External camera mounts, '64 E model

[ElisiumNate]

Hey, friends! I recently got an Insta360 camera, and I'm considering one of these mounts that allows you to use any inspection plate that has screws between 2"-5" apart.  

I'm not totally sold on this idea, but if I were to do something like it, do you think that either of these two plates (shown with the yellow arrows) would be good to use for a mount? I want to ask and do my research before removing any screws.  

Mounting plate - https://flightflix.aero/collections/inspection-cover-wing-tip-surface/products/rock-steady-surface-standard-ball-mount

 

[Fly Boomer]

I wouldn't put anything on the upper surface, and I would want to know where the wing tanks are before removing screws from either of the covers you have identified -- you may create a fuel leak.  Further, I would want the camera to be out of the prop wash.

[N204TA]

Considering those are both fuel tank access panels, I wholeheartedly say no.

[EricJ]

As mentioned, both of those are access panels for the fuel tank, so the screws are sealed to prevent tank leaks.    All of the access panels on the top of the wings are fuel tank access and so will have sealed screws.   

[tony]

and putting something on top of the wing that act like a vortex generator might just change the way she flies and stalls

[00-Negative]

I use that same mount on the most outbound inspection plate under the wing.

 

-David

[Utah20Gflyer]

I concur with the others, choose an inspection panel that isn’t associated with the fuel tank.  

[Pinecone]

4 hours ago, tony said:

and putting something on top of the wing that act like a vortex generator WILL change the way she flies and stalls

FTFY.

[Pinecone]

Under what authority are people installing these cameras?

And is there a log book entry for each install and removal?

[N204TA]

1 hour ago, Pinecone said:

Under what authority are people installing these cameras?

And is there a log book entry for each install and removal?

I asked a similar question and an ASI told me if the install is temporary, the PIC makes the determination if it’s safe for flight.  If the install is permanent, it could be either a minor or major alteration depending on how and where the mount is attached.  He then said temporary vs permanent generally comes down to the question, “Do I need tools?”  Velcro, suction cups, zip ties, etc., would be temporary, screws, bolts, rivets, etc., would be permanent.

As the OP’s mount is attached by screws, I’d say a mechanic with an airframe rating would need to make a logbook entry every time the mount is installed or removed from the wing.

[Skates97]

I made this which just attaches to the tie down. Simple to put on and take off with the wing nut and has been rock solid. Instructions and parts on how to build it, about $12-15 worth of parts plus old GoPro mounts I had laying around.

https://intothesky.com/2022/09/24/cameras-mounts-and-cables/

[EricJ]

7 hours ago, Pinecone said:

Under what authority are people installing these cameras?

And is there a log book entry for each install and removal?

There's a 2014 memo saying that if they're temporary they're fine.    "Temporary" isn't defined.    The use of suction cups or other temporary methods are not considered a modification.    Lots of people use adhesive mounts that can be removed with fishing line.

The screw-on mount shown in this thread might be a little more subject to someone interpreting it as a "permanent mechanical attachment", but it's all arguable.   In general, the idea is that these don't seem to be something that the FAA is getting bothered about.    They do include the little caveat that if it falls off and causes a problem, it's a problem.

https://bruceair.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/faa-camera-memo.pdf

[ElisiumNate]

12 hours ago, 00-Negative said:

I use that same mount on the most outbound inspection plate under the wing.

 

-David

Would you be willing to show me which panel you're talking about? Maybe even a picture of how you've mounted it, temporarily of course. I presume there's a backing piece to avoid any damage to the paint? 

I would work through this with my local A&P so we will iron out the legalities but I appreciate the feedback, everyone. 

[00-Negative]

Glad to. I'll take a picture tomorrow. The mount you're referring to has a rubber gasket that sits between the mounting plate and the plane's inspection panel. It's a solid, low profile mount that I leave in place and just remove the camera. I'm not putting anything in the log book about a camera mount. I've moved the mount several times after flying and wanting different angles on the landing gear, nose, etc. I just use common sense when mounting the camera and go fly.  I've moved and altered my camera mounts so many times, my airplane log would look like a 5 year old's scrap book by now. Now, I was initially worried about the camera coming falling off d/t vibration or wind speed so I did make sure I took off with the memory clear of any identifying video and my first few flights were over wooded areas near the airport just to test it out. Now I'm confident in the security of my mounting process. 

I initially started videoing purely for the purpose of improving my landings. I could not feel how close I was to the ground. I wanted to view my landing gear, and my instrument panel, so I bought a few Ghost Drift cameras for a little over $100 each. Same camera that Skates uses. The wing tie-down ring is the easiest mount, but farther out gets a better picture of the plane's attitude. You can't see both main gear wheels from the wing.  The tail tie-down is perfect for viewing mains and nose gear touchdowns. The quality diminishes on the tail tie-down location d/t oil/exhaust residue buildup on the lens. After 1.5 flight hours, I can still easily see what I need to see, but the clarity is less than desired toward the end. 

