Wireless Lavs in cockpit: problem?

[Blade Borge]

Got a plane shoot, flying plane shoot. Interviewing the pilot, wondering if wireless lavs would cause instrument disruption.

 

[Steve House]

Got a plane shoot, flying plane shoot. Interviewing the pilot, wondering if wireless lavs would cause instrument disruption.

Definitely maybe. AFAIK, all radio transmitters used in flght need to be vetted by the FAA. Likewise any equipment connected to the aircraft systems. Why bother with wireless anyway - you're going to be close enough to go hard-wired if you're going to use a lav. Lavs are going to pick up a lot of cockpit noise - why not plug into the pilot's intercom?

 

[Blade Borge]

Plug into pilot's intercom...hmmm, didn't think of that, do you know what I'd need to plug into that? Standard jack?

 

[Rippie]

Civilian aircraft are 1/4
military and helicopter are a smaller custom plug.
I know Trew Audio sells both.

I got a great feed off of the pilot of the goodyear blimp while we were up
using a standard 1/4 to xlr cable i had in my kit.

I also had a wireless on him with no issues but its not in the same league
as a commercial airliner as far as instruments.

 

[unclebob6958]

Since the pilot isn't going to be moving around a hard-wired lav is definitely option.

 

[ChipG]

If the pilot doesn't have Bose headsets ask if you can rent them from the FBO (about $25 a day). They are really high quality pilot headsets, great mic and noise reduction.

 

[ANewman]

Many years ago I bought and used this device. It worked fantastic! I sat co-pilot and used my mini-camcorder. Even though it was a 7 passenger turbo prop. it was VERY cramped for space... It plugged into the headset, the sound was awesome, very clear. You could hear both of our conversations. Otherwise ambient plane noise is very high.

I don't think the company I got this from is around anymore, but for reference sake it might help. Good luck!

 

[JordanBlock]

Trew and other location audio shops should have the correct adapters/cables.

 

[Richard Crowley]

Using a wireless transmitter in the cockpit is a VERY bad idea. Quite possibly even illegal.

Note that if you don't have the special adapter to plug into the craft's system, many people simply take a lav mic and tape it to the pilot's headset microphone. If you use a small mic and black tape, it would probably not even be noticed.