WHAT IS FPV?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: GENERAL & SAFETY RULES
ALWAYS
Fly with a spotter who must maintain visual line of sight with your model and can warn you of potential safety hazards.
Obtain permission from the property owner or manager to fly. Stay within the boundaries of that property.
Announce your intentions to other pilots who are flying.
Take-off, landing, powering up, etc.
Keep at least 50m clear of people or property, vehicles etc.
Fly below 150ft AGL (44m above ground level). It’s the law!
Fly on only ICASA approved frequencies and radio power levels.
If you are not sure, contact the SAMAA offices and they will advise you on the legal frequencies and power levels to use.
NEVER
Fly from, or over a public road, it’s illegal!
Fly within 5NM (10km) of an airport, it’s also illegal!
Fly within 5km of another approved model flying site.
The approved sites are listed on the SAMAA website (www.samaa.co.za)
Fly after drinking alcohol or taking inhibiting medication.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FPV drone racing is a competitive sport where pilots control small, unmanned drones equipped with First Person View (FPV) cameras, allowing them to fly the drones remotely from a first-person perspective through goggles or screens. The drones are usually small, lightweight, and highly maneuverable, and pilots race them through designated courses, often at high speeds.
FPV racing drones can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour) or even higher, depending on the setup and configuration of the drone. Racing drones are typically built for speed, and pilots can customize them with powerful motors, aerodynamic frames, and high-capacity batteries to achieve faster speeds.
To start FPV drone racing, you will need a racing drone, a remote controller, FPV goggles or screens, and batteries for your drone and goggles. You may also need a video receiver, antennas, and other accessories for a complete FPV racing setup. It’s important to research and understand the local regulations and safety guidelines for flying drones in your area.
Learning to fly FPV drones requires practice and patience. It’s recommended to start with a small, inexpensive drone for beginners and practice in open areas with plenty of space to avoid obstacles. You can find online tutorials, join local FPV racing groups or communities, and practice regularly to improve your skills. It’s important to start slow and gradually progress as you gain more experience.
Safety is a top priority in FPV drone racing. Some safety precautions include always flying with a spotter; keeping your racing drone within visual line of sight; only flying in designated areas; avoid flying over people or property; fly within the height ceiling of 150ft; do not fly near airports, hospitals or government installations; do not fly your racing drone at night. It’s also important to follow local regulations and guidelines, respect the privacy of others, and be aware of weather conditions and potential hazards in the racing environment.
The cost of getting into FPV drone racing can vary depending on the equipment and accessories you choose. FPV goggles, remote controllers, batteries, and other accessories can also add to the overall cost. It’s important to budget for ongoing expenses such as replacement parts, repairs, and upgrades as you progress in the sport.
Yes, FPV drone racing has a competitive scene with local, national, and international races and competitions. Competing in FPV drone racing requires skill, practice, and dedication to improve your racing techniques and performance.
COULDN'T FIND ANY INFO REGARDING YOUR QUESTION?
LOCAL SHOPS / LOCAL SUPPORT
Below you will find a list of local shops to buy all your gear from.
Each shop specializes in a different market/class of flying. Visit their websites to find what will work best for you!
RACING CLASSES
Open
Sport
Novice
Freestyle
Fixed Wing
DOCUMENTATION
PROFICIENCIES
The proficiencies have been split into four types; Solo,
Advanced, Instructor and Demonstration Proficiencies.
An advanced proficiency is required for a pilot to be eligible to motivate an instructors or demonstration proficiency.
The primary purpose of solo proficiency testing is to confirm the pilot has adequate control over his aircraft to maintain safe flight under varying conditions and to ensure he has sufficient knowledge of the rules and regulations to safely operate his/her aircraft.
Proficiency tests must be judged by two Instructor Rated judges who were not the pupil’s primary instructors.
Answer the questions on the right to request a proficiencies test.