Why I Fly
Rediscovering the Joy of FPV
Let's be honest, we all have those moments where we lose sight of why we started something in the first place. The passion fades, the joy dwindles, and the drive fizzles out. Lately, I've found myself in that very spot with FPV. But sometimes, all it takes is a little reflection to reignite that spark. So, here I am, taking a trip down memory lane to remind myself why I fell in love with FPV in the first place.
The Spark that Ignited a Passion
It all started with a low point. I was stuck in a soul-crushing IT job, feeling trapped and unfulfilled. Then, my buddy Sparky invited me over to check out his new toy: a DJI FPV drone. He strapped those goggles on me, took off, and that was it. I was hooked. Seeing the world from that perspective, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of flight – it was a revelation. The very next day, I quit my job and embarked on my FPV journey.
Those early days were a whirlwind of emotions. The liberation of soaring through the air was intoxicating, but the fear of crashing a $700 piece of equipment was real. I remember my first flight vividly, nervously hovering around Sparky's yard, trying to get a feel for the controls. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper FPV initiation without a crash. On that very first flight, I managed to slam into a power line at full speed. Pieces of my drone were scattered across the yard, some even landing in his neighbor's… well, let's just say it was a humbling experience.
That crash, and the many that followed, taught me a valuable lesson: always scout your airspace. Power lines, trees, people, animals – anything can become an obstacle when you're flying at high speeds. Those early mishaps shaped me into a more cautious and aware pilot.
Embracing the Manual Mode
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a beginner was transitioning to full manual mode. I was terrified to let go of the "training wheels" of the assisted flight modes. But once I finally took the plunge, there was no going back. The feeling of total control, of knowing that every movement of the drone was a direct result of my input, was exhilarating. It was a true test of skill, and it pushed me to become a better pilot.
The Leap to Custom Builds
I quickly outgrew my DJI FPV and started building my own drones. The DJI was a great starting point, but it felt clunky and limited. Building my own rigs opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I had to learn about electronics, soldering, and the intricacies of drone mechanics. It was a challenge, but the rewards were immense.
For anyone considering making the leap to custom builds, my advice is to do your research. Not all parts are compatible, and it's easy to make costly mistakes. (Trust me, I've been there!) But with careful planning and a bit of patience, building your own drone can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
FPV: A Life Changer
FPV has had a profound impact on my life, both physically and mentally. It's helped me manage chronic pain, rekindle relationships with family members, and find a career that I truly love.
The intense focus required for FPV flying takes my mind off my physical discomfort. It's like meditation in motion. And the shared passion for FPV has brought me closer to my father and brother, giving us a common ground we didn't have before. Even my kids are getting in on the action, starting their FPV journey in the simulator!
My FPV experience also opened doors to my current job at Wing, where I'm working on cutting-edge autonomous drone technology. It's incredibly exciting to be part of a team that's shaping the future of drone delivery.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
Alongside my work at Wing, I'm also building my own FPV business. It's been a challenging but rewarding journey. One of the biggest hurdles I face is overcoming my own procrastination. I know I need to create a killer showreel, update my website, and start reaching out to potential clients. But sometimes, it's easier said than done.
I'm learning that being an FPV entrepreneur requires more than just flying skills. It takes discipline, marketing savvy, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.
Rediscovering the Joy: A Plan of Action
So, how do I plan to rediscover the joy of FPV amidst the demands of work, family, and building a business? Here's my plan:
Make time for fun flying: I'll start by bringing my drones to work and flying during my lunch breaks. I'll also reclaim my Sundays and organize regular meetups with the local FPV group.
Explore new possibilities: I'm eager to delve deeper into freestyle flying and cinelifter setups. These disciplines will push my skills to new levels and open up exciting creative opportunities.
Build community: I'll take the initiative to revive the local FPV group, organize events, and connect with other passionate pilots. Maybe even host an FPV day at an abandoned building – that sounds like a blast!
Advice for Aspiring Pilots
If you're just starting out in FPV, my advice is simple:
Embrace the simulator: It's the best way to learn the ropes without breaking the bank (or your drone).
Be patient: FPV takes time and dedication to master. Don't get discouraged by early setbacks.
Find your community: Connect with other pilots, learn from their experiences, and share your passion.
Most importantly, have fun! FPV is an incredible adventure. Enjoy every moment of it.