Stop Garmin Virb Operations Using Temporary Mounts Immediately

[Eclipse]

https://www.capnhq.gov/news/Documents/Garmin_Virb_Mount_Notice.pdf

"...As you may know, there have been some recent issues with some of the Garmin Virb temporary adhesive
mounts. Though we have had many successful training and actual missions and sorties with these, it is
simply not prudent to continue flying with these temporary adhesive mounts at this time. Please
discontinue the use of these temporary adhesive mounts immediately, and carefully remove them from
all CAP aircraft. Do not dispose of the camera or mounts as parts of the temporary mounting bracket
will be needed for use with permanent mounts in the near future. We anticipate approval of the
permanent mounts by the FAA at any time for use in our existing 172s and 182s, and will work other
aircraft models after that. This mount kit will be installed by your local A&P mechanic via an inspection
plate installed near the leading edge of the wing."

"Please use traditional handheld cameras and the FEMA uploader in the interim for airborne imagery
collection operations."

[vento]

The way CAWG mounts the VIRB is also very robust with redundancy built in. Once mounted, the camera is tie wrapped into the cradle, and it is also attached by a metal string to the mounting hardware. The nuts and bots on the mounting hardware are also safety wired. It takes a little time to mount it before the sortie, but it is solid with virtually no chance for that thing to fall off.

[Check Pilot/Tow Pilot]

The way CAWG mounts the VIRB is also very robust with redundancy built in. Once mounted, the camera is tie wrapped into the cradle, and it is also attached by a metal string to the mounting hardware. The nuts and bots on the mounting hardware are also safety wired. It takes a little time to mount it before the sortie, but it is solid with virtually no chance for that thing to fall off.

Thank you Vento, this is correct.

As an MP that has flown extensively with the CAWG mounts in real world customer and disaster missions I was VERY comfortable that there was zero chance of an inflight separation. A small group of Aircrew and I worked with our incredible CAWG AP folks to ensure that a secondary anti-separation mechanism be attached.

We were NOT comfortable with the NHQ adhesive mount and applaud Col Templeton on the new mounts!!

Sierra Hotel!

[Live2Learn]

So, who might be surprised that chewing gum adhesive didn't quite cut it for the Air Force Auxiliary?

[etodd]

This comes out June 1st ..... the first official day of Hurricane Season.

My squadron can still come through in the interim. I have a strut mount for my GoPros I'm adapting. Safe and secure it is.   

[Live2Learn]

Does the strut mount have a 337?

[etodd]

The CAWG photo linked above has the camera turned 90 degrees from the other mount. This puts the narrow side of the image to where the overlap of flight lines will not work using the 1500 agl and 1/2 mile spacing(?)  Need to turn it so the camera LCD is facing forward.

[etodd]

Does the strut mount have a 337?

Not needed. The FAA long ago accepted clamp on type mounts for GoPros.

[etodd]

Quick ... before CAP buys too many of these new mounts!

The mount should have a place to mount a second camera side by side. We are using a second camera (on the strut for now) to have a live view inside the cockpit to make flying roads and shorelines a breeze.

[Check Pilot/Tow Pilot]

Quick ... before CAP buys too many of these new mounts!

The mount should have a place to mount a second camera side by side. We are using a second camera (on the strut for now) to have a live view inside the cockpit to make flying roads and shorelines a breeze.

Zoom in with G1000, GPS400 or use an iPad with either Foreflight on Streets or using your favorite Map App. I did Traffic Watch for awhile and it's a piece of cake.

[etodd]

Zoom in with G1000, GPS400 or use an iPad with either Foreflight on Streets or using your favorite Map App. I did Traffic Watch for awhile and it's a piece of cake.

For highway evac routes ... sure.    Doesn't work at all for flooding situations like overflowing riverbanks

[♠SARKID♠]

Somebody pick up that phone, 'cuz I CALLED IT!

[Check Pilot/Tow Pilot]

Somebody pick up that phone, 'cuz I CALLED IT!

DAFUQ?

[Panzerbjorn]

Does the strut mount have a 337?

Not needed. The FAA long ago accepted clamp on type mounts for GoPros.

According to a recent FAA publication, it's not just a blanket approval.  It still needs to be approved on a case by case basis.

http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2016/media/MayJun2016.pdf

See page 22, Preflighting your gadgets.

The FAA has come out and said that external mounts on certified aircraft, even strap on or screw mountable temporary mounts, have to be FAA approved on a case by case basis.  The 2014 memo regarding this kind of thing is rather vague and non-committal by the FAA, but they appear to have taken a stance since.

[wuzafuzz]

I'm curious about the "issues."  Is this a precautionary halt, or did we drop some Virbs on yellow submarines? 

[Luis R. Ramos]

Maybe on a couple of yellow HOUSES...?

[Live2Learn]

According to a recent FAA publication, it's not just a blanket approval.  It still needs to be approved on a case by case basis.

http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2016/media/MayJun2016.pdf

See page 22, Preflighting your gadgets.

The FAA has come out and said that external mounts on certified aircraft, even strap on or screw mountable temporary mounts, have to be FAA approved on a case by case basis.  The 2014 memo regarding this kind of thing is rather vague and non-committal by the FAA, but they appear to have taken a stance since.

Good catch.  Here's the full (and very clear) text from the FAA Safety Briefing, June 2016 issue.

"Preflight your Gadgets

Planning ahead so you don't get distracted by your mobile device during critical phases of flight should be part of your preflight checklist. It is especially important if you want to record from the outside of your aircraft. Regulations prohibit the attachment of non-approved devices to a type certificated aircraft, which means you will need to get FAA approval on a case-by-case basis to attach your camera to the outside of your aircraft.

The method of mounting the camera, whether by permanent installation or attachment, matters in terms of what kind of FAA approval is required. Most cameras used by GA pilots are self-contained, portable, and sufficiently lightweight to have no appreciable effect on handling the aircraft or affecting airworthiness. For mounts that strap-on or secure with a common screw, a minor alteration is typically approved, and an entry in the aircraft logbook is  made by a qualified maintainer.  On the other hand, if the mount is permanently attached to the aircraft by hard-point mechanical methods or it interfaces with aircraft navigation or electrical systems, it becomes a major alteration because it may appreciably affect airworthiness. This kind of installation requires the use of other FAA approved data or a field approval evaluation.

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 43 stipulates that an aircraft may not return to service after an alternation until approved by a certificated mechanic. And a pilot flying under 14 CFR part 91 may not operate an aircraft after maintenance has been performed, which includes minor and major alterations, until approved for return to service.  Mounting methods such as glue, suction cups, or duct tape are typically not acceptable.

Failure to stay secured could cause harm to the aircraft or persons and property on the ground in the case of an in-flight detachment, which would be considered a "careless operation" under 14 CFR section 91.13 and section 91.15 for dropping an object from an aircraft. [Emphasis added] The bottom line is that all attachments require some sort of approval. Each must be evaluated for its application and complexity to ensure safety. If you have a question, start by calling your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)."