Flying FPV (First Person View) is a unique and exhilarating experience that more and more people are getting into every day. But before you take the plunge, there are some things you need to know. Here are 10 of the most important things to keep in mind before entering the world of FPV racing.
1. You need a special drone.
The first and most obvious thing you need for FPV racing is a drone that is specifically designed for the purpose. While you can certainly fly an ordinary drone around an obstacle course, it won’t be able to keep up with the speeds and maneuverability of a dedicated FPV racing drone. In order to achieve speed, one of the key components to properly select is the drone frame. You need a light yet durable one to get into those top speeds.
2. Be prepared to spend some money.
A good FPV racing drone will set you back a few hundred dollars at least. And that’s not including the cost of batteries, chargers, controllers, and other accessories. So if you’re thinking about getting into FPV racing, be prepared to open your wallet pretty wide. Don’t worry, if you really get into it, you’ll soon realize that the money you spent on it is well worth the joy you experience while being in the sport.
3. Learn the basics of flying a drone.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to have a solid understanding of how to fly a drone before you start flying one at high speeds through an obstacle course. If you’re brand new to drones, there are plenty of resources available to help you get up to speed quickly.
4. Get comfortable with first-person view.
Flying a drone in first-person view (FPV) is very different from flying one in real life. You’ll be relying on the drone’s camera to give you a bird’s eye view of the action, so it’s important to get comfortable with this perspective before you race.
5. Know the rules and regulations.
Before you start flying around in public places, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding drone use. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict guidelines about where and how you can fly your drone. Be sure to check out their website for more information.
6. Join a club or community.
One of the best ways to get started in FPV racing is to join a local club or online community dedicated to the sport. This will give you access to experienced racers who can help you get started and offer advice and tips as you progress.
7. Attend a race event.
Nothing will give you a better feel for FPV racing than attending a race event and seeing it firsthand. You’ll be able to check out the different types of drones and see how they fly in person. This is also a great opportunity to meet other racers and get involved in the community.
8. Invest in some safety gear.
Flying a drone at high speeds can be dangerous, so it’s important to invest in some safety gear before you start racing. A good pair of goggles or sunglasses will protect your eyes from the propellers, and gloves will help keep your fingers safe if you crash.
9. Follow the race line.
In FPV racing, each course is marked with a specific race line that all pilots must follow. Flying off-course will result in disqualification, so it’s important to be aware of the race line at all times.
10. Have fun!
Above all else, remember that FPV racing is supposed to be fun. So don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the experience. Who knows, you might even end up winning a few races along the way!