From Zero to Hero

Look on any online forum and there will be people asking what they should buy to get into FPV.

Some people will say go all in on a five inch set up and learn the hard way, while others will be more conservative and advise just buying a radio and a simulator, while many others will suggest a tiny whoop.

However, the choice for someone wanting everything in one package at a reasonable price has always been a bit limited, with the leading option being the Emax Tinyhawk 2, but while it was a good package, the included radio was cheap and flimsy and the drone itself still required skill to fly.

Last year, BetaFPV released the Cetus kit, which bundled its Radiolite 2 SE transmitter and a set of goggles with a drone designed from the ground up for beginners.

Now they have taken it a step further with the new Cetus Pro kit which swaps out the brushed motors of the original for brushless giving improved performance, efficiency and longevity.

The key selling point of the Cetus Pro though, is the sensors installed which allow it to maintain a hover if the pilot takes their fingers off the sticks – a welcome safety net for brand new pilots.

The radio – which can also be used on a simulator and uses the FrSky D8 protocol – feels good in the hand and, while the goggles are nothing to write home about, are perfectly suited to the job and everything comes in a padded, zipped case making it perfect for taking on trips, keeping in the car, or even in a drawer or cupboard.

The drone has three flight modes each with varying speed settings which can be activated by switches on the shoulder of the radio and gives a range of control from full acro down to slow and stable with full automation meaning any mistakes can be rectified by centring the sticks.

The plastic frame of the drone is sturdy and the quality of the FPV camera is fine, with some practice it can easily be flown with vigour, but at the same time, if this is your first time flying it is perfectly forgiving. Couple the remote with a simulator as well as the drone and you can be flying confidently in no time.

The Cetus Pro is a great beginner drone for those looking to get into FPV. However, the sensors do present a risk of becoming a crutch which are obviously missing from bigger quads, but also make a good stepping stone for those who are used to flying a Mavic or similar.

The BetaFPV Cetus Pro kit is available from Unmanned Tech in the UK for £189.95.

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Chris Rae

I am an FPV enthusiast, commercial drone pilot and former journalist from Scotland. By day I work in the Marketing and Communications industry and the rest of the time you'll find me in my drone cave building or repairing quads, wings, and anything else RC.