Best FPV drone: honest picks (and the licence you'll need)
FPV means flying in goggles, seeing the view from the drone — thrilling, but with its own learning curve. The Avata 2 is a true goggle FPV drone in class C1, so it requires the A1/A3 certificate; the Neo is a light C0 entry option that skips the exam. Both need registration at e.caa.gov.lv because they carry cameras.
- 377 gC1A1/A3 certificate required
The real FPV experience (377 g, C1). Goggles, a motion controller and shielded props give you smooth, cinematic FPV flight indoors and through tight gaps. Honest on the rules: C1 makes the A1/A3 certificate mandatory before the first flight, and the camera means registration. It is not the easiest start, but it is genuine FPV.
- #2
DJI Neo
135 gC0No A1/A3 exam requiredA light way to try FPV (~135 g, C0). The Neo can fly with goggles and a controller in FPV mode while staying under 250 g and clear of the A1/A3 exam — the lowest threshold to sample the FPV feel. The camera still means registration. Honest: this is not full racing FPV, with a small sensor and modest range, but as an entry point it is ideal.
◇ Frequently asked questions
+Does FPV flying need a licence?
It depends on the drone's class, not on it being FPV. The Avata 2 is C1 — the A1/A3 certificate is mandatory. The Neo is C0 and skips the exam. Both need registration at e.caa.gov.lv because they carry cameras.
+Which is better for a first FPV drone?
If you want the real FPV experience and are ready to pass A1/A3 — the Avata 2. If you want to sample the FPV feel first, at the lowest threshold and no exam — the Neo. Both still need to be registered because of the camera.
+Is the Neo a real FPV drone?
The Neo can fly in FPV mode with goggles, but it is a light beginner drone, not full racing FPV. The Avata 2 is closer to a true FPV experience with better range and stability.
Specs verified against: dji-retail.co.uk, www.reddit.com
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