Now, I want to capture the memories we're making with this airplane. I can't recreate the reactions I get from my wife and daughters when we fly to places. We're not a well-traveled family, so their reactions are priceless. What's going on inside the cockpit in relation to what's happening outside is what I need to capture. Sometimes it's just reaction to the scenery, other times it's reaction to ATC instruction or diverting around weather, or can't find the runway in the middle of a huge city and having to admit to tower that I still don't see the runway, or ATC saying Mooney, if you can keep your speed up and fly to the numbers I'll let you in 1st before the 3 students in the pattern. Sometimes it's hilarious, other times it's high-stress. The Insta360 is the best camera I have ever seen or used. It's expensive. I currently have only used my Insta360 inside the cockpit mounted on the windshield downtube. It drinks battery juice, so have it plugged in. I turn it on and forget about it. Really.  We land and I completely forget about it leaving it on recording an empty cockpit.  Because it is always recording 360deg, you get constant video of your front, left, and right sight picture and what's going on inside the cockpit. Also note that the Inst360 is only compatible with high speed SD cards which are more expensive. You should get several large storage SD cards. I'll probably add another for use outside the plane. All the rage now is to use a 360 cam on a boom extension to create a view that appears to be taken from another airplane flying alongside. I use FlightFix mounts and have several configurations. I find the most steady and low profile mount to be the one you're looking at: https://flightflix.aero/collections/exterior/products/rock-steady-surface-standard-ball-mount

I'll upload the picture of my mount on the inspection panel tomorrow. I've never used the Insta360 outside the plane. it's a heavier camera than the Ghost, but I'm sure it will remain solid if mounted correctly. 

There are 2 videos you should watch. Lookup Flying with Bruno on Youtube and he has recent video outlining how he makes his videos. His videos are very well done, are in good taste, and he is a like-able guy. 

A video of the Insta360 inside and outside the plane on a Mooney. It appears to be a couple of Insta360 cameras and he is mounted on a boom either from the wingtip or inspection plate: 

 

[Fly Boomer]

20 minutes ago, 00-Negative said:

Flying with Bruno on Youtube and he has recent video outlining how he makes his videos

Is this the one?

https://youtu.be/lT42wUdN7ro

[00-Negative]

13 minutes ago, Fly Boomer said:

Is this the one?

https://youtu.be/lT42wUdN7ro

That's it. 

[ElisiumNate]

3 hours ago, 00-Negative said:

Glad to. I'll take a picture tomorrow. The mount you're referring to has a rubber gasket that sits between the mounting plate and the plane's inspection panel. It's a solid, low profile mount that I leave in place and just remove the camera. I'm not putting anything in the log book about a camera mount. I've moved the mount several times after flying and wanting different angles on the landing gear, nose, etc. I just use common sense when mounting the camera and go fly.  I've moved and altered my camera mounts so many times, my airplane log would look like a 5 year old's scrap book by now. Now, I was initially worried about the camera coming falling off d/t vibration or wind speed so I did make sure I took off with the memory clear of any identifying video and my first few flights were over wooded areas near the airport just to test it out. Now I'm confident in the security of my mounting process. 

I initially started videoing purely for the purpose of improving my landings. I could not feel how close I was to the ground. I wanted to view my landing gear, and my instrument panel, so I bought a few Ghost Drift cameras for a little over $100 each. Same camera that Skates uses. The wing tie-down ring is the easiest mount, but farther out gets a better picture of the plane's attitude. You can't see both main gear wheels from the wing.  The tail tie-down is perfect for viewing mains and nose gear touchdowns. The quality diminishes on the tail tie-down location d/t oil/exhaust residue buildup on the lens. After 1.5 flight hours, I can still easily see what I need to see, but the clarity is less than desired toward the end. 

Now, I want to capture the memories we're making with this airplane. I can't recreate the reactions I get from my wife and daughters when we fly to places. We're not a well-traveled family, so their reactions are priceless. What's going on inside the cockpit in relation to what's happening outside is what I need to capture. Sometimes it's just reaction to the scenery, other times it's reaction to ATC instruction or diverting around weather, or can't find the runway in the middle of a huge city and having to admit to tower that I still don't see the runway, or ATC saying Mooney, if you can keep your speed up and fly to the numbers I'll let you in 1st before the 3 students in the pattern. Sometimes it's hilarious, other times it's high-stress. The Insta360 is the best camera I have ever seen or used. It's expensive. I currently have only used my Insta360 inside the cockpit mounted on the windshield downtube. It drinks battery juice, so have it plugged in. I turn it on and forget about it. Really.  We land and I completely forget about it leaving it on recording an empty cockpit.  Because it is always recording 360deg, you get constant video of your front, left, and right sight picture and what's going on inside the cockpit. Also note that the Inst360 is only compatible with high speed SD cards which are more expensive. You should get several large storage SD cards. I'll probably add another for use outside the plane. All the rage now is to use a 360 cam on a boom extension to create a view that appears to be taken from another airplane flying alongside. I use FlightFix mounts and have several configurations. I find the most steady and low profile mount to be the one you're looking at: https://flightflix.aero/collections/exterior/products/rock-steady-surface-standard-ball-mount

I'll upload the picture of my mount on the inspection panel tomorrow. I've never used the Insta360 outside the plane. it's a heavier camera than the Ghost, but I'm sure it will remain solid if mounted correctly. 

There are 2 videos you should watch. Lookup Flying with Bruno on Youtube and he has recent video outlining how he makes his videos. His videos are very well done, are in good taste, and he is a like-able guy. 

A video of the Insta360 inside and outside the plane on a Mooney. It appears to be a couple of Insta360 cameras and he is mounted on a boom either from the wingtip or inspection plate: 

 

Outstanding info!! I’ve been filming my flying for a while, my channel is YouTube.com/av8nate and I’ve used the GoPro fusion for all of it. GoPro dropped the ball on 360 cams so I moved to insta360 and it’s been great. I capture the audio using a simple Sony recorder. I’ll check out the video you posted, the footage people are getting with those boom arms is completely amazing. 

[dkkim73]

10 hours ago, ElisiumNate said:

Outstanding info!! I’ve been filming my flying for a while, my channel is YouTube.com/av8nate and I’ve used the GoPro fusion for all of it. 

Just saw your intro "2 years" video. Nicely done, and with funny bits (isn't life just that way?). Reminds me of flying in MN.  Thanks to you and @00-Negative for all the details.