First Class Drones Takes Red Bull Flugtag to New Heights with FPV Drone Videography
- Misha Herschorn
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Red Bull Flugtag is all about creativity, courage, and controlled chaos. Teams launch their homemade flying machines off a 30 foot platform, hoping for glory (or at least a soft landing). When Flugtag came to Toronto, First Class Drones had the privilege of capturing every daring flight while live streaming the entire event using custom built FPV drones.
The Challenge: FPV Live Streaming 32 Teams
Broadcasting an event like Flugtag is no small feat, especially when using FPV (First Person View) drones. The challenge? Providing seamless live streamed footage while ensuring safety and precision. Our mission was to capture all 32 teams in action while maintaining a flawless live feed.
How We Pulled It Off
We custom built multiple FPV drones specifically for this event, incorporating advanced features to meet both safety regulations and high quality broadcast standards. Here’s what went into our builds:
Safety First: Propeller Guards
Protecting contestants, crew, and bystanders was a top priority. We installed propeller guards to ensure the drones could safely operate around participants without risk of injury.
Extended Flight Time: 10 Minute Battery Life
Typical FPV drones have a short flight time, but we needed extended endurance to film each team’s takeoff and return safely. By optimizing weight to power ratios, we achieved a 10 minute flight window per battery.
Legal Compliance: GPS and Barometer Integration
Flying in controlled airspace required compliance with Canadian aviation regulations. Our drones were equipped with GPS and barometers, ensuring safe and legal operation throughout the event.
Unobstructed Live Feed: Extended Camera Mount
A crucial element of live streaming is delivering a clean, propeller free view. We designed an extended camera mount to ensure the live feed was unobstructed for maximum clarity.
Lightweight Power: Full Size GoPro Powered by the Drone
Instead of carrying extra batteries, we powered a full size GoPro directly from the drone. This not only reduced weight but also increased flight time, allowing for uninterrupted aerial cinematography magic.
Efficient Battery and Media Management
One of the biggest logistical challenges was managing battery swaps and media storage efficiently. To streamline operations, we developed a precise checklist for our crew. In the weeks leading up to the event, we practiced our execution at the office, ensuring flawless transitions on the day. The result? A lightning fast 30 second turnaround between flights, allowing us to capture every team without delays.
Coordination and Safety Measures
Beyond building the perfect FPV drones, executing a successful live stream required meticulous coordination:
Live Production Crew Integration – We worked closely with the broadcast team to ensure a seamless connection between our FPV footage and the live stream.
Interference Testing – In a complex event environment, signal interference can be a problem. We conducted thorough pre event tests to ensure an uninterrupted live feed.
Skydive Crew Coordination – Safety is paramount, especially when multiple aerial elements are involved. We worked with the skydive team to ensure clear airspace and avoid conflicts.
Dedicated Visual Observer – To maintain compliance with drone regulations, we assigned a dedicated observer to monitor flights and ensure safe operation.
Test Run Before Event Day – A successful live stream doesn’t happen without preparation. We conducted a full scale test the day before the event, identifying and resolving any last minute issues.
The pilot setup
The Results: A Flawless Live Stream of Epic Flugtag Moments. FPV Drone Videography Does it Again.
From spectacular flights to hilarious crashes, First Class Drones captured every moment of Red Bull Flugtag with precision and excitement. Our custom FPV drones flawlessly filmed all 32 teams as they launched themselves into the water with their homemade aircraft, delivering an unforgettable experience for both the live audience and those watching remotely.
This project was one for the books—a perfect blend of technical expertise, teamwork, and the sheer thrill of Flugtag. Our expert drone photography, drone videography, and aerial cinematography showcased the event from breathtaking angles, proving why we are a top provider of drone services.
Need expert FPV drone videography and aerial cinematography for your next live event? First Class Drones specializes in cutting edge drone services, including aerial videography and live streaming. Contact us today to take your production to the next level!
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