Making Videos, Recording Your Flights, Cockpit Audio, Editing and Music

Many followers ask me all the time how I make my videos. Questions vary from what cameras I use to recording cockpit audio to how I edit and where I find the music.
Here are all the answers so let me know if you have any questions.
Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I am NOT a Certified Flight Instructor and my videos are not for instruction purposes. The video is intended for my own personal experiences and for entertainment purposes only. Do not use my video content as information about how to fly an airplane. To properly learn how to fly you MUST visit your local flight school and work with an experienced Certified Flight Instructor.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
Also follow me on:
Instagram / nikoswings
FACEBOOK / nikoswings
Web www.nikoswings.com

[@martinpauly]

Nice summary of your workflow and process, Niko! The 360 camera on the wingtip is awesome - very cool. And you had me there when you sat down at the keyboard; I thought "wow, Niko even makes his own music!" :-) One additional tip from making my videos is that the GoPros can be fed power during recording. It adds some clutter to your cockpit (USB cables) which I don't like, but makes you completely independent of the camera batteries. All the best, Martin

[@NikosWings]

Hey Martin, I have to look into power options for the cameras. I have tons of power outputs in the Cirrus.

[@sean.graf25]

great video Niko, would you mind providing a link for the 3.5mm cable which plugs into your phone for the audio recording?

[@NikosWings]

Sure

[@brianmcgee115]

We need a Martin/Niko collab STAT!

[@sean.graf25]

@@NikosWings ,still waiting on that link for the 3.5mm- male audio splitter cable . It would be a huge help if you drop that so I can purchase one for myself

[@BoB4jjjjs]

A lot of work, but then that is why we watch your videos.

[@luchforte]

Dang, that's like a full time job. Thanks for the hard work you do for us.

[@NikosWings]

It’s a fun full time job!

[@rickharris323]

Thanks for putting together this video. I've previously asked you about gear and process ... so this is great. HOWEVER, all the right gear and process does not by itself yield the great results you are acheiving, any more than a nice guitar or camera or car would make you a good photographer or musician or race car driver. You are putting a lot of thought and skill into the camera shots, angles, B-roll, editing, narration, etc., and I applaud you for that!!!

[@NikosWings]

Primarily I put love into the videos

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Love this. Love the focusrite stuff. Check out the Rode podmic. Super cheap. But u get very crispy broadcast voiceovers. Very buttery. Right out of the box. Also check out. Rode wireless Go. Just came out incredible fir recording interviews at airshows. Or your work meetings. Comes with transmitter with built in mic u can clip onto your subject or even plug a lav mic into. And comes with a receiver. Super tiny Plug receiver into your camera or iPhone or record directly to card in receiver. Cool stuff.

[@jameshyatte7230]

Now that was cool, all your videos look professional made , and with the new cameras and 360 just add's to the experience, can't wait to see more of them.

[@abalone25]

You the man! Enjoy your vids and appreciate the peek behind the curtain.

[@Shaneepe1]

Man a lot of work! But that explains why the vids are so awesome!

[@bruceowens480]

Niko, I cant thank you enough for these incredibly enjoyable videos that you make and share with us all. I literally feel as if I am flying with you. I recently retired and have had a full life but used to fly a long time ago, day vfr only on a piper Cherokee 150 and had to give it up quickly. all my life I loved flying but could not do what you do. I hope you can continue this very cool stuff you do for all of us.

[@TJFlyingAdventures]

Awesome video... Great to get a glimpse "behind the scenes"

[@darylsinclair548]

Nico, thanks for all you hard work in editing and always taking us with you.Your videos are wonderful to watch.

[@Fro_Low]

It’s good to see the “behind the scene’s” stuff. I like how simplified you’ve made it. Moving to SW Fla soon and would love to hook-up one day to buy you lunch for all the great content you’ve put up.

[@larrysmith1568]

This is great stuff from Niko as usual. He is a detail man.

[@myckee]

Agree with all the other guys on here. A lot of work Niko. But your videos are definitely worth all the effort. Have a Blessed Pascha.

[@Johndoe33157]

I just went all the way back and saw your first solo cross country flight and is amazing to see you as experience pilot now.....keep the videos coming man you're an inspiration for sure.....👍🙏

[@justinderksen6907]

Great video man. I am looking into recording my flights someday...

[@SuperDave21]

You're a great pilot, and a very creative soul. Love your channel Niko.... wish I could fly with you some day, I love your SR22T Awesome plane!!

[@NikosWings]

Anytime

[@cirruscapo]

Great vlog Paisano, looking forward to next week... Thnx as always for posting these...

