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'Drone-Racing'

Jan 2022

What is Drone?

An unmanned aerial vehicle is known as a "drone." It was adopted by the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2005 as part of their Unmanned Aircraft Roadmap 2005-2030 (Source: Wikipedia). Later, the technology has been developed and many new advanced technologies have been adapted to develop drones.

What is Drone racing?

Drone racing is a competitive sport in which participants control the drone. Participants wear head-mounted goggles that directly connect to a camera on board the drone they are flying. This camera transmits a live stream feed from the drone to the headset.

A person who controls the drone is known as a drone operator, or pilot. Drone racing began in Germany 2011. Flying drones has become an enjoyable hobby and a lucrative business. Many events have been organized that lead to cash prizes, brand deals, and accolades in the drone racing space.

It is a part of e-sport and is also known as FPV ("First-Person-on-View"). It gives the operator the impression that he is a fighter pilot.

The drone events are judged by how fast the operator or pilot navigates during events to get through obstacles. At big events, the livestreams from the drones are broadcast on the screen for the spectators.

Is there any speed limit?

According to the FAA, the legal and acceptable speed limit for racing drones is 100 mph. Some professional operators have reached speeds of up to 120 mph, and the world record is 179 mph. Before entering the FPV, you must first consult a drone guideline regulation.

Drone Racing Academy

If you want to become a drone operator, you need to get the proper training to understand the technology, features, and regulations. Drone Racing Academy (droneracingworld.com) is one of the sources that provides training on innovative drone technology, drone building, and piloting. As a trainee, you can simulate and improve your piloting skills.

Scope of Drone Racing

Worldwide, the scope of drone racing is expanding. According to the consulting firm Polaris Market Research, the global drone racing market will be worth US $2.1 billion by 2026.Due to the pandemic, world events were not organized in 2020, but in 2019, hundreds of participants participated in 23 events worldwide.

Indian Drone Racing League

It is the first and largest drone race in India. The races have been hosted at top institutes across India, such as IITs, BITS, and NITs, since October 2016. About 3300 pilots or operators are part of this league.

Drone License

- In the United States, you need a remote pilot certificate from the FAA to fly a drone for non-recreational purposes. For commercial purposes, you need to go for 4-6 week program to get a drone license.

- In India- the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) controls and manages drone regulations. The DGCA provides a drone license after the applicant fulfils the requisite training certification.

(Note: Drone license regulations vary from country to country.)