FPV drones are revolutionizing both military and civilian sectors in Ukraine, CEE, and worldwide. Whether you're interested in flying for fun, content creation, or future delivery tech, this beginner's guide will walk you through the gear, skills, and simulators you need to get started safely and confidently.
Leveraging Ukrainian experience, AIN has prepared an article for beginners who are just figuring out where to start with FPV drones.
Step 1: Choosing an FPV controller
Before you can start flying, you need to understand flight controllers — the ‘brain’ of the drone that controls how it moves. Remote controllers come in different shapes and sizes. Some resemble gamepads, while others have a more traditional design.
When choosing a controller, ergonomics matters. If buttons or switches are uncomfortable to reach, it can impact your control and accuracy. It’s best to hold and test the controller before buying to ensure a good fit and easy access to all controls.
What is the best FPV controller for beginners and advanced users?
For begginers, gamepad-style controllers like the TBS Tango 2, Jumper T-Pro, T-Lite, FlySky FS-SM001, or Betafpv LiteRadio are good entry-level options with fewer buttons and a simpler control layout. Prices range from budget to mid-range.
Jumper T-pro controller. Photo taken from the official website.
If you’re serious about learning and want a controller that will also serve you for actual flights, consider RadioMaster Boxer, TX12, TX16S, TBS Mambo, or FlySky FS-I6. RadioMaster Pocket is a budget-friendly, versatile option that combines elements of both gamepads and traditional remotes.
RadioMaster TX16s controller. Photo taken from the official website.
Worth to note:
Larger controllers have more buttons and toggle switches, allowing for advanced customization — especially useful for professional drone operations.
Some controllers lack a built-in display, which isn’t a big issue for beginners but becomes essential when configuring models or custom parameters.
Read more: “Lego for adults.” Stories of three Ukrainians who assemble kamikaze drones at home
FPV drones use different communication protocols and standards:
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ExpressLRS (ELRS) – A modern communication protocol that provides long-range capability and low latency, making it one of the best choices for FPV drones.
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CC2500 – Another common communication protocol used in many controllers. It supports multiple frequency bands but has a shorter range and higher latency compared to ExpressLRS.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – A US radio communication standard that allows higher transmitter power, improving range and signal stability.
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Listen Before Talk (LBT) – A European standard requiring transmitters to check if a channel is free before transmitting a signal. This can slightly increase latency.
Drone controllers also have different control modes, which determine how the sticks function.
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Mode 2 (M2) – The most common setup worldwide, where the left stick controls the throttle.
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Mode 1 (M1), Mode 3 (M3), and Mode 4 (M4) are less common configurations with different stick assignments.
Image found on Reddit
Basic flight controls
To pilot an FPV drone, you’ll need to understand these four key controls:
Throttle – Controls engine power and altitude. More throttle = higher flight.
Yaw – Rotates the drone left or right around its vertical axis.
Pitch – Tilts the drone forward or backward, affecting movement direction.
Roll – Tilts the drone left or right.
Additional tips
Most controllers are sold without batteries, so you must buy them separately. The most common options are Li-ion 18650 or LiPo batteries.
You can purchase drones and accessories through different channels: Budget or second-hand options – look through online thrift shops; New equipment – order from official marketplaces; Faster delivery – buy from official suppliers in your country, though prices will be higher.
With the right equipment and practice, you’ll soon be ready to take your FPV drone into the sky!
Step 2: Mastering FPV simulators
Before taking your drone into the air, it’s best to develop basic skills in a simulator. This will help you get comfortable with controls and physics without the risk of crashing your real drone. You may also want to adjust the graphics and other settings to suit your preferences.
How do FPV simulators work?
There are many FPV simulators available, each differing in functionality, graphics quality, and price. Some of the most popular options include:
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VelociDrone;
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DRL Simulator;
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Liftoff;
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Uncrashed;
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FPV Freerider.
Paid simulators can cost up to $30 and can be downloaded from official gaming marketplaces like Steam, or the Epic Games Store.
You can learn to fly through specialized courses or on your own. Many simulators offer training modes, and YouTube is full of helpful tutorials. In Ukraine, for example, the Victory Drones volunteer project teaches people not only how to fly drones but also how to assemble them.
Read more: Interview with Lyubov Shipovich, Dignitas Fund: on charity, one million drones, and miltech
Where to start your training?
After installing a simulator and connecting your controller, the first step is to calibrate the sticks in the game settings. This ensures the simulator correctly interprets your joystick movements, preventing lag or inaccuracies.
For beginners, it’s best to start in Angle Mode, where the drone automatically levels itself, making control easier. Once you’re comfortable, switch to Acro Mode, which is used in FPV drones for real-world flights. In Acro Mode, the drone does not self-stabilize, so piloting requires constant adjustments.
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Screenshot of Uncrashed simulator
There is also an intermediate mode called Horizon Mode, which allows for flips while still maintaining some stability.
Begin by practicing altitude control, then move on to basic maneuvers: turns, tilts, and smooth forward and backward movements. Once you’ve mastered these, challenge yourself with more advanced exercises, such as: flying around obstacles, navigating through narrow gaps, or performing flips and rolls.
Most simulators offer different environments to practice in, including racing tracks and open spaces for free flight.
Useful resources sharing Ukrainian experience on FPV drones
If you’re looking for additional learning materials and community support, check out these Ukrainian resources:
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E-Drone – Reviews of various FPV devices.
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SMAKADRON – Insights from an experienced drone operator.
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КОТО-ДРОН – A channel covering everything from basic drone setup to flights and video recording.
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FPV питаннячка – A community-driven channel where experienced pilots help newcomers.
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Victory Drones – A project focused on the technological militarization of society.
Learning to fly an FPV drone requires patience and persistence. The time it takes to become confident varies for each person, but the key is to keep practicing, even if progress initially feels slow!
