Getting started in FPV in 2025

Why FPV?

The war in Ukraine has shown us that FPV drones are no longer just a hobbyists toy, they can be used to carry out ISR & deadly strikes from short to medium distance.

A Eurofighter Typhoon pilot needs six years of training to be able to carry out flight operations. A FPV pilot can successfully pick up a controller, goggles and be dropping precision payloads within a matter of days.

This methodology is something that most armies have now in some form invested training into, China has shown off online how they've integrated FPV drones with consumer grade electronics into their mobile infantry units.

As of 2024, Russia has been teaching school children how to build and fly their own FPV drones. Why? so in the future, they'll have more potential soldiers who are experienced and competent pilots to bolster their ranks.

To understand their capabilities and downfalls, you need to get hands on and learn how to operate one. Here's how to get started.

Training Simulators

My journey started with downloading "Lift-off" from Steam onto my iMac, It only cost about 10-15 pounds and had good ratings- So I thought why not!

The simulator is incredibly realistic, I was even able to download user models that matched the flying characteristics of the drones I wanted. I was able to find and download a DJI Avata 2 build that someone from Asia had made for the community to use. After clocking up around 30 hours of simulated flying, I felt ready to progress on.

I was able to use the DJI remote controller that came with the Avata 2 and plug it into my iMac, this helped during training as I got used to the resistance of the sticks and learnt the position of all the safety buttons. So by the time I actually came to taking the Avata 2 out, I was already familiar with the stick & button lay out.

There are several simulators out there, you should get whatever you think will work best for you. Have a look through reviews from first time pilots, you'll find the best feedback from them.

I highly recommend flying in a simulator before touching the controls of a FPV drone, once you have the basics under your belt & you can do a few tricks- then buy yourself a drone.

Mobula 7 ELRS

The Mobula 7 is an impressive micro drone, weighing only 24 grams yet equipped with a powerful 400 milliwatt video transmitter (VTX). Despite its small size, it offers an indoor flight time of up to 5 minutes and can soar outside for around 2 to 4 minutes.

While some might dismiss these flight times, they are quite remarkable for a fully manual micro quad. One of the great benefits of flying tiny whoops like the Mobula 7, is that they tend to be perceived as less intrusive than larger drones, which can be viewed as privacy concerns by uninvolved parties.

This means you can enjoy your flying experience without frequent interruptions from onlookers. Additionally, the quieter operation of tiny whoops makes them less noticeable, allowing pilots to fly under the radar while still enjoying the thrill of zooming about.

The Mobula 7 is an impressive micro drone, weighing only 24 grams yet equipped with a powerful 400 milliwatt video transmitter (VTX). Despite its small size, it offers an indoor flight time of up to 5 minutes and can soar outside for around 2 to 4 minutes.

While some might dismiss these flight times, they are quite remarkable for a fully manual micro quad. One of the great benefits of flying tiny whoops like the Mobula 7, is that they tend to be perceived as less intrusive than larger drones, which can be viewed as privacy concerns by uninvolved parties.

This means you can enjoy your flying experience without frequent interruptions from onlookers. Additionally, the quieter operation of tiny whoops makes them less noticeable, allowing pilots to fly under the radar while still enjoying the thrill of zooming about.

£70

Remote Controller / Transmitter

When venturing into the world of remote controllers, the options can be overwhelming due to the wide range of functionalities available. For beginners, it's best to keep things simple; you don’t have to invest in the most expensive equipment right away.

The Radiomaster Pocket stands out as an excellent choice for newcomers, thanks to its compact size and great value for money.

After extensive research, I opted for the mid-range Radiomaster Boxer, which strikes a balance between features and affordability. This remote offers numerous switches and the added benefit of connecting an external antenna, making it a versatile option as I progress in my remote control journey. Embracing a controller that suits your level is crucial for an enjoyable start in this hobby.

It uses 2.4Ghz ELRS for exceptional range, this means I not only use this TX for my long range fixed wing place but also my tiny whoop drone.

£107

Goggles / Screen

The Sky Zone O40 goggles offer a solid combination of features for enthusiasts looking for quality FPV (First Person View) experience.

Equipped with an OLED screen that boasts a resolution of 1920x1080, these goggles provide a clear and immersive view with a diagonal field of view of 42°. Their adjustable focus, ranging from -6 to +2, accommodates both near-sighted and far-sighted users, while the interpupillary distance can be tailored from 58 to 71mm for optimal comfort.

The inclusion of a dual antenna system enhances signal diversity, and the integrated 5.8GHz 48-channel receiver ensures reliable connectivity. Furthermore, the onboard DVR supports MJPEG format at 60fps and allows for SD card storage up to 128GB. With power options from DC 6.5-25.2V or USB 5V, these goggles are designed for convenience and versatility in various flying conditions.

This is the piece of equipment I recommend spending the most on, think of it as an investment. Buying a decent pair of goggles with a good field of view and quality screen resolution, means no matter what drone or plane you use, you'll be seeing it through crystal clear lens.

DJI Avata 2

The DJI Avata 2 was an obvious choice for me due to its user-friendly functionalities tailored for beginners. With flight modes like "normal," "sports," and "manual," it provides a smooth learning curve while allowing pilots to progress at their own pace.

Additionally, one of the standout features of the DJI experience is its built-in flight simulator, which enhances the learning process by allowing users to practice without the risk of damaging their drones. The HD video system is another highlight, delivering exceptional quality and impressive range, ensuring that every flight is seen in beautiful detail.

Although the whole DJI set up is expensive, you can opt in for DJI care refresh which means if you basically crash the drone, you'll get another one when you send it back. A highly worthwhile addon.

£1,200