The Rock Steady ball mount is the durable and versatile low profile design that you have been looking for. This quality all metal mount will not move, bend, or fail, unlike plastic mounts. The knuckle clamp attaches to any Rock Steady base allowing 360 degrees of adjustment. The knuckle locks your camera into any position with a hex wrench, or by hand with an included T-handle screw. Buy multiple Rock Steady bases to add numerous quick change mounting locations at an affordable price. The standard 1/4-20 thread is compatible with most cameras such as Drift, Flightcam, Sony, JVC, Canon, Fly360, etc. The Rock Steady Universal Strut Base is a quality all metal machined aluminum base. The strut base fits any size aircraft spreader bar, bi-plane strut, or wing strut from a J-3 to a Caravan. The simple clean design straps firmly to your wing strut without using bulky blocks or bolts. The Cushioned Steel Strap Kit is the ultimate safe and secure universal strap. The stainless metal strap is cushioned with a rubber anti-chafe cover protecting your painted surface. The strap and cushion assembly is cut to fit any size strut from a J-3 to a Caravan. The strap is tightened by hand with a thumb screw for a temporary attachment that is very rigid to hold your camera as stable as possible.
FAA Attachment Rating: SAS, FFT, FFM, or APA.
SAS - Safe & Secure - If installed properly, this mount is safe and secure to withstand forces of flight. If this mount is only rated safe and secure, then it may or may not meet the other categories on its own or in all installations. However, this mount is at least suitable for external attachment on all experimental aircraft. Though experimental aircraft do not fall under the same regulations for installation as certified aircraft, violations are still possible under FAR 91.13 and 91.15 such as with sticky mounts, suction cups, and plastic mounts failing. If installed, maintained, and operated properly, this mount is of the highest quality to never fail.
FFT - FAA Temporary - This FAA friendly mount may be considered a temporary mounting device. This device uses attachment methods that may be done by hand, not requiring tools. This device, in most cases can be attached temporarily to an aircraft without affecting the integrity of the attachment point if used properly. Final responsibility is on the pilot using a temporary device. The FAA does not support installations that are not approved. Good references for portable electronic devises are AC 91-21-1C, AC 20-173, and ACE-100.
FFM - FAA Minor Alteration - This camera mount meets all practical design criteria falling under a FAA minor alteration. Under a minor alteration the FAA requires only a logbook entry from an A&P mechanic. This commercial off the shelf product uses recognized materials and design aspects that may be recognized by AC 43.13. Each minor alteration varies between aircraft types and mounting locations. Final responsibility is on the A&P mechanic making the logbook entry. The use of AC 43-210A may be helpful in determining your installation can be considered a minor alteration.
APA - FAA Approval Available - This camera mount has available an FAA Approval for certain cameras on most certified aircraft. Pre-approved engineering data can be purchased through Flight Flix allowing a FAA approved installation on your aircraft. Complete paperwork is sent to you with pre-approved data and installation instructions for your specific aircraft, camera, and mounting location. This approval allows a simple approval process for you and your IA. We have already done all the hard work. Eliminate tedious field approvals and inconsistencies between FSDO's.
