How I Film My Flights (Cockpit Camera Setup)

After 100+ videos, you’d think I’d have this down by now…

Truth is: I’m still learning. Every flight brings a new variable, and every video teaches me something I didn’t know before. I’ve filmed dozens of flights, logged hundreds of cockpit hours, and made more mistakes with cameras than I care to admit.

This post is for anyone trying to capture better cockpit footage — without burning hours on unusable video or missing the key moment because a mic cable popped loose.

Whether you’re a fellow YouTuber, a pilot who wants to document flights, or just camera-curious, here’s what’s working for me, what’s not, and how you can make your setup better than mine.

YouTube Thumbnail @TheFlyingSalesman

My Current Cockpit Camera Setup

If you’ve seen my recent videos, you know I keep things simple — but not basic. My setup is designed to balance reliability, portability, and cockpit compatibility, especially for GA aircraft.

Here’s the core of what I use:

• GoPro Hero 12 My primary flight cam. Solid resolution, great stabilization, but it still needs help with battery and audio.

• 👉 Buy it here

• GoPro Mic Adapter The must-have accessory that I wish was built in.

  👉 Buy it here

• SmallRig Cage Kit Adds durability and better mounting options.

  👉 Buy it here

• Hobbs Flyer Interface Cables For clean, high-quality cockpit audio straight from the intercom.

• 👉 Buy it here

• MyPilotPro Mounts My go-to for mounting externally and internally.

  👉 Buy it here

• SmallRig Super Clamp Super versatile for weird angles or quick repositioning.

  👉 Buy it here

• Anker 20,000 mAh Powerbank Long flights = dead GoPros, unless you have external power.

  👉 Buy it here

• iPhone ND Filter Great for backup or handheld footage in bright conditions.

  👉 Buy it here

• Sony Voice Recorder + Lavalier Mic Backup audio for cockpit conversations and briefings.

  👉 Buy it here

• Flexible Clamp Mount Handy for tight or awkward spots.

  👉 Buy it here

• Hard Carrying Case Because nothing slows you down like a jumbled gear bag.

  👉 Buy it here

Note: I’m not sponsored by any of these brands. I paid for all of this gear myself, and I share it because it works — not because someone sent me a box of freebies.

GoPro 12 with Smallrig Cage and Mic Adpater Holder

What’s Working with my Cockpit Camera Setup

• Redundancy: Having multiple audio sources has saved several episodes.

• Battery Planning: The external powerbank extends flight filming from 45 minutes to nearly all-day.

• ND Filter for iPhone: Small hack with big results — way better contrast and exposure in bright skies.

  
  

What’s Not Working

• Audio still needs improvement: I need to learn more about audio editing.  

• Don’t forget to tell the story: Every story needs a beginning, a middle and an ending. Make sure you have all three.

• Me: Yep. I still forget to hit record occasionally. Or bump a setting mid-flight. It happens.

Lessons Learned in Filming YouTube Videos

• Start with sound. Bad video can be salvaged, but if your audio’s gone, the story's gone.

• Label your SD cards and batteries. I now rotate them like I do with oil samples.

• Build your system with backups. Assume something will fail — it’s aviation, after all.

  
  

Want to Build a Better Setup?

That’s the goal. Not to have the perfect setup — but a reliable one that works for your aircraft, your mission, and your workflow.

If you’ve got questions about any of this gear — or want help refining your own setup — drop a comment or reach out.

What’s your current cockpit camera rig? 

I’d love to hear what’s working (or not) for you.

Fly safe, shoot sharp, and I’ll see ya on the next one!

— The Flying Salesman