Best GoPro Camera Mounts for Aviation

Flying an airplane is arguably one of the coolest things a person can do. Whether it’s to keep a little memento of your breathtaking flight or just to brag to friends and family, capturing footage can be a way to remember your best moments in the cockpit. To ensure no camera is lost, choosing the best strut clamp or GoPro camera mount to secure it is important. Aviation camera mounts also make great gifts for the pilot in your life! Here are some great aviation camera mount options. 

When choosing a camera mount, there are a few things to consider. First, ensure the camera you own will be compatible with the mount. Depending on the type of airplane you pilot, the anchor type—or the way the camera mounts to the aircraft—matters. 

This semi-universal strut clamp is designed to strap right on to small and large aircraft struts with a widely adjustable strap. 

Compatibility: GoPro, Garmin, or any action camera with a 3-finger mount or 1/4"x20 threaded socket

Anchor Type: Strut clamp

Special Features: 

The MyPilotPro mount is a universal mount option that fits all cameras and aircraft. The camera mounts on the tie down ring of any aircraft and provides neoprene washers to mitigate vibration. 

Compatibility: Compatible with all action cameras including all versions of GoPro.

Anchor Type: Swivel mount

Special Features:

Perfect for GoPro users, from GoPro itself. This industrial strength suction cup will secure to various flat surfaces and provide security in high-speed atmospheres. 

Compatibility: GoPro

Anchor Type: Suction

Special Features: 

A secure way to mount most cameras is a ball-head mount. This Nflightcam was specifically designed with aviation in mind and can attach to any #8 or #10 machine screw on the exterior of your aircraft. 

Compatibility: GoPro, Garmin, Sony, Nikon, FlyCam360, and most other action cameras with 3-finger or 1/4”x20 mount

Anchor Type: Ball-Head mount

Special Features: 

The MyPilotPro GoPro cockpit mount is perfect for capturing all the action inside the cockpit. The small suction camera mount can be attached to any clean, smooth surface. 

Compatibility: GoPro and Virb

Anchor Type: Suction

Special Features:

There are three main ways to mount a GoPro to an airplane. By using a strong suction cup like on the GoPro suction cup mount you can place the mount on any smooth surface inside or outside the aircraft. A ball-head mount uses a threaded screw to mount a camera and gives more security at higher speeds. The last type of mount is a strut clamp mount. This type of mount wraps around and attaches to the strut of your aircraft. 

To install your strut clamp mount, follow these steps

To ensure your mount is installed correctly, please view your camera mount’s instructions. 

There are a few things to consider when choosing an aviation camera mount, such as the type of aircraft you fly, the speeds you will be traveling, and the type of camera you own. 

Depending on the size of the flight deck in your aircraft, an internal cockpit mount may not be an option. If the mount is obstructing your view or getting in the way of essential aircraft controls, it is best to forgo an interior mounted camera. 

For exterior mounts, durability is key when it comes to the high speeds of an aircraft. Exterior mounts can be rated between 130 to 300 knots (150 to 350 mph). It is important to understand what speeds you will be cruising at to ensure the mount will stay in place and not break away. 

If you are looking for a mount that is easily removed, a suction mount is the best option. While other types of mounts can be removed as well, a suction mount takes just seconds to install and remove before and after each flight. 

Before purchasing a camera mount for your aircraft look at the camera compatibility to ensure your camera make and model can fit within the mount. To avoid any compatibility issues, consider a universal aircraft camera mount.

Using a camera mounted inside the cockpit or on the exterior of your aircraft can create breathtaking video. Choosing the right camera mount can make capturing the moment that much easier. To stay informed about all things aviation gear and more, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.