Drone Vocabulary 101

Drone Vocabulary 101

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have a variety of applications, from military use to hobby flying and photography. With the growth of drone usage, a specialized language has emerged to describe the different aspects of drone technology. Here are some of the most commonly used terms when discussing drones:

First Person View (FPV): This refers to a system where the pilot of a drone can view a live video stream from the drone's camera while in flight.

Drone: An unmanned aerial vehicle that is controlled by a remote operator or onboard computer.

Payload: The payload is the weight of the additional equipment carried by a drone, such as cameras, sensors, or delivery packages.

Flight Time: The total amount of time a drone can remain in the air before its battery is depleted.

Flight Controller: The flight controller is the onboard computer that controls the drone's movements and stability.

GPS: Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information.

Return to Home (RTH): This is a safety feature that automatically directs the drone back to its original launch location when it loses communication with the remote control or its battery is running low.

Obstacle Avoidance: This refers to the technology used by a drone to detect and avoid obstacles while in flight.

Autonomous Flight: This refers to the ability of a drone to fly and make decisions without human input.

Altitude Hold: A feature that allows the drone to maintain a consistent altitude during flight.

Waypoints: A series of predetermined GPS locations that a drone is programmed to fly to in a specific order.

No Fly Zone: An area designated by the FAA where drone flights are prohibited due to safety or security concerns.

Radio Frequency (RF): The radio frequency is the frequency on which the drone's remote control operates.

Line of Sight (LOS): The line of sight refers to the pilot's ability to see the drone at all times during flight.


In conclusion, the use of drones has created a specialized language that is essential for drone pilots and enthusiasts to understand. With the growing popularity of drones, it is important to familiarize oneself with these terms and stay up-to-date with any changes in the regulations and technology surrounding drone flight.
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