Fixed wing pilots were the first ones doing FPV, flying tens of miles out and back, flying above the clouds and posting YouTube videos.

I became interested back in 2014 and there already was a huge interest over on RCG and FPVLab as well as lots products on the streets (err, online shops selling FPV gear).  My first attempts in FPV in that same year were with a plane.  Quad-copters/multi-rotors were still in their infancy.

IBCrazy was a huge proponent of fixed wing FPV and had already started his antenna company specifically for FPV (aka Video Aerial Systems).  He posted videos back then that look awfully similar to ones posted by quad guys today flying in parking lots and diving buildings, not to mention flying thru public firework displays.

I will argue that fixed wing pilots were actually the pioneers of FPV.  In fact, one of the first individuals to do something with his FPV equipped aircraft that got the attention of the authorities was a fixed wing pilot.  It’s all documented in the FPV section of RCG if anyone wants to learn the history.

No argument… when I mention “FPV”.. I should actually say “close proximity, acrobatic FPV”.
I would LOVE to get that good.. but yes eventually want to be able to progress to that setup..

(22-Mar-2024, 01:53 PM)Rob Axel Wrote: THATS what I’m taking about!!! Yes!

Sadly, an era has passed... but if you have inclination and the space to fly and...





Turtle Brown Fpv
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisnamewas...ble/videos

Me!

I will say that I initially got denied, but I had to carefully choose the polygon for the map so it didn't go over an access road (not even a town road, just a school access road) and make it clear there were no houses in the area. It may also have helped that I told them I already had dozens of drones and we would not be able to afford fitting them all with RID.

I wonder if the long range FPV airplane pilots at my field realize they are leaving our FRIA when they fly far out? Actually I don't know if they are using RID devices. I'll ask.

The dogfight flight footage looks fun. It's basically what I do all the time when we fly together but I fly my quad. On an airplane head tracking is very important, on the quad it is not needed, but it can be pretty weird trying to follow them through aerobatic maneuvers because of they way quads fly. One of my friends let me fly his T-28 takeoff through touchdown a couple weeks ago, DJI equipped, nice plane.
I do have a Strix Nano Goblin analog FPV. It fishtails a lot in flight, no stabilization, no rudder (yaw), it can fly for 20 minutes on a 2s 18650 but I usually get nauseous or bored and stop long before that, it flies like shitt, LOL.
I've said it before but flying solo freestyle FPV in unique places where an airplane would have no place to take off or land is way more fun for me than fixed wing FPV. LOS is different, LOS airplanes and hells is my main hobby. But I would like to find someone to fly formation FPV airplanes with.

(15-Mar-2024, 02:41 AM)QuadFlyer68 Wrote: Isn’t today THE day, March 16, when we’re REALLY supposed to have RID transponders on our stuff ?  No more exceptions.  Delayed from last September cuz part shortages or something ?

How are you celebrating ???  I thought there’d be more uplifting discussions on this glorious day

for legal reasons I will not add what I am doing about remote id on my quads lol

(22-Mar-2024, 04:43 PM)husafreak Wrote: I wonder if the long range FPV airplane pilots at my field realize they are leaving our FRIA when they fly far out? Actually I don't know if they are using RID devices. I'll ask.

The thing is once you are far out, does it make any difference anyway.

(23-Mar-2024, 04:25 PM)Pathfinder075 Wrote: The thing is once you are far out, does it make any difference anyway.

As long as the flight videos are not posted, then there likely will not be any hassles. 
However, I could be wrong. I do know that it is the video postings that get most long 
range pilots into trouble. Regardless of what we perceive, it is actually pretty easy to 
calculate the distance that the craft has flown. Ain't software amazing? 

… kinda crazy how some video can be used to incriminate .. and others not..
I don’t post… and have no reason to…
My flights suck, I’m a shit pilot.. and no one wants to see my video..but it is a Catch-22 …

(23-Mar-2024, 06:10 PM)Rob Axel Wrote: … kinda crazy how some video can be used to incriminate .. and others not..
I don’t post… and have no reason to…
 My flights suck, I’m a shit pilot.. and no one wants to see my video..but it is a Catch-22 …

Yes. It is. Yet, keep this in mind, the FAA investigates suspected violations that are mostly 
submitted by Part 107 pilots. Hmm. Go figure. It seems that they pretty much have to at
least investigate reported cases.

My videos are just plain boring since I don't do stunts. Who wants to watch 15 minutes
of air time at 380 feet...just watching the scenery, such that it is, go by. Boring.

Still, posting your 5K, 8K, plus video is just flaunting one's long range flight that is quite
obviously in violation of the FAA regulations. It is sort of like driving 120 mph down the
interstate. Maybe you get caught, maybe you don't, but the chances are on the higher side.

Man… to bad I don’t live in San Diego anymore.. this would give me more excuses to make trips over the border. Especially if I was into long range (testing) and stuff..
Here is a thought, if u live near the southern us boarder..and keep a visual LOS to the boarder, then continue … just a “what if””
But in all honesty, during prohibition, rum and other spirits were run up and down the east coast of the US in “international” waters.. granted they had to make land and distribute the contraband..
“Ain’t nothing illegal l, until you get caught..”
-Steven Tickle-

Suros summed it up perfectly regarding those taking bribes lecturing us about what’s right and what’s wrong.