Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

Patterson Distributors Limited's “Eye in the Sky” cockpit video, audio, and flight data recorder has received supplemental type certificate (STC) approval from the FAA. This device is designed to enhance safety and performance through comprehensive flight data recording. The STC certification was granted through the FAA's International Validation Branch under a bilateral agreement with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The Eye in the Sky system integrates a forward-facing HD camera, capturing a 160-degree view of the cockpit and flight data from the instrument panel, along with ambient noise, intercom, and radio transmissions. Additionally, the unit records GNSS data, including aircraft ground speed, altitude, heading, and position. Designed to fit various helicopter models, it offers operators an affordable and robust tool for reviewing pilot performance, addressing maintenance anomalies, and improving flight training.
Louisa Patterson, the device’s developer, remarked, “Eye in the Sky helps raise the overall aviation safety bar, close occurrences, answer intermittent engineering faults, improve training, and provide answers in the event of an accident.”
With a tamper-proof SD card storing up to 22 hours of data and a built-in backup battery, the Eye in the Sky is ready for immediate deployment.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

FAA Grants STC Approval for Eye in the Sky Cockpit Recorder

New Zealand-based Patterson Distributors developed the cockpit video, audio, and flight data recorder

Patterson Distributors Limited's “Eye in the Sky” cockpit video, audio, and flight data recorder received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval. 

Eye in the Sky Cockpit Recorder Gets STC Approval

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Robert Sancetta

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

One favorable test after an emergent medical situation may not be enough to satisfy the FAA

AINsight: Explain the Symptoms

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Purchase includes four Gulfstreams and eight Boeings

Senate Dems Urge Probe into DHS Purchase of 12 Aircraft

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Tom Chapman additionally was confirmed for another term at NTSB

David Cummins Steps In as TSA Administrator

Charlotte Bailey

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Alleged omission of Israeli co-developed FalconEye system under scrutiny

Irish DoD: No Falcon 6X Capability Limitations sans EFVS

Amy Wilder

NBAA seeks operator invoices to bolster advocacy efforts

Bahamas Fee Hikes Hit Operators Retroactively

Hanneke Weitering

Israeli start-up will make SunTrax its U.S. headquarters

Air To Build eVTOL Aircraft at Florida’s SunTrax Hub

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Regulations and Government

AINsight: Explain the Symptoms

One favorable test after an emergent medical situation may not be enough to satisfy the FAA

Senate Dems Urge Probe into DHS Purchase of 12 Aircraft

Purchase includes four Gulfstreams and eight Boeings

David Cummins Steps In as TSA Administrator

Tom Chapman additionally was confirmed for another term at NTSB

Irish DoD: No Falcon 6X Capability Limitations sans EFVS

Alleged omission of Israeli co-developed FalconEye system under scrutiny

Bahamas Fee Hikes Hit Operators Retroactively

NBAA seeks operator invoices to bolster advocacy efforts

Air To Build eVTOL Aircraft at Florida’s SunTrax Hub

Israeli start-up will make SunTrax its U.S. headquarters

Red Lake Nation Returns Detained Stinson Airplane to Darrin Smedsmo

Airplane was detained after he made an emergency landing on tribal land.

How Long from Toke to Yoke? The FAA Wants To Find Out

Rescheduling created what FAA calls a dual-status gap

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