[@TheSpeedGeek]

Awesome stuff Niko - thanks for sharing. Love that 360 camera on the wing, but please keep making multi camera vids inside the cockpit. Any way to mount the 360 camera high up on the tail? I’m guessing not but it could make for some pretty cool video looking forward.

[@chrisc161]

I agree a lot of work. Thank you for doing this, we love it.

[@jasonbergeron6347]

Just the episode I've been waiting for brother!! Weird......seems like we talked about this before. LOL! Appreciate it.

[@tomedwards9265]

Really good explanation of the equipment and procedures you use to create your vids. Thanks so much for taking the time. I'm sure we all appreciate it very much.

[@bhvinson248]

Man of many talents. Thanks for the video.

[@PilotDaveAviation]

Awesome video Niko, thanks for sharing again !

[@privatepilotlife1770]

Nice job! I just started using my iMAC & software as well on my new channel. Like anything it takes some getting used to compared to the previous tech that I used for my other KZbin channels. However, I am enjoying the creative process. I have only put out a few videos due to the time it takes!! You guys rock (all you aviation guys that film and edited with several different cameras etc...) with all the time and effort spent on making these videos... Thank you! It is much appreciated... :)

[@jaydubmotorsportstm5629]

Thanks so much for this video..I’m in the process of starting my car review videos and trying to figure out how to put everything together.. your videos are great!!

[@shane8853]

Thanks for sharing, it’s all ways interesting to see how someone else goes about there edits and process. Cheers mate.

[@Parr4theCourse]

Thanks for the great tips, I need all the help I can get....

[@jfedermesser]

Awesome video and as always thanks! Love the humor in this video 👍👍👍

[@mikemccarron1162]

Great documentary on your set up, thanks and it was a very informative and interesting watch, as are all of your videos.

[@almarasco8088]

Thanks for sharing looking to do a short video as soon I get my Malibu out of annual

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

Great insight into how you position and use the cameras. Awesome footage at 5:00 👌

[@JimFreeberg]

Hey Niko Great video and thanks for the sharing learned a lot too.

[@randylinn502]

Love the "Spring Brreak" folder!!! LOL

[@NikosWings]

10 points for catching that... lol

[@upislandautomotive9283]

And do not forget to "Clear Prop" Love that

[@raineyms]

Your dedication is awesome!

[@ABHelicopters]

Thanks for sharing - some great tips and tricks- keep up the good work

[@TheRorymcloughlin]

Excellent, thanks for sharing Niko

[@DavidTorres-hs6hd]

Awesome Nikon Thanks my friend.

[@pdeswardt]

Such a nice guy. Glad i found your channel. Very entertaining.

[@cgrilley]

This is great! Thanks so much Niko!

[@Gazza-mk2ik]

you have a beautiful plane thank you for posting, your clips are amazing

[@Gazza-mk2ik]

WOW you do such a great job Thank you

[@kevchilton908]

Amazing! Such a lot of work involved and the end result is always so professional 👍👏

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Kevin

[@nsw72]

Behind the scenes. Nice! 👍👍

[@nikosgeorgakis6759]

Excellent content here Niko! Thank you!

[@model3life]

Niko, we were searching "record audio in aircraft/plane" and we found your video. Thanks for the lesson and we love the Red TESLA. We have the Tesla Model 3. You got a new subscriber!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks for subscribing

[@bdub11886]

Saw on one of your last videos that you also flight sim. And saw your setup in a few shots in this video. Ever thought of doing a short video showing and talking about why you do? Do you use it as an aid with your real world flying? I’ve recently gotten back into flight sim again and it’s gotten me hooked on aviation. Because of your videos and a few other amazing you tubers I’ve been putting serious thought in getting my license maybe next year. Amazing videos! Keep up the amazing work!

[@NikosWings]

Thank you! FS video coming in June where we will talk about all that

[@bdub11886]

Niko's Wings awesome! Can’t wait!

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

Say again?? Lol j/k but I join all your other fans in saying how much we appreciate your content! Now we have just a little taste of your technical know-how, and thank you for taking the time in doing so. (The 360 camera just blows me away.) Keep up the great work and safe travels to you and yours from me and mine!

[@jayhyland1]

Great video Niko!

[@insolentstickleback3266]

Holy Mackerel that silver is perfect on that aircraft! Very attractive!

[@Roadhogg24]

Outstanding!!!! Awesome!! Thanks for sharing, you make it looks so easy, which I’m sure it’s not, a lot of work is involved, nonetheless, thanks for your great videos! Take care, be safe, safe journeys!

