Keep in mind, lights that are STC’d for a Boeing 737, aren’t normally STC’d for a Cessna 172.
A TSO, on the other hand, is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliances to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization. Receiving a TSO authorization is not an approval to install and use the article in the aircraft. It only means that the article meets the specific TSO. There are different TSOs for different parts of the aircraft. The TSO for life vests is of course different than the TSO for headsets.
TSO for headsets
This might strike you as odd. Why would a portable headset fall under the scrutiny of the FAA? After all, neither your flight bag nor your flashlight needs an FAA approval. Why would any gear that is not permanently attached to the aircraft need TSO?
The answer for most pilots is that it doesn’t matter. Operating under FAR Part 91, general aviation flying, there is no requirement as to what type of headset is used in the cockpit. The FAA comes into play when you look at, or transition, to airline flying (Part 121 air carrier certification). All airlines are required to comply with more stringent FAA regulations. The standards are provided to the airline in the form of Operations Specifications or “OpSpecs” and can require, as part of the communication equipment, for a headset to meet TSO standards.
These standards, and how they are applied, may vary depending on the airline. I’ve heard reports of airline policies requiring a TSO’d headset to be available in the cockpit, yet pilots have the option to use their personal headset instead of the issued headset or headset that was delivered with the aircraft. Other policies might specifically require the use of a TSO’d headset for communication. If you’re worried about violating a company policy, check with your chief pilot prior to purchasing a non-TSO’d headset.
If you’re a new flight student and are looking to transition to the airlines someday, it might be worth considering the TSO’d headset options. Keep in mind that most pilots take years from the time they start, to the time they make it to an airline, and during that time, may transition through several headsets. However, headsets do represent a sizable investment.
What makes a Headset TSO’d?
Why buy a TSO’d headset if you don’t have to? Is there a benefit to having a headset that has the FAA’s stamp of approval? What does a manufacturer of headsets have to do to get the approval? Is this like the “FAA-approved” alternator that can be found for 80% less at the local automotive store?
Not exactly. The FAA won’t grant a TSO to just any headset. There is a long list of requirements that must be met prior to the granting of that designation. Some of it is crossing t’s and dotting i’s, but the testing procedure is pretty intense. It includes:
In addition to physical testing, a headset manufacturer must convince the FAA that it plans to service and support the headset for many years to come. Clearly-labeled parts that are replaceable, FAA inspections of the manufacturing facility, alerting the FAA to changes to parts, quality testing—the sheer volume of paperwork involved in getting a TSO and maintaining the TSO is extensive. It’s no wonder that only a few manufacturers complete the TSO process.
If you are occupying the left seat on a major airline flying heavy iron across the pond, you’ll probably need a TSO’d headset. If you’re going to be in a single-engine bug smasher for the next four years, you probably don’t need to check the TSO box.
If you can’t sleep at night and want to check out the current TSO-C139, you can find the complete document here. Don’t forget the referenced 250+ page document, RTCA/DO-160E: Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. I’d suggest reviewing the riveting chapter on salt fog testing, or maybe magnetic effect? It’s a real page-turner.
Video: landing on a mountain runway in Papua New Guinea
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsShort and soft field operations might seem academic when you’re learning in a Skyhawk on a 6,000 foot long runway. But for some pilots these types of landings are just part of the job. Fly along with two professional bush pilots in this video, as they take their Kodiak into a remote mountain runway. On speed and on glide path is the only way to fly here.
Video courtesy of Missionary Bush Pilot.
Pilot’s guide to flying with the GoPro Hero 8
/in Pilot Gear/by studentpltnewsWhether you like it or not, cameras are an integral part of our lives in 2020. They’re on our phones and iPads, in our front porch doorbells and on the trunk of our cars. The purpose varies greatly with each application, from capturing the fun times out with friends to security monitoring at your home and office.
GoPros are a great way to record training flights.
Some of the most memorable experiences in a pilot’s life occur in the cockpit of an airplane, so it only makes sense to bring a camera along to capture the sights and sounds on your flights. From your first solo, to landing at your favorite vacation spot with family, or capturing the approach lights as you break out from an instrument approach to minimums, you’ll find there are nearly endless reasons to bring a camera along on your flights.
The easiest and most cost-effective method is to use the video camera built into your iPhone or iPad. While this is a convenient option to record short clips of a unique cloud formation or passing traffic, it’s not very practical for extended use in the cockpit for a variety of reasons:
For those reasons, many pilots choose to go with a small, dedicated camera, like a GoPro. I’ve used many action cameras over the years, from Sony, DJI, Garmin and others. My opinion on “what’s best” has fluctuated many times over the last ten years as each manufacturer developed new technologies and released better and better cameras.
To give a little context, GoPro has been around since 2002 and has developed many iterations of action cameras in the 18 years since. The first few models were well-accepted by sports enthusiasts because they were easy to use and made video recording easy for just about anyone. It didn’t take long for other companies to join in and develop similar action camera models, many with better features and superior video quality over GoPro.
