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FPV Drone Racing - Club Pilot

Scratch-build FPV (First Person View) racing drones to compete in MultiGP, the world's largest drone racing league, racing over 80 mph against top pilots through challenging obstacle courses. Practice manual piloting while studying and applying flight mechanics to optimize drone feedback loops. Design and fabricate custom parts using 3D printing and manage intricate battery systems. Serve as a drone ambassador and engage with the community at Maker Faire and the FAA Drone Expo. FAA - Part 107 Commercial Drone Licensed. FCC Ham Radio Licensed - Technician class (KN6MVM).

  • Scratch-build

  • Fly

  • Tune

  • Compete

  • Repair

  • View

Workbench photo of drone build

CAZ FPV MultiGP Chapter

MultiGP race demo at FAA Drone expo

Volunteer Pilot and Outreach - Maker Fair Drone Exhibition

Race day on-site set up

Flying FPV drones requires constant tuning

Project Summary

Project: Build competitive FPV drones to compete in MultiGP (drone racing league)

Role: Solo build and Pilot. MultiGP league competitor

Process: 

  1. Identify problem / challenge / goal

  2. Reference existing builds / talk with community

  3. Assemble frame and solder electronics

  4. Configure and PID tune

  5. Fly

  6. Repair

Solution: Make a custom-built FPV drone optimized for racing, enhanced performance through adjustments and tuning. Learning in drone racing community and fostering outreach to learners interested in STEM fields.

Impact: share skills and knowledge with drone community and outreach to young STEM learners.

What has been learned: Flight mechanics, problem-solving, custom building

Project Skills

Skills learned/used: CAD, 3D printing, Soldering, PID control, Manual Flying, LiPO Battery Management, Radio Communication

Tools learned/ used: 3D printer, soldering iron

Software:  BetaFlight (Flight Control), Fusion 360 (CAD), BLHeli (Motor Control), OpenTX (RC Transmitter Software), ExpressLRS

Project Support

Drone communities: 

  • CAZ FPV (MultiGP Local Chapter)

  • Online Discord Communities

  • Flight Club (School Group)

  • Valley Flyers (local model flying club)

Drone commercial certifications:   

  • FAA - Part 107 Commercial Drone License

  • FCC Ham Radio License - Technician class (KN6MVM)

    Relevant Education:  

  • Purdue University College of Engineering  - Fantastic Plastics: Design a Product Using 3D Printing  June 2023   

  • Brentwood School - Intro to Aerospace & Drone Technologies Grade: A   

Volunteer: 

FPV Drone Pilot and Educator Orange County Maker Faire, Costa Mesa, CA Sept 2023                                                                                                         

  • Flew with other MultiGP league pilots at the FPV drone racing exhibit and answered questions from attendees.

FPV Drone Pilot and Educator FAA Drone Expo, Cal State Fullerton March  2024    

  • Flew with other MultiGP league pilots at the FPV drone racing exhibit and answered questions from attendees. 

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