Drone racers compete in East Grinstead
MOST drone pilots are used to flying in open fields but a group of skilled pilots gathered in the woods surrounding Wealden House, just off Lewes Road, in East Grinstead yesterday to fly their toys three-feet off the ground at speeds of up to 35mph.
Around 48 competitors and 200 spectators were expected to be at what was the largest gathering of drone racers in the UK.
The event was spearheaded by Felbridge resident, Fabiano Calcili.
The 27-year-old from The Limes had set up a drone marketing company, RadioC in 2013, after encountering difficulties trying to buy one for himself.
The former online marketer for G & G Vitamins in East Grinstead then went on to form the a drone-racing league with other enthusiasts.
The event was the first in a series of four tournaments in the first “season” of what the League hopes will be an annual event that includes a woodland course, an urban course, a sprint, and an obstacle course.
Drones are remote-controlled aircraft which typically have four propellers, and they became the must-have gadget at Christmas.
Often the appeal is that cameras are attached, but enthusiasts are increasingly opting for drones without cameras and which are built for speed, and a new phenomenon is emerging for building and racing them against each other.
Drone pilots have to abide by certain laws such as restricting the height at which they fly, so they don’t interfere with aircraft.
Our photographer, Fergus Burnett, was at the event to capture the action.
Read more: http://www.eastgrinsteadcourier.co.uk/pictures/PHOTOS-Drone-Racing-East-Grinstead/pictures-26568407-detail/pictures.html#ixzz3bA9K2WWw
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