5+Tips For Doing Videos From Your Flights

Sitting in the cockpit might keep you busy with instruments and numbers. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the spectacular views or simply recording your travels for memories. That’s why many pilots are taking videos from their flights to catch all these moments. For beginners, capturing these shots might sound like rocket science. Don’t worry; keep in mind the tips below for Instagram-worthy in-flight videos!

5+ Tips For Doing Videos From Your Flights

Get Your Setup Ready

Before hitting the “Play” button, make sure you set up everything readily to avoid distractions during the flight. When you’re dealing with the instrument panel, you don’t want a dead camera battery or a full memory card to distract you. Here’s a checklist before takeoff:

• Plan in advance which angles you want to film your video from and attach all the mounts accordingly. Then, fit the cameras into them.
• Confirm that the camera(s) is fully charged and mounted securely. Before taking off, turn it on to see whether it still functions well and adjust the settings if needed. 
• Ensure you plug the audio cable into your camera/GoPro/recorder, into your headset and the audio output. 
• Check if your local regulations allow for recording videos from the cockpit.

Cameras For The Win

Cockpits are enclosed and small spaces, so the camera you use in studios or for landscape footage doesn’t work wonders for in-flight videos. Instead, you’ll need a wide-angle camera to capture every corner. The ideal camera should be compact and lightweight to fit into tight spaces without hassles, too. 

As vibrations are part of most flights, it’s best to look for a lens with image stabilization. This feature helps the camera stay focused when shaking. Of course, good image quality is also a must. A grainy or blurred video is the last thing you want.

An action camera ticks all these boxes. You can stick with a GoPro or whatever name of your choice.

Another thing to keep in mind is the camera settings since recording in-flight videos is a world different from filming a landscape:

• Resolution: A 2.7K resolution is a good starting point, delivering crisp images without adding up the file size. If you want to capture the scenery in greater detail, switch to 4K. This resolution is perfect for zooming and cropping without sacrificing the image quality. 
• Frame rate: The sweet spot for cockpit videos is 30 fps. When you want to record fast-moving scenery or quick maneuvers, 60 fps is the better choice.
• Field of view: A wide-angle view is the way to go.

Mount & Where To Mount

You can neither hold the camera the whole flight nor set up a tripod in the cockpit. That’s why a mount is indispensable for doing cockpit videos. There are several types of mounts, including clamp mounts, strut mounts, adhesive mounts, etc. 

However, the go-to option is the suction cup mounts, preferably with an arm for flexible angles. Installing them is a breeze, and they attach securely to the cockpit. Adhesive mounts are a great alternative, though they occasionally fall off, especially during vibrations. 

Camera mounts? Check! Now, where to put them? It depends on the purposes of your videos:

• If you’re filming for training, secure a mount overhead or behind you to record all your maneuvers and controls. 
• If you’re vlogging, consider installing a mount in the front so the camera will focus on what you’re doing. A secondary camera on the side is also recommended. 
• If you want to record the stunning scenery along the flight path, set up multiple camera mounts at different angles to capture all its beauty. Some recommended spots are the glare shield, instrument panel, side windows, etc.

One common question we often receive is whether you can mount your camera on the wing for exterior shots. The answer depends on your local regulations, so check with the authorities before installing your camera.

Record The Audio

Many action cameras are equipped with built-in microphones to record your audio along with the footage. But this function can’t capture intercom and ATC audio, which is transmitted through your headset.

This is when an NFlightCam cable comes in to connect all the audio sources. You have to attach this cable to your headset, the camera, and the aircraft socket. Now, the camera can record all the sounds in the cockpit.

What if your camera doesn’t come with an audio recording feature? Don’t sweat! Investing in a separate audio recorder will help. Similarly, you need to connect the recording device to your headset and the audio output in the instrument panel using a cable. Then, you’re good to go.

After recording, you’ll have to sync the audio to the video footage. This might require a bit of elbow grease in the editing step. But it’s still way better than ending up with a muted video.

Editing

A flight can take hours, and you can’t just upload the whole lengthy video on your website or social media account. It’s recommended to use a video cutter to trim off unnecessary footage, leaving only remarkable moments. 

Also, consider using an AI video editor to touch up your video. Adding text, transitions, background music, visual effects, sound effects, etc., can make it more engaging. You don’t need to be a pro editor, as these AI tools will take care of the heavy lifting in a matter of minutes.

Extra Tips

Below are some extra tips you should keep in mind for a seamless recording experience:

• Most action cameras have a short battery life, usually 45 minutes. So, make sure you carry some portable USB chargers to keep your cameras alive during the entire flight.
• Prepare some spare memory cards since high-definition footage will eat up the storage space really quickly.
• When using multiple cameras, sync the recordings based on a simultaneous sound event, like the master switch.
• Use tape to keep the audio cable in place and prevent it from losing connection during vibrations.