Safety when flying a camera
Contribution by Reto Nyffenegger
Have you ever lost a camera in freefall? In the past, cameras were still attached to helmets with screws that could have easily been used to screw a car to the ceiling, but today there are numerous alternatives. Some a little better, others... well, a little less better.
Reto Nyffenegger, together with Sam Verri, has compiled the most essential points for you with regard to camera safety when skydiving.
Secure attachment:
Make sure that your camera mount is firmly attached to the helmet without snagging. Check all fastenings and buckles so that they do not come loose or get lost during the jump. Rubbers become brittle, so replace them regularly. Be especially careful when using magnetic attachments.
Newer action cams increasingly rely on optional, practical magnetic clips. However, experience shows that these can easily come loose. Especially at high flight speeds or sudden movements. The magnetic mounts that have been available and widely used for several years have led to a veritable "GoPro rain".
The most well-known manufacturer's improvement by means of a locking mechanism raises two questions: If the camera is locked with the mount anyway, why does it need the magnet? And above all: Can the lock be released quickly and safely in an emergency, even when wearing gloves?
Tip: Create a readme.txt file on the SD card with your name, e-mail and telephone number. This increases the chance that you will get the camera and the recordings back.
Backup plan:
Consider whether you want to use a safety strap for your GoPro. This will prevent the camera from being lost if the mount fails. However, make sure that the safety strap is equipped with a cutaway.
Check the angle: Check the camera angle and wide-angle setting before you jump. You don't want to miss any epic shots!
Safety first: Your safety is always the priority. If the camera or mount feels unstable, it's better to fix the problem on the ground than risk it in the air. A cutaway system, even for the whole helmet (retrofit kits are available) is highly recommended in any case! You can still wrap your bridle around the mount advertised as "snagfree".
Windcheck: High freefall speed and the head position can affect the stability of the camera. Make sure that the camera is properly secured in all positions, from belly-flying to head-down.
Practice makes perfect: Make a few practice jumps with the camera to get used to the additional weight and the restricted movement in the airplane and on the glider. You will notice that a Chin mount likes to get caught on the riser when you turn your head to the side. In another incident, the camera got caught in the D-handle of the outside jumper when exiting the inside jumper!
Reto Nyffenegger can provide you with further first-hand information: https: //www.instagram.com/wingsuit.reto/
Interesting links on the topic:
Chin mounts with cutaway without magnet: https://chinmount.com
SafeGoPro Mounts:
https://www.flycookie.com/shop/skydiving-helmet-accessories/full-face-roller-mount/
3D Printed Zkulls: S BASE SERIES - Zkulls Camera Mounts https://www.facebook.com/moderncamerasolutions
