How To Hunt for FPV Bandos

Back when I first started flying FPV it was VERY difficult (still is) to find new spots to fly. It takes a lot of research, poking around, and checking before I ever fly somewhere that looks abandoned. I just want to be clear… you should never trespass on private property. You should never break the law. You should always leave a spot looking just as good or better than when you showed up.

Too many pilots leave their shit everywhere, throw their batteries and broken props like it means nothing.

Do this instead: “Carry in-Carry out” (or “Pack it in, Pack it out”)

PICK UP YOUR SHIT AND TAKE IT OUT WITH YOU. TREAT EVERY PLACE LIKE A TEMPLE, AND AS IF YOU’RE A GUEST.

Finding Your Next Spot

Takes work. During the pandemic I had a lot of time on my hands and I used my Oculus and Google Earth to do my bidding. It is a VERY powerful piece of software, and it really gave me a keen insight into how to find good places where I won’t disturb anybody.

The green flags are fly spots that I’ve hunted down. Do not ask me for them, I don’t share these openly and too many people have used my spots and trashed them to the point where people start to notice and take measures to kick pilots out.

Again…it’s pretty simple. TAKE YOUR SHIT WITH YOU.

 

This is a random place I’ve never been to…

But I’ll show you why I would investigate something like this further….

From the top down it looks interesting… like it doesn’t belong.

 

But the pavement looks a little worn out like it has growth coming through it.

Now I’m not a fan of a main road being right there, but since there is seemingly a parking lot… the question is if there’s a visual obstruction that would make it feel like a safe place to rip a pack.

So this looks like it’s not actually abandoned, and there’s no buffer with the road. This is an automatic pass for me.

But this one looks pretty reasonable…It’s just a silly building with some trees.

I like that seems relatively empty, there’s lots of trees, and the road isn’t too close.

That means you could probably fly a couple packs without bugging anybody. Win-win.

 

Then I’ll check if there’s a street view and look what there is! It’s got a little garage thingie! Cool.

 

Next I’d probably check the hours of operation….see what kind of business it is… drive by and see what the deals is… and if it checks all the boxes where I don’t see anybody else… I’d check it out.

Also just a hint… sometimes the best course of action if you see security is to just straight up say hello and ask if they mind. A lot of times they don’t care as long as you’re not flying into cars and causing damage!

Just remember that you’re a guest and the property owners likely don’t want you there. Be respectful if anyone comes around, and if they ask you to leave DO NOT FIGHT WITH THEM! JUST LEAVE! There’s always another spot to be uncovered.

And for the love of G-D take all your trash with you.