[@billkrokoship]

Wow! Great detail and explanation!

[@mjotd8670]

Excellent video Niko, I told my co-worker about this video, although she is not into aviation, but Caving!, she spends her free time with a group, exploring underground caves, and the photo's she has shown me are are awesome, so I suggested that she buys a go-pro, and fixes it to her helmet,and starts her own channel and films her exploits underground, so watch this space!. Niko flying above the ground, and my co-worker below..imagine the fun you could have editing both!.. Nice work Niko, Cheers

[@NikosWings]

That sounds amazing

[@sailord-life861]

Well explained and great info simple easy to diy

[@ralphnoe7368]

Great job as always Niko -- you always make us feel like a friend who dropped either by your office or riding in your plane. Your low key narration keeping it on a level that we all can understand is much appreciated. Question -- about how long does it take you to edit the raw footage to finished product? I know it depends on how long the raw footage is and the variables but since you're using Final Cut Pro you are using a professional editing program. How long did it take for you to learn it? Keep up the great work -- always enjoy your videos!

[@370Scotty]

Wow! Way more effort than I expected!

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Never has the video production process been explained so well to us viewers. Thank you for sharing that. Also, if you need to land in the Detroit area again try our Oakland/Troy Executive Airport (KVLL). Pretty much in the middle of everything that's going on. Love that Tesla sports car you're driving. Cirrus+Tesla = Life-is-good!

[@NikosWings]

I have a business meeting with the City on the 14th, I may land there instead of executive

[@seriouslycirrus7341]

Very helpful trade secrets

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That was super helpful! I’ve made hundreds of videos but I still got ideas from your workflow! Namely I’m switching from Adobe to FCP (have been procrastinating learning it lol).

[@funkengruven7773]

This was a great vid! The behind the scenes look at what it takes to produce the vids from capture to master was awesome. I assume the music site is all "royalty-free"? That's very cool that you can download the individual tracks that make up the full song and only use what you need/like. It looks like you've streamlined the process to the point that you've taken as much of the manual work out of it as possible. Keep up the awesome work!

[@NikosWings]

Yes royalty free for $15/month as long as you are a KZbin creator. They have other types of licensing as well.

[@avitokayer8810]

So 😎 cool!! Thnx for that quick tutorial.

[@NikosWings]

Thx Avi

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Thanks for the insight, Niko! 👍👍 You do an EXCELLENT job producing and editing your videos - I think it's more YOU putting it all together, than your good equipment. 😎 I only recently came into the filming and editing world. Not aviation related, unfortunately - just some of the daily grind here at the shop. Hopefully some day it will be in some way, shape, or form. It's tough! Takes ALOT of time that I don't have, and I'm only using 1 camera and its combined audio! Cuts into my sleeping time, which is never good, LOL. I use the crappy, free iMovie app on the iMac - frustrating, but the price is right. 😁

[@NikosWings]

You are right, equipment just help get to the end result faster. I miss the days of single camera and no audio input, lol 😂

[@dontony51]

Amazing

[@tyler_russell]

So great!

[@hzfalcon]

very helpful , thanks

[@markshea8352]

Amazing video.. best ever... great behind the scene look. all the youtuders should do this..

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Mark

[@robw156]

Love the videos Niko, was great to see you and Stefan both together also. Just my personal opinion on the 360 camera, I love it on the wingtip. When I sit down to watch a KZbin video I don't want to interact with it. So I prefer it on the wingtip rather than in the passenger position. Safe flying. :)

[@NikosWings]

I agree with you on that

[@raymond21st2]

Your living the life👍👏

[@FranciscoLopez-vm2oh]

thats so sick mannnn, bro i would love to go on a flight i fly out of pompano every weekday

[@TREVORDAWSONTHD]

Thanks for the camera and audio tour. Nice keyboard. Mine is Casio WK1800. I've used my own recordings in my vlogs and mostly free copyright stuff from Filmora Video Editor.

[@NikosWings]

Nice Trevor... I love playing but I just don’t have the time to create the way I used to before youtube took over

[@myspaishot]

Man that's a beautiful plane. My dream of flying got a boost when FAA released their changes to policy about diabetics and the ability to control it, which I can. I was all set for my class 3 med certificate only to find out I have restless leg syndrome (RLS). And my luck continues to be bad as the treatment for RLS, which is incurable, is the same treatment used to treat Parkinson's Disease, which is also on their "Do Not Issue" list to get my classification. But at least I have your awesome, well made videos! Thank you for the time and effort.