The GoPro HERO 8 is the best action camera we’ve ever flown with.
During this period I preferred to use cameras from Garmin and Sony, as their recording quality was superior to the mid-generation GoPros. Fast forward to today though, and the GoPro 8 is back in the lead, with better-than-ever features, mobile app integration, and the best 4K picture quality on the market.
I’ve used every GoPro model since the HERO2 in 2011, and it’s been fun to watch the evolution of the product. I’ve used the HERO8 extensively in a wide variety of aircraft while producing aviation training videos for Sporty’s Pilot Shop, from a Cessna 172 and Extra 300 to Cessna Citations and Airbus helicopters. I’ve also put it through its paces in some extreme environments, including skiing and dogsledding in the mountains of Montana and wakeboarding on the lakes of Tennessee. Unlike earlier models, the HERO8 is nearly indestructible and delivers reliable performance every time.
On the aviation side, the 4K video is so balanced and sharp that it blends right in with the footage shot on our Sony 4K production camera. And best of all, the HERO8 includes an upgraded hypersmooth feature to help you achieve stable, vibration-free shots in the airplane.
Getting started
Flying with a GoPro means different things to different people and usage will vary greatly among pilots. One thing hasn’t changed though – ease of use. Once you secure the camera in your preferred spot in the cockpit (or outside on the wing or fuselage), there’s literally nothing else to do besides press the record button. The camera automatically takes care of all the rest, so you can focus on flying and not get distracted with complicated camera controls.
For those looking for a simple answer on how to get going, here is a bare bones quickstart checklist:
Of course there are many more customization options related to power, storage, mounting, video settings, audio recording, app integration and more for those who want to take their system further. Here’s a deep dive into all the options.
Battery considerations
Like previous-generation cameras, the HERO8 includes one battery with the kit. It will take about 2 hours to charge an empty battery, so factor in this time before your first use (it’s ok to always leave it on the charger). To charge the battery, insert it into the camera by opening the side access door and then use the included USB-C charging cable with any standard USB wall or car charger (your iPhone or iPad charger will work if you don’t have an extra).
A backup battery pack is a valuable accessory.
You can expect to get about 1 hour and 15 minutes of recording time (+/- 15 minutes depending on your settings) on a full charge. To keep the camera recording for longer durations, you have several options:
You’ll notice something different about the appearance of the HERO8 battery – it’s blue on the end. While it has the exact same dimensions and capacity as the battery used in the HERO 5/6/7 models, it is designed to allow for a higher discharge rate to support reliable operations at 120 and 240 FPS with the hypersmooth feature enabled. You can use HERO 5/6/7 batteries in the HERO8, but you’ll see a warning message each time on power-up and will not be guaranteed reliable recording performance when using slow motion and hypersmooth.
Pro Tip: Buy the GoPro Dual Battery Charger – this includes a 2nd battery and convenient charger, allowing you to keep two batteries fully charged at all times and ready for your next flight.
MicroSD card
The standard GoPro 8 camera does not include a memory card, so you’ll need to buy one before you can use the camera. Like with all memory and storage, the price on MicroSD cards has never been cheaper, so this won’t be a big expense. To get technical, here are the specifications from GoPro when buying a memory card:
While you can still buy 16 and 32 GB cards, I’d recommend at least a 64GB MicroSD card when using the GoPro 8, which will give you about 2 hours of recording time at the max 4K recording resolution.
Pro Tip: Buy a card rated at U3 or higher with at least 128GB – these cards last forever, so the high-performance specs will help future-proof your purchase and meet the needs of more demanding cameras in the future.
Mounting
Camera mounting is one area where you’ll want to consider your aviation-specific needs and plan accordingly. The first consideration is to ask yourself – what do you want to shoot? When starting out most pilots want to capture the view out the front of the airplane, out the side window and back at them flying. Fortunately, all three angles can be set up with a single suction cup mount, which works very well on plastic windows. While GoPro makes its own suction cup mount, I prefer to use a model that allows for more security and flexibility, like the Robust GoPro Suction Cup Mount. If you prefer RAM mounts, consider the RAM GoPro Suction Mount. Both incorporate dual ball joints, allowing you to rotate and aim the camera in an infinite number of positions.
A suction cup mount is the most versatile mounting solution.
If your airplane has exposed support structures in the cockpit, consider using a clamp style mount. I also find the clamp mount useful in larger airplanes with strong glareshields, to shoot directly out the front.
As you gain confidence using the GoPro in the cockpit, you may want to consider external mounts to capture dynamic shots of the exterior of the airplane (yes, temporary mounts are legal in the eyes of FAA). There are so many variables here related to airplane configuration and preference that it’s tough to give a one-size-fits-all option like interior mounts, but here are popular mounting accessory options.
External Mount with ball joint – can be used anywhere you can find a #6, #8, #10 screw or AN4 bolt (I typically consult with an A&P when using this mount). For example on a Cessna 172, this mount is useful under the wingtip to capture the side profile of the airplane.
