A Bird’s Eye View: Essential GoPro Accessories for Pilots and Aviators

Video quality in smartphones has substantially improved over the years, rivalling much of the pro gear. But outside of ordinary use, phones will struggle in more demanding settings, risking falls, cracked screens and hundreds of dollars for repairs. GoPro has recognised the need for cameras used in active lifestyles, and those that will survive when pushed hard. Its current crop of Hero cameras boasts minute dimensions, a rich feature and accessory list, and most importantly a rugged build, meaning your memories last, even if your phone doesn’t. 
GoPro is aimed squarely at anyone with a yearning for adventure. Its Hero cameras have evolved through a dozen iterations in nearly two decades, with each model building on the feature set of what came before. The Hero12 can record 5.3K video, rip 27MP stills, and get a wide field of view that captures more of the action. These are just a few points that make them extremely popular with pilots. 

Why Use A GoPro in the Cockpit?

Specifically for recreational aviation, there’s a long list of accessories for GoPro cameras that aid in getting the perfect shot. The cameras are extensively used in documenting flights, especially popular with student pilots when tackling takeoffs and landings, or figuring out where they went wrong with cockpit procedures. They’re also used by flight schools in educational materials such as clips setting the basics of flying techniques and manoeuvers and as promotional material luring potential pilots. 
But for seasoned pilots, it’s all about reliving the memories and the view out of the cockpit. Paired with the right mounts, filtering lenses and extras for crisp audio, the cameras offer a berth of material that you can use on your own or share with mates. 

Which GoPro Accessories Should Pilots Consider?

Mounts

To secure the camera and have both hands free for flying, consider getting a mount that suits the aircraft and where on the aircraft you intend to use it. You can go with the company’s varieties or spend a little more to get increased security and functionality. 
Inside the cockpit, suction mounts secure the GoPro to windows, or conversely use a clamp mount on exposed support structures like glare shields, as you’ll find in bigger aircraft. If you also want to capture action from the outside, external mounts can be mounted just about anywhere that’s approved by the FAA. 
To get a side view, use a strut mount with clamps and straps to affix the camera to wing struts or tie-down mounts usually used at the front of the plane. The list also encompasses screw mounts, that attach to exposed exterior screws like you’d find in inspection plates or on the wing tips. Or a decent adhesive mount, usually in the cockpit to complement the video coming out of a GoPro already sitting on a suction mount. 
Build quality, holding strength, compatibility and functionality are the main points when buying a GoPro aircraft mount. Machined mounts made from aviation-grade aluminium and stainless steel in parts like ball joints and sockets and neoprene bushings to reduce vibrations are just some of the industrial features with which specialist aviation accessory brands differ from generic names. Ensure that the mount has at least twice the holding capacity of the camera and that it comes with compatible GoPro sockets and hardware to make for a more secure fit. Lastly, consider features like swivelling arms to adjust the camera position. 

Filters 

Filters are designed to improve image quality. They’re attached to the lens, and filter out glare, reflections, haze and UV radiation. More commonly in aircraft though they remove the effects of propeller distortion when shooting out directly from the cockpit. Most are Neutral Density (ND) filters, that limit the amount of light reaching the sensor. This works well to balance colours in bright light, like you’d usually find at altitude. Some brands claim to get rid of 90 per cent of distortion, with the GoPro automatically adjusting sensor speed to match exposure with the filter grade for a clear image. 

Improved Audio Quality 

Newer GoPro Hero cameras have wireless audio connectivity, as well as standard 3.5mm jacks to attach various accessories for GoPro either directly or with the GoPro mic adapter. This allows pilots to record all cabin and audio from headsets and onboard radios, such as air traffic control instructions and pilot communications. It also provides a way to add commentary to video, a feature that many student pilots will find useful in building flying skills. There are two available options, one for aeroplanes, and the other catering to helicopter audio. 

Why Bundled Kits Pay Off?

Kits packaged with suction mounts, filters, audio cables and adapters are a good way to save quite a bit of money if you’re a student pilot, or haven’t previously considered recording audio and video during flights. They consist of the same pro-grade options as units that are sold separately, so you won’t be sacrificing quality. Regardless of which GoPro accessories you choose, ensure that you get your gear from established brands. These bring top-notch audio and video, and a way to get the most out of your camera.