Cockpit Video, Audio & Flight Data Recorder Gets STC-ed

The Eye In The Sky cockpit recorder recently received the FAA green light with an Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This single certification permits its installation on several helicopter models.

Eye In The Sky is a cockpit video, audio, and flight data recorder aimed for integration with safety management systems (SMS). It is an “all-in-one unit” with a forward-facing HD camera that is mounted in the cabin, recording 160-degree footage of pilot operations, window views, and data from instrumentation. The system also picks up cockpit noise, radio transmissions, and GNSS flight information.

Recordings can be played back and stored through the SD card, which is housed in a tamper-proof enclosure and captures 22 hours of footage. In emergencies, the Eye In The Sky defaults to its built-in battery pack to capture up to two minutes of footage.

“Eye In The Sky helps raise the overall aviation safety bar, close occurrences, answer intermittent engineering faults, improve training, and provide answers in the event of an accident,” explained Louisa Patterson, Eye In The Sky inventor and product developer.

The product received certification from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2020. This STC was conjoined with approved brackets for the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil, MD Helicopters MD 500, Bell 206, Eurocopter EC130B4/T2, and Robinson R44.

The FAA certification was obtained through the International Validation Branch under a bilateral agreement with the New Zealand CAA.

“Despite the perseverance required for the duration of the certification process, it [has] been worthwhile and is a commendation to the caliber of the device,” Patterson continued. “Gaining certification will help each and every operator wanting to use our device worldwide.”

Proceeds from the Eye in the Sky go to the James PG Foundation. This was created in memory of Patterson’s son, James Patterson-Gardner, who passed away in a helicopter crash in February 2015. It is a registered charitable trust with the mission of providing opportunities and mentorship to aviation’s youth.

FMI: www.eyeinthesky.co.nz