How to Start FPV Flying: What You Need and What It Costs

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FPV (first-person view) flying means piloting a small drone while wearing goggles that show live video from its camera. It is a hobby with a learning curve, but starting the right way saves money and crashes.

What You Need

  • A drone: a small, tough beginner drone (often called a whoop) is the usual first choice.
  • Goggles or a screen: to see the live video.
  • A radio controller: the transmitter you fly with.
  • Batteries and a charger: flights are short, so spares matter.
  • Spare propellers: you will break some.

Start With a Simulator

An FPV simulator on your computer lets you learn to control a drone without breaking anything. Most people need many hours before they fly confidently. Use the same controller you will fly with, if possible.

Buy a Ready-to-Fly Kit First

A kit that includes the drone, radio and goggles avoids compatibility problems while you learn. My best beginner FPV drone kits guide compares options.

Safety and Rules

  • Remove the propellers when you bench-test, bind or update the drone.
  • Fly away from people, roads and animals, and use a spotter when wearing goggles if your local rules require it.
  • Check registration and flying rules in your country. They vary widely.
  • Never fly near airports or over crowds.

First Flights

Start in a large open space, keep flights short, and practise hovering before anything else. If your drone will not connect to the radio, see my guide to fixing an FPV drone that will not bind.