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 Vernon, New Jersey.

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

Kerry Lynch

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.

In place since 2018, a sales-and-use tax exemption on aircraft parts and maintenance in Virginia is set to expire in 2025

Bizav Groups Push for Mx Tax Exemption in Virginia

Sarah Rose

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.

Hurricane has caused billions in damages

NBAA Activates ‘HERO’ Response to Helene

Chad Trautvetter

Gordon Gilbert

While Mexican cabotage rules were eased, entry permits became more complicated

Universal's Mexico Bizav Ops Guide Details Changes

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.

At stake is a $22 billion budget for the FAA in fiscal year 2025

Bill Clears Congress To Keep U.S. Government Open through Dec. 20

Mark Huber

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Organization favors performance-based standards for UAS operations beyond a visual line of sight

VAI Airs BVLOS Concerns For Uncrewed Operations

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Regulations and Government

Bizav Groups Push for Mx Tax Exemption in Virginia

In place since 2018, a sales-and-use tax exemption on aircraft parts and maintenance in Virginia is set to expire in 2025

NBAA Activates ‘HERO’ Response to Helene

Hurricane has caused billions in damages

Universal's Mexico Bizav Ops Guide Details Changes

While Mexican cabotage rules were eased, entry permits became more complicated

Bill Clears Congress To Keep U.S. Government Open through Dec. 20

At stake is a $22 billion budget for the FAA in fiscal year 2025

VAI Airs BVLOS Concerns For Uncrewed Operations

Organization favors performance-based standards for UAS operations beyond a visual line of sight

JetNet Summit Opens with SAF Optimism, Climate Pushback

Krahmer slams European Commission in climate panel

JetNet iQ Summit Kicks Off with Focus on Future

Panelists asked about effects of war, globalization

FAA Nearing Release of Powered-lift SFAR

DOT senior official said SFAR is responsive to concerns

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