[@NikosWings]

I hope you solve that issue

[@coreyjordan2745]

My man. Niko. I hope to one day meet you and fly with you back to Boca!!!! I'm from Chicago, IL.

[@TheAjs71]

Really appreciate you taking the time to share some of your production work and all that goes into the 'post' side of things. Try using a pop filter when recording VO, there are plenty of options available online. You may also want to consider a condenser microphone such as a RODE NT1-A or similar Niko. Then again, you may not! Anyway, looking forward to your next video...cheers Anthony

[@NikosWings]

A pop-filter is on my list. Thanks for the suggestions

[@edthompson2043]

Great behind the Nikp

[@tonylarkin6559]

Wow!!

[@Helinut]

Great video Niko. So interesting to see your gear, setup and some of your editing techniques. Excited to see what's in your pipeline. On a side note, did I see an Arlo Ultra cam behind you in one of your shots? I've got an Ultra setup and would be interested to hear what your impressions are. Stay safe my friend.

[@NikosWings]

It’s an Arlo but not an ultra, I think it’s a pro if I remember well. They are ok, the charging thing is a pain...

[@lancegardner7486]

Dang Niko that's a nice flight simulator ya got there.. Maybe someday show us in more detail about what ya got. Great video's keep em commin

[@NikosWings]

FS video coming in June

[@mikejw58]

@@NikosWings Thank you in advance for that Niko. I learned a lot about flying with a FS but never could make it too realistic. I hate toggling views, to me its so unnatural. And I hate using a mouse to turn knobs. I really wanted to use Pilotedge to improve my radio skills, but I just don't like the computer simulation experience. I wish I could change that. It seems like for me, its either a full blown simulator or nothing. Looking forward to any tips you may offer.

[@mikejw58]

@@NikosWings I have to say also, to me it is very obvious you don't do this just for the money but mainly for your love of aviation and to promote it in others. Any money you might make from all this is well deserved. You're a stand up guy, Niko! Keep'em comin'

[@NikosWings]

It’s definitely not about the money. Thanks for saying that. I will talk extensively about realism on FS and different approaches to using them.

[@mtodo700]

awesome!

[@thirtywide]

Great Information

[@midlifeppl4969]

Quality production as usual Niko and some really good pointers for making my own vlogs in the near future - Now, when are you going to do a piece on the simulator you have in your office? I would be really interested in knowing how this aids your already excellent piloting skills. Have a great weekend hope you get some good flying in. Nicholas

[@NikosWings]

FS Episode coming in June

[@caosuarez]

Lots of work!

[@ForFunFlyer]

Nice video! Just started my own aviation channel, so a lot of things are very familiar! Great work, subscribed! :)

[@NikosWings]

Congrats, I’ll check it out

[@ForFunFlyer]

@@NikosWings Roger! :)

[@mannygarcia1810]

You basically have a second career. Sounds a bit overwhelming but nonetheless your final product is top quality.

[@deanadamedge]

Another superb instructional video Niko. I was wondering how to control the camera rotate on the wing remotely? I want to do this on my DA40...(then on my SR22, hee....hee!)

[@NikosWings]

The camera does NOT rotate, it views and films all around. The recorded video is a video of everything 360 degrees around. What rotates is the angle you choose to display during editing. So it’s all software controlled during edit.

[@deanadamedge]

Oh...thanks so much for the clarification. Looks ‘absolutely fantastic!’

[@XCougar85X]

Thanks for the insight. Props to you for all that work that you put into the video's, and the quality. How much time on average does all the editing take? Also that camera on the wing, when it is facing forward with the flat side, do you notice any drag changes?

[@NikosWings]

Hi, I don’t place that camera with it’s face forward, it’s too much drag and too much pressure on the base. I put the thin side forward, no noticeable changes.

[@keithflotte2868]

Great flying videos and music as well! Where in epidemic is your intro soundtrack? ... Just love it and want to use it for exercising. Best regards and keep up the great work!

[@NikosWings]

It’s Summer Wave on shutterstock

[@keithflotte2868]

@@NikosWings Thank you Niko! 🤗

[@rpierce33]

Incredible video for me as I am just starting to learn about how to produce flying videos with GoPro cameras. I have enjoyed many/most of your videos for the past year or so. You have given me a bunch of info and ideas! Thanks! Will you be attending AirVenture this year?

[@NikosWings]

Yes I will be there

[@rpierce33]

Thank you sir! I will look forward to meeting you!

[@f104usa]

Niko love your videos but have to tell you that the whole procedure that you showed is all GREEK at least to me.Great work!!!!

