How to Get Started in FPV
It all started after I saw my first JohnyFPV video where he dove the tallest building in the world in Dubai. After I saw this video there was an instant adrenaline rush, but all I did was watch a video. I was already hooked. This is the beauty of FPV.
So, you are interested in where to even begin on your FPV journey. To start let me fill you in on some basic FPV jargon: Quad=FPV drone, Lipos=Batteries, Props=Propellors, RC= Radio Control, and lastly FPV= First Person View.
I want to start you valued, soon-to-be FPV fanatics, very slowly because the hobby itself is very overwhelming.
I will explain my next steps after seeing Johny’s video. I did not know where to even begin. I want this website and myself to be your guide, which I wish I had two years ago.
Step 1: Find Your First FPV Lead
The first thing that I did was search “FPV Drone Shop” into google, but I soon found out there really aren’t any of those. What I did find was a very niche drone repair store that I immediately called.
Me: “Hey, Do you all sell FPV Drones?”
Drone Repairman: ”Hi, unfortunately, it does not really work like that.”
Me: “What do you mean, I can’t just buy an FPV drone and start flying immediately?”
Drone Repairman: “Not really, why don’t you come by and I will explain.”
immediately hangs up and drives directly to the shop
As I entered the small, rather a nerd’s dream of a shack, I was amazed to see so many electronics and tools on the wall. “This guy must be a genius,” I thought to myself.
We began talking and he explained most of the time FPV quads are built by yourself. He also explained there is a really big learning curve to enter the FPV space. My ambitions slowly started to dwindle. I didn’t know anyone who flew FPV, I did not know how to solder, I did not know what a lipo was, I did not know what an ESC and FC were, I did not know anything. He noticed my discontent.
Drone Repairman: “I can see you are starting to realize how much work this will be to start flying.”
Me rather sadly: “yeah it does not seem very easy”
Drone Repairman: “Lucky for you I know this group who specialize in flying and building FPV, but I can’t remember their group name”
Drone Repairman: “ummmmm….. Their name is…… ermmm……. oh yeah! FPV Underground is the name and you can find them on Facebook!”
I was so relieved to find another lead to my soon-to-be addiction.
Step 2: Join a Facebook Group
I immediately went online and requested to join their Facebook Group. A few hours later, I got in. You can also find FPV Facebook groups by searching your city or state followed by FPV. For instance, “Houston FPV" or “California FPV drones.” I think you get the gist.
From there I saw a post saying that they were all meeting on a Wednesday to fly “tiny whoops” and anyone in the group was welcome to join.
Step 3: Make Friends
I remember meeting all the guys for the first time (yes, all guys, there aren’t too many women in this hobby, so if you are looking for someplace to meet women this is not the place). Everyone was so kind and mixed with a small amount of social awkwardness but in the best way possible. You could tell their love for the hobby.
Soon they had me put on a pair of goggles to watch someone fly, and it was one of the most disorienting things I had done in a while. It felt like I was flying.
Step 4: Learn as Much as You Can
I knew immediately that I would go through pretty much anything to build and fly FPV drones. I received a lot of help and I still am receiving so much help, but finding a group of people to fly or build drones with is an amazing thing. Soon you will be able to give pretty much any object the ability of flight. FPV drones are not only fun to fly, but also they are extremely rewarding once you know how to build one for yourself. You will feel like iron man.
Let me help you if you do not decide to follow those steps:
1) Buy an FPV Simulator (some good ones are velocidrone, liftoff, drl, etc..)
2) Buy an affordable FPV radio
3) Start flying as much as you can on the simulator
4) Buy a tiny whoop bundle
5) Start researching FPV drone components
I will go more into depth with these steps in future posts.
In summary, your first step is to join a group that is flying in your area. All you would have to do is search your city and then FPV after it on Facebook groups. For instance, “Houston” FPV or even “Texas” FPV. Soon you will be connected with FPV geniuses. Meet up with them, make new friends, and begin your process of figuring out everything you can about FPV drones.
Alternatively,
You can follow along with the content I post on my Youtube, Tik Tok, and Instagram for more information about FPV. Soon I will create a discord server where my team and I will answer any of your burning FPV questions. Yes, sometimes your quad will literally be burning and you will want to know why that is happening. (hint buy a fire extinguisher) Until then keep a lookout for my next FPV posts.
I will get you up in the air in no time!
