DISCILPINES

What is a flip-flop…..? Wrong! Its a quadcopter tumbling across the sky then somehow managing to squeeze through that tiny gap in the wall while going backwards, not by luck, but by design. Probably the most common disipline of FPV the aim of freestyle is to defy the laws of physics and make Sir Issac Newton cry. The weapon of choice is usually the 4s or 6s 5inch quadcopter, choosen for its balance of power, weight and strength. Then its simply a matter of finding a ‘bando’, plugging in and rippin’! Flow, juicy, rubix…it doesnt matter. If its flipping and rolling its freestyling.

As Murray Walker once said, “GO GO GO!”. The aim of FPV racing is the same as any other form of racing; to get around the track in the shortest time possible. With FPV the track can be along the ground, within the air or a combination of the two. ‘Gates’ and objects are strategically placed and ordered. Then its a case of unleashing the purpose built, high powered, low weight quads upon them, with the resulting speed and manoeuvrability often hypnotizing the watching spectators. Whether its time trials or competitive knock out heats a new champion will be born!

At one time or another we all dreamed of being the next Stephen Speilberg. Cine FPV can bring us a step closer to this. Whether its for commercial purposes to showcase a location or business, or to add a touch of class to your holiday snaps (and to stop your family members nodding of while watching the 30min slideshow of photos youve taken) cinematic FPV covers all the angles. To acomplish the Hollywood-esque look a HD camera (usually a GoPro) is used in conjunction with an appropriate quadcopter. The quads can range from small Tiny-whoops through to larger purpose built heavy lift contraptions, but the goal is the same regardless…get the money shot! Afterwards, the movie magic is then completed within the edit with stabilisation applied to the footage to create a buttersmooth look, colour grading to make the subject pop and some carefully made cuts to allow the scene to flow. Add some music and your done!

There is no greater test of equipment, build and nerve than flying long-range. The risks can be great, but the reward greater. The distance however varies with the end of the field for some just as challenging as 5km for others. The purpose can be two-fold; capturing those cinematic vistas at the peak of the mountain without a hiking boot in sight, or a scientific research flight to test the capabilities of your chosen equipment. Regardless of the reason the results are the same, a heart-rate increasing experience where an overlooked setting or mis-calculated option could spell disaster. Maybe keep those hiking boots handy after all.

What do you do when the weather sucks? You go inside and play with your whoop! A Tiny-Whoop is a small palm sized ducted quadcopter. But dont let the small size fool you, as their high power to weight ratios means these little machines can perform just as well as their bigger siblings. As well as being fast their smaller size means theyre especially able to perform tight turns within restricted enviromnents making them perfect for indoor racing. Whether its a dedicated race gate or a chair and table Tiny Whoops can turn any space into an FPV playground.

For millenia man has wanted to soar like the birds and thanks to Wilbur, Orville and our own Harry Ferguson we have achieved it! FPV fixed-wing allows you to follow in their footsteps from the comfort of Terra Firma and just like its quadcopter sibling it is diverse in its equipment and disicplines. Whether its calmly soaring like a bird, frantically looping and flipping like a Topgun, nailing the racecourse in the quickest time possible or gently orbiting overhead in the park FPV fixed-wing has it.