Take RC Planes to the Next Level with FPV

Most people have spent some time daydreaming about having the ability to fly. While airplanes, hang gliding, and even skydiving all might help to give the slightest sensation of flying, these are all extremely temporary experiences. Additionally, all of these activities are extremely costly, with very little opportunity for any initial investments to later pay off and greatly alleviate that financial burden. This is where first person view (FPV) remote control technology swoops in to save the day.

What is FPV?

FPV technology allows users of remote control aircraft to mount cameras on their planes or helicopters. Through these cameras, unique aerial view videos can be easily taken. Reviewing these videos gives users a bird's eye view of their terrain-a view similar to what they themselves would see if they had been able to fly. Currently, however, very few already assembled FPV remote control planes are available. Instead, hobbyists are turning to "do it yourself" kits (available through several online retailers) to create their own personalized FPV system. High resolution mini cameras and video long range wireless transmitters both make up essential components of any FPV system; however, the specific details of each hobbyist's set up will vary, depending on both personal preferences and budgets.

"Smart" FPV:

The latest FPV set up was made possible through smartphone technology. More specifically, the makers of the AR. Drone Parrot describe it as the "first quadriocopter that can be controlled by an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android." Additionally, besides being perfectly compatible with these already owned (typically) everyday devices, the AR. Drone Parrot delivers a first person view to the controller's iPhone (or other chosen device) screen. The result is a FPV experience directly on the screen of an iPhone, as it is through the touch screen that the quadriocopter is controlled. The AR. Drone Parrot provides remote control hobbyists with an already-assembled FPV flying option. However, some user reviews of this advancement in FPV technology complained that the fps for the AR. Drone Parrot was slower than ideal, even though the fps is fast enough to allow for a "dog fighting" style of flight.

What next?

Hopefully the current trend in advancements in FPV remote controlled flight technology will continue. Both the do-it-yourself and the AR. Drone Parrot systems are extremely expensive at the moment, and future advancements could drive down this price to something more affordable for the less serious remote control flight hobbyist. Sadly, until those advancements and that price drop occur, FPV flying will continue to be just a dream for most individuals.