FPV flying – what you need to know.
FPV stands for First Person Viewing and involves using a portable monitor so that you can see what your drone sees in real-time rather than trying to control it by sight. While it’s quite easy to lose sight of your drone mid-flight under normal flying circumstances, FPV allows you to fly further and faster by minimising confusion over the drone’s orientation, giving you more control overall. Plus, it’s a much more immersive experience than flying remotely.
You can buy a drone with built-in FPV technology or you can build in the tech yourself, using a video receiver, video transmitter, camera, and display (either as a remote display or goggles). FYI - if you build it yourself, you might want to consider a stronger antenna as well to give you more range without using additional power.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? TOP POINTERS FOR FPV FLYING
1. STAY LEGAL
Commercial drone flight is regulated by law. And, even with FPV, you need to be sure you can still see your drone without the use of the display unit, at all times. Also, it’s always a good idea to bring a spotter with you – someone to watch the surrounds while you watch your flight. They can be very helpful in preventing or reducing the risk of a costly crash.
2. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
As amazing as FPV is, you will need to practice flying in this mode to get it just right. You will be required to alter your depth perception and get used to looking at the world from the drone’s point of view. Practice as often as you can in safe surrounds.
3. PUT YOUR DRONE THROUGH ITS PACES
If you really want to get the best out of your drone you need to explore its capabilities in a safe and legal environment. Find yourself a wide open space, take along some drone-ready obstacles (flags and hoops work well), and practice flying through them and around them. This will help you get used to FPV flight in more challenging conditions but also allow you to make adjustments to the camera position, antenna sensitivity etc as per your unique flying needs.
Flying drones (especially for commercial purposes such as land surveying and aerial surveillance) can be effective, fun, and lucrative but you have to do it right, and always within the bounds of the law. Want to learn how to fly your commercial drone or need help implementing the use of drone technology in your organisation or industry? Have a look at our commercial services and turnkey solutions or join our managed ROC. When it comes to commercial drone flight, we’re the experts and we can help you be one too!