| There are those of us who love to fly... and there are | | | | family and friends can spark interest in general aviation |
| those of us who simply refuse to fly. The gap | | | | and maybe even lessen the fears of those who |
| between these two frames of mind is huge. The fear | | | | refuse or resist flying. |
| of flying, in particular, is fueled by the media. An airplane | | | | Producing a flying video is actually quite simple. The |
| crash is instant national news. The media loves to | | | | camera however, will need an external microphone |
| exploit the aviation industry whether it be for financial | | | | jack if you wish to record your voice and radio chatter. |
| gain, viewer ratings, or a combination of the two. One | | | | A handy cam without the microphone jack will do |
| could only wonder what the evening news would be | | | | nothing more than record video plus your motor noise |
| like if they showed successful takeoffs and landings | | | | which is not typically desirable. With some basic |
| every night. General aviation is treated much the same | | | | software and a bit of computer savvy, music or |
| as the commercial airlines in regards to media | | | | narration can be dubbed over your video in this case. |
| coverage. General aviation includes all flying other than | | | | Cameras with an external microphone jack can be |
| scheduled commercial flights and the flying of military | | | | interfaced with the intercom of the airplane through the |
| aircraft. General aviation includes the local pilots flying | | | | use of a patch cord. It simply plugs into your headset in |
| out of that non-towered airport at the edge of town; | | | | series with your connection to the jack on the |
| the part-time aviators who fly for a hobby, as well as | | | | airplane's instrument panel. These patch cords are |
| commercially rated professional pilots and instructors | | | | available at your friendly neighborhood pilot supply |
| who love to share the flying phenomenon with others. | | | | shop. There are also schematics available on some |
| Those who love to fly low and slow and enjoy the | | | | aviation websites for those interested in making their |
| beauty of the landscape and the feeling of flight can | | | | own patch cord. |
| share this wonderful experience with those on the | | | | Digital video cameras work best if you're planning to |
| ground thanks to modern technology specifically the | | | | share the video online. Older analog cameras using the |
| the hand-held video camera. | | | | 8mm tapes or even the VHS style cameras are fine if |
| Flying is an incredible experience that many people | | | | you are planning on viewing these flying adventures |
| may never have the privilege of experiencing for | | | | from home on a television set. These tapes can be |
| themselves.Those who choose not the fly in propeller | | | | converted to a digital file through the use of some |
| driven airplanes might never see the amazing view | | | | commercially available computer hardware and |
| available through the windshield. Websites featuring | | | | software, although this method can be cumbersome |
| videos uploaded by their individual users such as | | | | and time consuming and is not generally recommended |
| Youtube and Eye of the Pilot are changing that. | | | | for those interested in posting the videos online. Flying |
| Videos shot from the cockpit of a small airplane are | | | | an airplane is a privilege. Becoming a private pilot takes |
| enlightening to say the very least. If you are a private | | | | education, dedication, training, and plenty of practice. To |
| pilot with access to a small plane and a hand-held | | | | many pilots, flying is literally sacred. That's why sharing |
| video cam, you may want to take some time and | | | | this experience with those not fortunate enough to find |
| record a flight or two. The process is simple and the | | | | themselves in a cockpit can be done best through the |
| rewards are plenty. Sharing cockpit videos among | | | | magic of video. |