Strut mount – great option for high-wing Cessna airplanes
Tie Down Mount – easily secure the camera on the bottom of the airplane looking forward
Adhesive Mount – this is by the far easiest option if you own your airplane, but choose your location wisely and consider it a semi-permanent fixture. I’ve used this basic mount with Patty Wagstaff on the wing of her Extra 300 and it (and the camera) will stay securely in place through high-speed and high-G maneuvers.
Pro Tip: Once you purchase a suction cup mount (either the Robust or RAM type), you can easily add another attachment using the ball joint to switch to additional fixtures. I would suggest keeping both a suction cup and clamp mount in your flight bag for flexibility.
Using with GoPro app
The GoPro app is an easy way to control your camera.
You’ll want to download the free GoPro app for your iPhone, iPad or Android device when using the HERO8. Not only can you adjust all camera settings and preferences from the app, it’ll serve as a real-time viewfinder to help frame your shots. Like with the camera itself, this app has come a long way from the early versions and is very reliable now. You can also use it to manage your video files and make basic edits.
GoPro also significantly improved its computer software for editing your footage on either a Mac or PC, so make sure to download that free program as well.
Pro Tip: The one area where I’ve experienced some reliability issues with all GoPro models (including the HERO8) is starting and stopping the camera recording with the app. For this reason, I try to always use the physical start/stop button on the camera and make sure the beeps are set as loud as possible for aural feedback.
Camera settings
While the camera is completely automated when it comes to exposure, focus, etc, there are some settings you may want to tweak to further refine your shot:
Pro Tip: Set up presets for camera settings if you find yourself changing them frequently. For example, you might want to create a 4K wide lens preset for shooting out the front, and a separate 4K superview lens preset for shooting in the cockpit. This makes it easy to quickly switch in the airplane without having to reconfigure individual settings each time.
Cockpit audio
Recording cockpit audio can make your videos much more valuable for training.
Like previous models, the GoPro 8 includes an internal microphone to capture ambient audio. Many pilots prefer to tap into the intercom to record cockpit and ATC audio, to help tell a better story with their video. To do this, you’ll first need the appropriate audio adapter, which will connect your from the headset jack to the USB-C port on the camera:
Both of these adapters include a USB-C pass-through port, allowing you to still keep your camera charged while recording cockpit audio. There’s one thing different on the design HERO8 compared to previous models to make note of – the battery, MicroSD card slot and USB-C port are all behind the same protective door. While I haven’t had any issue recording with the door removed, there’s a possibility for the battery to become unseated in a high-vibration environment like an airplane.
To accommodate this, GoPro offers an optional Media Mod accessory which extends the USB-C port to an exterior location on the frame. It also includes a higher-quality direction microphone, HDMI port (for playback on a TV) and 3.5mm mic port for other audio recordings.
Pro Tip: The input/output settings in the Preferences menu provides fine control over audio input settings. You’ll want to do a test with your particular airplane audio panel to make sure it’s recording properly using the trial and error method with the various mic options. Read more here.
Prop filter
External mounts are another option for in-flight videos.
For years I’ve recommended using a prop filter with any action camera to reduce the distracting effects of propeller distortion when shooting out the front of the airplane. This was always a tradeoff, as it was designed to trick the camera into automatically adjusting the shutter speed, but the downside was often a darker shot with less detail, color, and added graininess.
With my experience using the HERO8 though, this is really no longer needed, thanks to improvements with the camera sensor. You may see a little propeller distortion compared to shooting with a higher-end camera, but in my opinion, the better picture quality achieved by not using it is worth tradeoff.
Should I upgrade?
There has never been a better time to invest in a camera for the cockpit, thanks to the advances in design, technology and 4K picture quality with the HERO8. If you currently use a GoPro HERO4 or older and actively use your camera in the cockpit, I would definitely consider upgrading to the latest model. You’ll be blown away with the improvement in picture quality, hypersmooth stabilization, and more reliable experience with the GoPro app.
The improvements from HERO5 to 6 to 7 were more incremental, introducing higher frame rates at high-resolution settings and continuous improvements to the stabilization feature. If you own a HERO5, I would still give a strong recommendation to upgrade to take advantage of the picture quality and stabilization improvements. HERO6 and 7 owners will see less of a difference but may find value in upgrading to take advantage of the new accessories supported when using the Media Mod attachment.
See GoPro cameras at work in this aerobatic video from Patty Wagstaff
Shop all GoPro cameras and accessories
Friday photo: “clear above”
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: Breaking out on top
The pilot: anonymous
The place: Near Richmond Municipal Airport (KRID), Richmond, IN
The aircraft: Piper Malibu Mirage
The memory: There’s nothing like breaking out on top after departing a cloudy Muncie, IN. After weeks away from the cockpit, I decided to mount my GoPro HERO 8 for a lasting memory and was able to grab this cool shot above an overcast layer near Richmond, IN although it looks like it could be anywhere in the world.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]