Review of quadcopters in Sunday Times

fly-catchers · Mar 9, 2014

There was a review in the Techology section mentioning the Walkera qr Ladybird, Phantom Vision, Phantom FC40 & 450 (called the Buzzflyer 450). Quite positive but a bit lightweight. Still it did mention getting insurance from BMFA as being a good idea. And keeping clear of people and getting permission from the landowner if flying from private property. Guess there will some more sales shortly!

bill

Seahorse · Mar 9, 2014

You can read all about it here, or not as they clip the article unless you subscribe, they also want your money to see the video clip?

All the devices here are battery-powered quadcopters (that is, they have four rotors) with enough lift to carry a camera. A wireless link allows the “pilot” to fly the aircraft via a video feed on the remote control or a smartphone. Wireless ranges go from 100 yards (the Walkera) to more than half a mile (the BuzzFlyer). These drones are flown with a handheld controller. All but the Walkera have GPS, which lets them hover with no pilot input, return to a take-off point and land automatically in the event of signal failure — or pilot panic.

How easy are they to fly?

Most can be flown by a novice. Make your first flights in a wide, open space free of people and animals — with permission from the landowner if on private property — on a day with little or no wind.

HeliTV · May 5, 2014

Thanks for the positive comments on my article. It was as you say short as the word count was limited! Guys at buzzflyer we're really helpful and I subsequently bought a Phantom from them personally! Shame the article and video is behind the Sunday Times paywall...