Hello All,

I fnaly had a chance to post some pics to the web of the mount. Some of these photos show straps that are not exactly correct in length for the plane. These photos were taken before I had custom length straps made for the 3 sizes of Cessna struts. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Here is the link: http://cloudbaseengineering.imgur.com

In regards to the ramp check and FSDO, I have looked into this with an FSDO, AOPA & a DER. I have been told that my design will not require an STC however the DER suggested I get one to set myself apart from competitors as an approved supplier. I am on the fence on if I do it or not. I have been told by the sources above that so long as the mount does not attach to any existing bolts, tie down lugs, does not require a mod to the airframe in any way and is semi permanent than it does not require an STC or prior aproval. When I contacted the Anchorage FSDO to get their paperwork on carrying external loads many of their guidelines on how to lash things to a strut are far less secure than my method. I was shocked to find out that pre approved items are, Snowshoes, XC skiis, Fishing Poles or a Rifle and in some cases canoes. They suggest using bungee chord to attach the above items. They even show a way to attach sheets of plywood to a Vee type strut which seems crazy.

While in the pics, I show a mount on a Cessna 337, I am a bit hesitant selling to a pusher without a person signing something that says they will use the safety lanyard option I have on the mount. While I have yet to have a single issue of the mount even loosening in flight or slipping in any way, I'm a bit uneasy with that prop back there just in case...

Best Regards,

Marc

Papa Victor wrote:How would the externally mounted GoPro do in a ramp inspection?

How a phone call to the FSDO go if I asked about this?

I asked my mechanic about this a couple years ago:

"Rich, I've spoken with two different IA mechanics and both agree that there should be no need for a form 337 for your camera mount, because the alteration is only temporary. In fact, both agreed that you could just mount the camera yourself and removed it when you're finished. Use the tape and worm drive clamp method you showed me. They liken this to using a portable intercom set up. Just plug it in at the beginning of the flight and remove it t the end of the flight. No paperwork. Makes sense to me."

I called the FSDO at KDPA and, though it was long enough ago that I don't recall the details, I was given a similar answer.

The wildcard is that different FSDO people seem to sometimes give different answers. It's been two years (almost exactly) since I went down this path and convinced myself it was ok. I would love for you to report back what you find in the course of your investigation. My perception is that the aviation community seems to have decided that this is a settled question and thus no one really talks about it anymore. Two years ago there was a lot of hand wringing and concern about it. Please let us know what your FSDO says. Certainly there is no harm in making that call.