FPV vs. GPS Drones – Which One Should You Train With?
FPV vs. GPS Drones – Which One Should You Train With?
With the rapid growth of the drone industry in Australia and globally, there has never been a better time to start your drone pilot journey. The decision you’ll need to make during drone pilot training is choosing the right type of drone to learn with — FPV (First-Person View) or GPS. Each drone type offers a unique flying experience suited to different training objectives. So, which is better for beginners pursuing a drone pilot course in Australia?
In this article, you will learn the key differences between FPV and GPS drones, their unique training advantages and disadvantages, and how to decide which is right for your remote pilot training journey. FPV vs. GPS Drones – Which One Should You Train With?
Overview of FPV and GPS Drones
Before discussing specifics, understand what FPV and GPS drones are and why your choice matters for drone flight training. FPV drones are associated with high-speed racing, freestyle tricks, and immersive flight experiences using goggles. GPS drones are known for their stability, automation, and user-friendly controls, making them popular among aerial photographers and commercial operators.
Choosing the right drone for training depends on your goals. Whether you’re aiming to become a drone racer, a cinematographer, or a licensed operator through CASA drone courses, the right starting point sets the foundation for long-term success.
Understanding FPV Drones
FPV drones provide a “pilot’s eye view” by transmitting real-time video from the drone’s camera to the pilot’s goggles. This puts you right in the cockpit, offering unmatched immersion and control.
These drones are manually flown, with pilots relying on visual input through their FPV goggles rather than watching from the ground. They require a solid understanding of controls, flight physics, and situational awareness.
FPV flying is exhilarating. You feel every twist, turn, and dive — which is why FPV drones are favored in racing and cinematic freestyle flying.
Key Components of FPV Drones
- FPV Goggles: Transmit live video feed to the pilot.
- Transmitters/Receivers: Control the drone’s movement.
- Video Transmitters: Send real-time footage to the pilot.
- High-performance motors: Deliver agility and speed.
Understanding GPS Drones
GPS drones use satellite positioning to navigate and stabilise during flight. They are widely used for commercial and recreational purposes due to their ease of use and automated capabilities.
By connecting to multiple GPS satellites, these drones can hover in place, follow preset flight paths, and return home when needed. They are heavily reliant on software assistance for flight control.
GPS enables features like return-to-home, waypoint missions, follow-me modes, and altitude hold, making these drones suitable for aerial photography, surveying, and other commercial tasks.
Key Components of GPS Drones
- GPS Modules: For accurate positioning.
- Obstacle Sensors: Improve safety and automation.
- Flight Controllers: Stabilise and guide flight.
- Waypoints & Mapping Software: Plan and execute routes.
- Key Differences Between FPV and GPS Drones
- Flight Experience:
- FPV: Offers complete manual control and immersive real-time visuals.
- GPS: This relies on automated assistance and is easier to handle.
- Control Precision:
- FPV: Requires sharp reflexes and manual coordination.
- GPS: Assists with stabilisation and flight path corrections.
- Speed and Agility:
- FPV: Designed for speed, flips, and tight turns.
- GPS: Prioritises stable flight and smooth movements.
- Learning Curve:
- FPV: Harder to master but builds strong foundational skills.
- GPS: Easier for beginners but less focused on manual piloting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Training with FPV Drones
Advantages:
- Hands-On Skills: FPV forces pilots to develop precise manual control.
- Reaction Training: Builds reflexes and spatial awareness.
- Preparation for Racing/Acrobatics: Ideal for freestyle flying and drone sports.
Disadvantages:
- Shorter Flight Times: Due to high-performance components and smaller batteries.
- Higher Risk of Crashes: Mistakes can lead to costly damage.
- Potential Motion Sickness: To those new to wearing FPV goggles.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Training with GPS Drones
Advantages:
- Beginner-Friendly: Stabilisation and GPS features allow safe and easy flying.
- Return-to-Home: Enhances safety and reduces crash risk.
- Perfect for Commercial Use: Useful for tasks like mapping or inspection.
Disadvantages:
- Less Skill Development: Heavy reliance on automation may delay manual piloting progress.
- Limited Agility: Not suited for acrobatics or racing.
- Price: High-end GPS drones with intelligent flight modes can be expensive.
Conclusion
The choice between FPV and GPS drones depends on your training goals. If you aim to become a versatile drone pilot with strong manual skills and possibly enter the racing or cinematic FPV scene, then FPV drones are a great place to start — albeit with a steeper learning curve.
If your goal is to fly drones commercially, take part in CASA drone courses, or gain certifications for aerial photography or surveying, then GPS drones are the more suitable choice. They align well with drone pilot courses in Australia and are used in remote pilot training programs for commercial operators.
Either path offers exciting prospects. The key is to align your drone flight training with your long-term vision. Whether it’s the thrill of high-speed FPV dives or the precision of GPS-guided missions, drone piloting is a rewarding career with vast potential.
Featured photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels
