About External Mounts
This is provided for informational purposes only and is not an official document. Please contact an A&P or your local FSDO if you have additional questions.
There are a lot of things to consider when mounting cameras outside your plane. Many of the rules and regulations revolve around safety and proper function of the aircraft. Because of this, some mounts require an A&P sign off for installation.
On March 13, 2014 the FAA issued an official memo regarding the use of externally mounted cameras and broke them into two functioning categories, Major and Minor changes.
Good news is that an action camera isn't going to have enough effect on a plane to warrant an STC, so we'll skip to Minor Changes.
A Minor Change is broken into two parts. Major and Minor Alteration. A Major Alteration is something at would affect any of the items below:
- Weight
- Balance
- Structural Strength
- Performance
- Power Plant Operation
- Flight Characteristics
- Any other qualities affecting airworthiness
Anything falling in this category would require you to work with a mechanic, and file a 337 form. But, action cameras and their mounts typically don't affect any of the items on this list, leaving them in the Minor Alterations category.
In the Minor Alteration Category you only need to work with your mechanic on the installation and have them make a logbook entry.
Now there is one last area that should be consider, Temporary Use. Most of the rules that are written seem to be geared towards permanent mounting. But, there are mounting solutions out there that are tool less, using pressure or straps.
In situations where the aircraft is not modified, you can say the camera is temporary. The FAA doesn't define or support temporary so as the PIC you are responsible for whatever happens. Just remember if the FAA considers your temporary solution unsafe, you could be in violation of part 91.
A few things to take with you when mounting externally:
- Plastic mounts break under pressure, especially when they get cold.
- Attaching to control surfaces is not safe.
- Attaching to the top of a lifting surface is not safe.
- Tethering your camera in case it falls can damage the aircraft.
- Always use metal components with secure attachments.
- NEVER USE SUCTION CUPS! They WILL fail.
If you're ready to mount something outside your plane, checkout this A&P guide from NFlightCam. It has a lot of great information in it, especially for your mechanic.