Inflight cameras

[Skyring]

I love those "Skyview" cameras mounted on the tail or under the fuselage that give - via the entertainment screen - a look at the plane in flight or the terrain below that is a lot wider than peering through a porthole. The Emirates A380 has three of these things going, and on takeoff or final approach it can be fascinating to watch what's going on.

On the "Ask the Pilot" thread, the suggestion was raised of another cam: in the coughpit.

Personally, I think that's a terrible idea. If I see the hostie take a tray into the coughpit, I like my imagination to fill in the blanks. The prosaic reality - that she's just bringing them lunch and then having a chat - can never be as good as what's going on in my mind.

 

[samh004]

I can't imagine why anyone would need a camera of what is going on inside the coughpit, it would potentially be a security issue. But I do enjoy the camera on the tail on the A380 and wished there were more external cameras on more aircraft.

 

[moa999]

Can't see many pilots being in favour of it.

United has long had Channel 9 which lets you hear the coughpit, but it's not being installed in new aircraft and many pilots switched it off anyway (as was their right)

 

[Atleastonce]

If I remember correctly Qantas had a channel on their domestic routes to listen to the air traffic controllers. I haven't flown them for some time now so not sure if it is still active.

 

[samh004]

Can't see many pilots being in favour of it.

Surely this would be a company decision not pilots?

United has long had Channel 9 which lets you hear the coughpit, but it's not being installed in new aircraft and many pilots switched it off anyway (as was their right)

The coughpit or their connection to ATC? Or do you hear everything simply because they're always wearing a mic?

If I remember correctly Qantas had a channel on their domestic routes to listen to the air traffic controllers. I haven't flown them for some time now so not sure if it is still active.

I never knew of this

 

[ButFli]

Surely this would be a company decision not pilots?

Pilots have this thing called a union...

 

[ftm]

If I remember correctly Qantas had a channel on their domestic routes to listen to the air traffic controllers. I haven't flown them for some time now so not sure if it is still active.

Not aware of an ATC channel - perhaps you're thinking of when they tuned in ABC radio to one of the channels ?

 

[jb747]

Not in a million years. A camera as part of the recorders for accident investigators perhaps, but for numerous reasons, from privacy to security, it would never be on a feed.

Beyond that though, what do you think you'd see? I've seen the video from the sim cameras, and it would be much more interesting to go and watch my grass growing.

 

[Denali]

I wouldnt want my customers/clients logging in to watch me on webcam for 8+hrs per day sitting at my desk, same goes for the coughpit.

There may be security cameras in the workplace but they're generally not open for the public to watch.

 

[TomVexille]

If I remember correctly Qantas had a channel on their domestic routes to listen to the air traffic controllers. I haven't flown them for some time now so not sure if it is still active.

UA used to do this. It was called Channel 9. Awesome until CO killed it.

 

[Pushka]

While it would be fascinating on occasions to see what happens I don't think the pilots need the additional stress of always being on public view. Too many intrusions these days that are purported to be in 'public interest' that just aren't.

 

[Pleb Status]

Does any other aircraft apart from the A380 come fitted with external cameras (for pax use)?

I think I have seen something on a 77W previously (guessing at EK or CX) but this must have been a custom installation. I would have thought that all new widebody aircraft types {787/350 etc) would have at least one installed as standard.

On the original topic of cameras in the coughpit, I think the answer is a big no. I doubt anybody normal would want their every move in their workplace to be boardcast to the masses.

 

[jb747]

While it would be fascinating on occasions to see what happens I don't think the pilots need the additional stress of always being on public view. Too many intrusions these days that are purported to be in 'public interest' that just aren't.

I really don't know what you'd find all that interesting. I most certainly do not want you knowing any time I visit the toilet, have a meal, fall asleep, or have to do an ECAM. The security implications alone would kill it.

The cameras were not installed for passengers anyway. They exist to help with taxiing...feeding to the cabin is just a bonus.

 

[Pushka]

I really don't know what you'd find all that interesting. I most certainly do not want you knowing any time I visit the toilet, have a meal, fall asleep, or have to do an ECAM. The security implications alone would kill it.

The cameras were not installed for passengers anyway. They exist to help with taxiing...feeding to the cabin is just a bonus.

But But But I'm agreeing with you that whilst they might be interesting - eg take off and landing, they are an intrusion that pilots simply don't need.

 

[OZDUCK]

Does any other aircraft apart from the A380 come fitted with external cameras (for pax use)?

I think I have seen something on a 77W previously (guessing at EK or CX) but this must have been a custom installation. I would have thought that all new widebody aircraft types {787/350 etc) would have at least one installed as standard.

On the original topic of cameras in the coughpit, I think the answer is a big no. I doubt anybody normal would want their every move in their workplace to be boardcast to the masses.

CX had a "belly"camera on their B777 but not on their A330 last year. The camera resolution was pretty poor. I am flying Finnair later this year and on the A350 they have a belly and tail camera fitted. I have seen photos which look great and am looking forward to viewing them - unfortunately most of the 2 flights are overnight.

 

[TomVexille]

Does any other aircraft apart from the A380 come fitted with external cameras (for pax use)?

I think I have seen something on a 77W previously (guessing at EK or CX) but this must have been a custom installation. I would have thought that all new widebody aircraft types {787/350 etc) would have at least one installed as standard.

On the original topic of cameras in the coughpit, I think the answer is a big no. I doubt anybody normal would want their every move in their workplace to be boardcast to the masses.

EK do seem to have tail, nose and belly on all their aircraft available as stardard on ICE.

As jb747 notes, the 380 tail cam was put in to held with taxiing, but most operators have added it to the ife. SQ for one have not.

 

[serfty]

Certainly VA's first two 332 when they came from EK had functioning camera feeds available in the IFE.

 

[jb747]

QF has two cameras. Only the tail feeds to the cabin.

 

[Pleb Status]

CX had a "belly"camera on their B777 but not on their A330 last year. The camera resolution was pretty poor. I am flying Finnair later this year and on the A350 they have a belly and tail camera fitted. I have seen photos which look great and am looking forward to viewing them - unfortunately most of the 2 flights are overnight.

EK do seem to have tail, nose and belly on all their aircraft available as stardard on ICE.

As jb747 notes, the 380 tail cam was put in to held with taxiing, but most operators have added it to the ife. SQ for one have not.

My guesses of EK and CX for 77W cameras were pretty good then. Thanks for the confirmation.

I have not flown on the A359 yet but with both CX and SQ getting a stack of them I would say it will not be far away.

 

[TomVexille]

My guesses of EK and CX for 77W cameras were pretty good then. Thanks for the confirmation.

I have not flown on the A359 yet but with both CX and SQ getting a stack of them I would say it will not be far away.

IIRC I've seen photos of the tail cam on the QR 359's