NLThere is a reason why FPV drone imagery has conquered the motorsport world in recent years. No single camera on a tripod, no cable system, and no helicopter can do what an FPV racing drone does: blast just above the asphalt with a Formula 1 car, follow a motocrosser through a corner, or chase a stuntman on a rooftop. The result is raw, immersive footage that places viewers right in the heart of the action.
At Drone Department, we specialize in high-speed FPV drone operations for motorsports, action films, music videos, and extreme sports productions. In this article, we discuss the technology behind our racing drones, how a typical shoot on a circuit proceeds, the safety protocols we handle, and what the EU regulations say about this type of operation.
The technology: how do our FPV drones reach 200 km/h?
Our high-speed FPV drones are not off-the-shelf products you take out of a box. They are custom-built racing drones assembled and tuned by our team for specific use cases. Every component is chosen for maximum speed, stability, and image quality.
Technical specifications
| Specification | High-Speed FPV | Cinema Drone (Inspire 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | Up to 200 km/h | Up to 94 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 | Less than 2 seconds | N/A |
| Camera | GoPro Hero, Sony ZV-E10 | Zenmuse X9 8K |
| Weight | 500 - 900 grams | 3.5+ kg |
| Flight Time | 3 - 6 minutes | 28 minutes |
| Control | Fully manual (acro) | GPS-stabilized |
| Ideal for | Chase shots, tracking, proximity | Wide shots, reveals, orbits |
Camera options for high-speed FPV
- GoPro Hero 12/13: the most used camera for FPV. Lightweight, HyperSmooth stabilization, and up to 5.3K resolution
- Sony ZV-E10: larger sensor for a more cinematic look, ideal for commercials where image quality is priority
- DJI Action 5 Pro: strong alternative with excellent stabilization and color dynamics
- Insta360 Ace Pro 2: for 360-degree perspectives and creative reframing in post
How does an FPV shoot on a circuit proceed?
A high-speed FPV shoot is different from a regular drone recording. The flights are short, intense, and require extreme concentration. Below we describe what a typical day on the circuit looks like.
Step-by-step workflow
- Preparation (1-2 weeks before the shoot): we study the circuit, the corners, the guardrails, and the positions of marshals. Preferably, we receive a track map and a briefing from the circuit management.
- Site survey (morning of the shoot): we walk the circuit, identify the best starting positions and flight paths, and coordinate with the race director regarding safety protocols.
- Test flights (without vehicles): we fly the trajectory multiple times to perfect speed, altitude, and timing.
- Live chase runs: during the recording session, our pilot flies along with the vehicle. Each run lasts 3 to 6 minutes, after which the battery is swapped.
- Review and adjustments: after each run, we review the footage together with the director and adjust the flight plan if necessary.
Applications and references
High-speed FPV drone imagery is no longer a niche. It has become a standard part of the production toolkit for brands, broadcasters, and filmmakers who want to make an impact.
What we are hired for
- Car brands: commercials and social media content for brands like Toyota, Suzuki, and other automotive brands. The FPV drone follows the vehicle at eye level, offering perspectives that are unattainable with any other camera
- Motorsport events: recordings at circuits like Zandvoort, TT Circuit Assen and international locations. Think of Formula 1, DTM, GT-racing, and motocross
- Extreme sports: mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and water sports. The FPV drone follows the athlete through the course
- Action films and music videos: dynamic chase sequences that were previously only possible with a camera helicopter
- Brand content for social media: short, energetic FPV clips that generate millions of views on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Check our projects page for concrete examples of high-speed FPV work we have delivered for these clients.
Safety and EU regulations for high-speed FPV operations
Flying at 200 km/u in the vicinity of vehicles and people is by definition a risk operation. It falls under the heaviest category of the EASA EU regulations and requires specific permits, insurances, and protocols.
Why EU Specific certification is essential
Drone Department operates under a full EASA EU Specific company license (NLDoyhg6yl91zgtj). This is not optional for high-speed operations: it is legally required. Our certification covers:
- FPV operations where the drone operates outside the pilot's direct line of sight
- Flying in the vicinity of uninvolved persons (marshals, audience along the circuit)
- Operations in CTR airspace (many circuits are located near airports)
- A documented safety management system with risk analyses per location
Our safety protocols
- Always a dedicated spotter next to the pilot who monitors the airspace and surroundings
- Geo-fenced flight zones agreed upon in advance with the circuit management
- Kill-switch on the drone that immediately shuts off the motors in case of loss of control
- Full third-party liability insurance for commercial drone operations
In Short
High-speed FPV drone imagery is the ultimate way to capture speed, action, and adrenaline in a way that is not possible with any other platform. At Drone Department, we combine custom-built racing drones with experienced pilots, a proven safety protocol, and full EU Specific certification.
Do you have a motorsport event, action film, or brand campaign where high-speed FPV can make the difference? Check our projects, discover our complete service offering or contact us directly for a non-binding quote.