Photography on taxi / takeoff / landing

[djfuzz]

I notice a lot of great photos on TRs around the traps taken through windows while an aircraft is taxiing, taking off or landing.

While I've always wanted to take similar such photos, I've been a bit hesitant about pulling out a camera / camera phone at these times due to the restrictions on electronic devices that are advised during these times (I guess this would be less of an issue with film cameras!).

From an etiquette / operational point of view, is it okay to do this? Would the crew have a problem with it, or is it usually done on the sly?

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, I did try to have a look for a logical place but could not find any.

 

[serfty]

The safety card on the 388 states something along the lines that the use of digital cameras is permitted at all times.

I have an image of this card at home - I'll try to publish it.

 

[oz_mark]

While I've always wanted to take similar such photos, I've been a bit hesitant about pulling out a camera / camera phone at these times due to the restrictions in electronic devices that are advised during these times (I guess this would be less of an issue with film cameras!).

From a etiquette / operational point of view, is it okay to do this? Would the crew have a problem with it, or is it usually done on the sly?

As long as the camera is within easy reach. I have seen a passenger get up to pull his camera from the locker during take-off, which caused the crew much consternation!

 

[codash1099]

On recent flights, I've been told that the camera has to go in the overhead locker for takeoff and landing.

 

[munitalP]

I got nailed by a BA FA after landing in MAN earlier this year for taking a pic of the airport after landing - lucky he didn't see me turn my phone on as well! :shock:


Mr!

 

[markis10]

Cameras fall into two categories, no doubt digital ones are PEDs if you use common sense however who said common sense has a voice when it comes to rules, CASA has yet to put in place the following:


CASR 91.055 requires the operator and the pilot in command to prohibit or limit the operation of a PED on board an aircraft if there is reason to believe the PED may adversely affect the safety of the aircraft. CASR’s 91.050, 91.055 and 91.1010 provides the pilot in command with the necessary authority to control the use of potentially hazardous PEDs on board his/her aircraft, and obliges persons on board to comply with legitimate safety instructions.

The status of which popped up in a senate hearing in Feb in relation to phones where the amendments are mentioned as a WIP: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/Committee/rrat_ctte/estimates/add_0809/infra/casa.pdf

​

Qantas are clear on their website:
​

Electronic Equipment

All electronic devices, including PDAs, laptop computers, handheld games and toys must be switched off during take-off and landing.


Fly - Onboard - Communication

 

[Saab34]

Its a interesting question, as everyone involved the industry has different opinions....

I was on a JQ flight BNE-SYD, and the FA said to the lady next to me that she could "only take photos", "but no video"...probably the stupidest thing I heard all day:shock:..

Anyway went over this topic when doing my CPL and the safety threat is nil in some cases, especially Digital Camera's. Pull out a Radio transmitter and you will cop it bad, but the risk is much higher with older aircraft, say Pre-1990~ which cant tolerate too many signals.

If you want me to go into logistics and more detail, just PM me.

 

[djfuzz]

Thanks, some very interesting tips.

Would it be fair to say that technically it is a no no (except on the 388 at least), but given the low risk most FAs tend not to enforce it (unless you're unlucky)?

I suspect the issue with radio transmitters might also be exacerbated if using a camera phone like the iPhone - flight mode might turn it off, but I assume FAs would be less inclined to ignore someone pulling out a phone rather than a camera. Then again, they're pretty common place these days.

So I guess the thing to take away is that taking photos is a grey area and a wee bit of a risk by the passenger.

 

[serfty]

I'll try to post that image of the safety card where it indicates no restrictions on cameras when flying Qantas 388's.

 

[markis10]

I'll try to post that image of the safety card where it indicates no restrictions on cameras when flying Qantas 388's.

Serfty, you have a great memory, found a copy on flickr:


Flickr Photo Download: QANTAS Airbus A380-800 Safety Card front and back cover

Good to see the specific mention of electronic cameras and video cams being allowed!

 

[farstar]

I'll try to post that image of the safety card where it indicates no restrictions on cameras when flying Qantas 388's.

Good to see I can also use an electric shaver during takeoff and landing.

 

[serfty]

Here's the text of the applicable section:

Devices not restricted from use:

Devices that are required for the essential support of human life such as medical implants, other medical devices that have prior approval by Qantas, Global Positioning Receivers (GPS), electric shavers, video and still cameras which are electrically powered, other devices powered by micro-cell batteries and solar cells.​

 

[munitalP]

Here's the text of the applicable section:

Interesting - I always wondered where the on/off switch was on a pace maker!

Mr!

:shock:

 

[NM]

Interesting - I always wondered where the on/off switch was on a pace maker!

Its documented in the owners manual that is supplied along with the paperwork for the lifetime warranty.

 

[serfty]

Its documented in the owners manual that is supplied along with the paperwork for the lifetime warranty.

[OffTopic]
In Oz, you don't own the pacemaker you are using per se - you have it on a loan basis only and when you no longer require it, it is removed.:shock:
[/OffTopic]

 

[NM]

[OffTopic]
In Oz, you don't own the pacemaker you are using per se - you have it on a loan basis only and when you no longer require it it is removed.:shock:
[/OffTopic]

Hmm, adds a new concept to the process of repossession :shock:

 

[Bundy Bear]

So it is probably not a good idea to take this photo during descent, or to enter it into Jetstars current photo competition.

Well I did anyway.

Photo taken on descent into Cairns over flying Green Island on 24 May 2009.

 

[samh004]

Took a few as I was leaving Queenstown yesterday, and noticed the person in front of me was conspicuously using an HD-video camera to record the take-off. No one around me seemed to care I had my camera out, but I always made sure to hide it when the FA's came past.

 

[Groundfeeder]

A few years back I took a (non-dig) onboard video of the takeoff from Cairns Runway 15, which is one of the most aggressive for terrain avoidance in Australia I believe. The newer RNAV SID's have calmed it into a valley departure now with no more fun.

My daughter swore off flying there for some time after watching the vid!!

 

[anat0l]

As serfty posted, cameras are allowed on at all times. I guess some may get narky if you have a very elaborate contraption (they don't seem to give a toss for the run-of-the-mill compact camera); some will get even more narky if you have an iPhone or other "smart phone" like device, even if you have it in "flight mode" and on only for the purposes of taking a photo.

I'm surprised to see GPS devices in the OK list! What the hell???!

I've taken several photos on taxi/takeoff/landing, as well as video from my Sony DSC-P200 with no dramas. Not all of them are when the FAs can see me, but for the number of times I've done it, if it was a problem then I would have been caught at least once by now.