[@NikosWings]

Any questions you have just ask. It used to be Greek to me too, lol 😂

[@f104usa]

@@NikosWings Niko you right it is great but toooo compllicated to me these cameras r amazing was just kidding some day you have to spent a whole month teaching me.lol,by the way iI like your car I have a 2017 silver.....just be safe out there.

[@KennoCaptures]

Always wondered how you recorded ATC, thank a lot Niko! 😃

[@ctn830]

I plug my GoPro into the planes jacks and it records ATC also. Isn't that easier?

[@NikosWings]

I use my audio feed as the master timeline for my videos. For example right now I’m working on a flight to Arkansas that was from start to finish 7 hours. I have the audio for the entire thing and the videos fall on top of that audio timeline. Makes sense?

[@KennoCaptures]

Niko's Wings makes perfect sense! Thanks a lot!

[@NikosWings]

Anytime

[@jcat7777]

Hey Niko, you ever use RAM mounts? I find them great because they make many different parts that are all interchangeable. The downside is they are somewhat limited in terms of flexibility but there's always a part they make that can fix that and really never had any position that I couldn't make work. Also, they are very secure once mounted. I use RAM for my cameras, iphone, ipad, and ADS-B. Receiver. they even make model specific mounts for things like iPad and iPhones.

[@NikosWings]

I use one for one of the cameras

[@tesladrivingdad8617]

Great Tesla!

[@TheRoadracer88]

Love all your videos Niko! Appreciate all the insight on what goes into making a video. 360 has sick (awesome) views by the way!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Chris

[@pak0033]

Niko, what do you do for a living that brought you to Rogers, AR in another video that you did? That was the first one that I saw and I loved it. I also live and fly in AR-Kansas.

[@NikosWings]

I’m in the government financial software business

[@pak0033]

@@NikosWings Awesome! You have a beautiful plane. Keep up the good work. If you are ever in KLIT look us up. Paul

[@patricepnc]

some update. I own a go pro hero 5 black. I never succeeded in recording cockpit audio using the go pro dedicated wire and audio converter, used all settings and fora recommendations. at best had a very low volume cockpit recording using the ampl mic setting in the camera. I had to purchase the nflightcam (not easy to find in europe) audio wire/set for go pro and then miracle ! it works perfectly ! my advice is to avoid the go pro one and go for other brands.. I could upload my first public video :).

[@oben44]

Thank You for showing us the insights! You have great content, and was even impressed with your personal musical instruments! Gopro mount is honestly the only mount you can trust; other off brand mounts tends to fall in flight which can be a distraction

[@katpis9121]

I would love to put the GoPro 360 on my model airplane. I’ll have to check the weight specs on it. I use final cut and epidemic sound as well. great software

[@NikosWings]

Check out other lighter 360 cameras. They are better

[@katpis9121]

Niko's Wings will do 👍 thanks Niko

[@brianb5594]

Excellent Niko! I always wondered where you got the backing music for your videos. I already signed up. Do you do all your own editing? I know that takes a huge amount of time. I don't produce enough video to justify FCP yet, but it looks far superior to iMovie. Also what kind of MAC do you have and how much memory/CPU? That HD video sucks the life out of the CPU. Thanks!!!!

[@NikosWings]

FCP will save you tons of time over iMovie but it takes a bit of learning curve. It’s very tight and precise. I do all my own editing 100% one man show! It’s MacBook Pro 17” i7 16GB and 4TB SSD.

[@upislandautomotive9283]

Niko, Xplane or FSX? I am both but love Xplane.... love to see a video of your Flight sim Gear, Like what you use for interments. and other peripherals ... Love your work and please come to KMVY

[@NikosWings]

I use both but FSX primarily due to reasons I will explain on the future FS video coming in June.

[@NicholasLittlejohn]

I figured you'd have an awesome Tesla landside. Have you done some hacks on your Cirrus like the STC to use lead free and less costly autogas?

[@NikosWings]

No Nicholas, I think I’ll leave it alone. I want as few mechanics touching this thing as possible.

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

So that’s how the magic is made. Awesome. One question when you drop in the separate audio file , how do you pair it exact with the video file ? Gracias amigo

[@NikosWings]

Aha, great question. The secret is syncing the audio and the videos together. I do that by clapping 3 times when everything starts. When Final Cut Pro syncs everything it uses the clapping 👏 as a syncing queue. And if that doesn’t work you have a very obvious point where you can easily sync everything from.

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

Gracias amigo. Great stuff. Keep the videos coming. Looking forward to all your journeys. Would love to see a Bahamas run. Blue skies my friend.

[@NikosWings]

Bahamas coming soon