Max talks with Patrick Carter, the founder of NFlightCam, about his journey into the world of aviation video systems and the critical role they play in flight training, safety, and the aviation industry at large. Patrick’s passion for creating video solutions began nearly 20 years ago while he was running an aerobatic flight school, where he discovered firsthand the value of video debriefs in enhancing pilot training. Patrick has also offered a Promo code for Aviation News Talk listeners. To get 10% off all purchases from nflightcam.com, use the promo code: MAX
The Genesis of NflightCam
Patrick’s journey started during his time as a flight instructor teaching aerobatics in a Pitts S2B. He recounts a pivotal moment when a student struggled with performing loops, continually coming off heading. Despite verbal cues to “look at the wing,” the student insisted he was doing so, but his performance suggested otherwise. Using a rudimentary camera system he had rigged in the cockpit, Patrick captured the student’s perspective, revealing that the student was not looking where he thought he was. The video allowed the student to recognize his mistake, and he subsequently performed perfect loops on the next flight.
This experience highlighted to Patrick the immense value of video debriefs in flight training. Video allows students to review their performance in a stress-free environment, enabling them to process and learn from their mistakes more effectively than they could in the air. This realization spurred Patrick to develop a more sophisticated video system, which eventually led to the founding of NflightCam.
Transitioning from Instructor to Innovator
Patrick’s foray into developing video systems for aviation was catalyzed by the 2008 recession when he lost his primary job. Recognizing a demand for his custom camera systems, Patrick decided to start manufacturing and selling them. His goal was to promote the use of video in flight training and safety, rather than for entertainment or social media purposes. Patrick emphasizes that video in aviation should be a tool for learning and safety, not a distraction or a means to gain views online.
Safety Concerns with Aviation Video
Patrick discusses the potential safety issues related to videotaping flights, particularly the risk of cameras becoming distractions in the cockpit. He stresses that pilots should focus on flying and not “flying for the camera.” To mitigate distractions, Patrick’s systems are designed to be easy to set up and use, allowing pilots to focus on flying without worrying about camera operation.
He highlights that while video can be a valuable tool for debriefing and learning, it should never take precedence over safe flight operations. Patrick’s approach is to create a “set it and forget it” system, where the camera is mounted and activated before the flight, allowing the pilot to concentrate fully on the task of flying. He cautions against the dangerous trend of pilots performing risky maneuvers or stunts for the sake of getting footage for social media.
The FAA and Legal Considerations
Patrick explains the regulatory landscape surrounding the use of cameras on aircraft. In collaboration with the FAA, he helped establish guidelines that allow cameras to be mounted on aircraft as a minor alteration, provided they do not affect the aircraft’s structural integrity, aerodynamics, or weight and balance. This determination means that any A&P mechanic can legally install a camera on an aircraft with a simple logbook entry.
Patrick emphasizes the importance of mounting cameras in a way that avoids interference with control surfaces, engines, or propellers. NflightCam’s products are designed to be secure, robust, and safe for use on a wide range of aircraft. Their mounts are tested up to 250 knots indicated airspeed, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of flight without compromising safety.
Practical Advice for Using Cameras in Aviation
Patrick offers practical advice for pilots and instructors using cameras in aviation. He advocates for a conservative approach, particularly when flying in challenging conditions or unfamiliar environments. For content creation, he suggests allocating twice the usual amount of time for a flight to account for camera setup and takedown. However, for flight instruction, a single camera is often sufficient, and the setup should be simple and quick, taking no more than five minutes.
He discusses the various types of mounts available through NflightCam, designed to be versatile and adaptable to a wide range of aircraft. Whether using a suction cup, a tie-down mount, or a strut clamp, the goal is to provide a stable platform for capturing valuable footage without distracting the pilot.
The Importance of Prioritizing Safety
Throughout the interview, Patrick reiterates the importance of prioritizing safety over capturing video. He recalls instances where he has had to stop filming mid-flight because the cameras were becoming a distraction, both for him as the instructor and for the student. He advises pilots to be mindful of when it is appropriate to film and when it is better to focus solely on flying.
In conclusion, Patrick Carter’s insights underscore the value of video in aviation for training and safety while also highlighting the potential risks if not used appropriately. NflightCam’s mission is to make video a seamless and safe part of aviation, ensuring that pilots can benefit from the technology without compromising their primary responsibility: flying safely.
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