Definition
A method of remotely operating an unmanned aircraft in which the operator views a live video feed transmitted from a camera mounted on the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to be flown as if the operator were sitting in it. The video is typically displayed on goggles, a headset, or a screen at the ground control station.
Plain English
Flying a drone by watching a live video from a camera on the drone, so it feels like you're inside it looking out.
Context Anchor
Seen in drone, model aircraft, and remote-pilot operations, especially when discussing camera-equipped aircraft and visual line-of-sight requirements.
Derivation
From 'first person,' a grammatical and narrative term meaning 'from the speaker's own viewpoint.' Applied to drone flying, it means the pilot sees what the aircraft sees, rather than watching the aircraft from outside.
Why Pilots Care
It allows accurate control of small unmanned aircraft without requiring direct line-of-sight to the vehicle itself.
Analogy
Like wearing goggles connected to a camera on a model airplane so you fly while seeing through its nose.
Grounding Statement
Picture a drone pilot standing on the ground while the screen shows a live forward-looking view from the drone’s onboard camera.
Intuition Check
First-Person View does not mean the pilot is physically in the aircraft. It means the pilot is seeing a camera view from the aircraft while operating it remotely.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot put on the FPV goggles and flew the drone through the course while a visual observer kept eyes on the aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
First-person view requires a reliable low-latency link so control inputs remain immediate.