The Propeller View
Guiding You Through the Drone Revolution
The Propeller View

A to Z of Drone Terminology: Your Ultimate Glossary

If you’re new to the world of drones, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new language. From FPV to prop wash, the terms can sound like a mix of tech jargon and sci-fi slang. But fear not! Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or an aspiring drone pilot, understanding the lingo is key to mastering the skies.

So buckle up, because we’re about to take off into an A-to-Z guide of drone terminology. Think of it as your glossary for sounding like a pro and flying like one too. Let’s dive in!

A to Z of Drone Terminology

A –

  • Altitude Hold: A feature that maintains a set altitude automatically.
  • Airframe: The structure of the drone that houses all components.
  • AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication): A document published by aviation authorities that contains essential information about airspace regulations, procedures, and operational guidelines for all airspace users, including drone operators. It provides details on restricted areas, no-fly zones, flight planning requirements, and more.
  • AIP SUP (AIP Supplement): Temporary updates to the AIP that provide information about changes in airspace restrictions, temporary flight zones, or new regulations that drone pilots must be aware of. These supplements are issued for specific periods and may affect drone operations due to events, construction, or other factors.
  • Anti-collision Lights: Lights to improve visibility during flight.
  • Autonomous Flight: The ability of a drone to fly without manual control.
  • Aerial Mapping: Using drones to create detailed maps of areas.

B –

  • Brushless Motor: Efficient, durable motors commonly used in drones.
  • Battery: The power source for the drone, often lithium-polymer (LiPo).
  • Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): Operating a drone beyond the pilot’s view.
  • Black Box: Logs flight data for analysis.
  • Binding: Connecting a drone to its controller.

C –

  • Camera Gimbal: A stabilizer for smooth, steady footage.
  • Collision Avoidance: Sensors that help drones avoid obstacles.
  • Calibration: The process of setting up sensors like GPS and compass.
  • Controller: The remote device used to pilot the drone.
  • Cinewhoop: A type of drone designed for cinematic indoor flying.

D –

  • DJI: A leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial drones. Here you can read our DJI Drone Reviews.
  • Drone Racing: A sport where pilots navigate obstacle courses at high speeds.
  • Ducted Fan: A fan encased in a shroud for safer propulsion.
  • Dual GPS: A system with two GPS receivers for better navigation accuracy.

E –

  • ESC (Electronic Speed Controller): Regulates motor speed and direction.
  • Elevation: The height of the drone above sea level.
  • Endurance: The maximum flight time of a drone.

F –

  • Flight Controller: The brain of the drone that manages its systems.
  • First Person View (FPV): A live video feed from the drone’s perspective.
  • Failsafe Mode: A safety feature that activates when the signal is lost.
  • Firmware: The software embedded in the drone’s hardware.

G –

  • GPS (Global Positioning System): Helps the drone navigate and hover in place.
  • Geo-fencing: Virtual boundaries that restrict drone flight in certain areas.
  • Gimbal: A device to stabilize cameras during flight.

H –

  • Holy Stone: A popular drone manufacturer known for offering affordable and beginner-friendly drones.
  • Hovering: Keeping the drone steady in one place mid-air.
  • Headless Mode: Simplifies control by aligning movements with the pilot’s perspective.
  • Home Point: The location where the drone returns if the signal is lost.

I –

  • IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Measures the drone’s orientation and movement.
  • Indoor Mode: Adjusts flight settings for safer indoor flying.
  • Inspection Drone: Used for industrial inspections like power lines or bridges.

J –

  • Joystick: The control stick on a remote controller.
  • Jello Effect: Wobbling or distortion in drone footage caused by vibration.

K –

  • Kilometer Range: The maximum distance a drone can fly from the controller.
  • Kit Drone: A drone sold as a DIY assembly package.

L –

  • LiPo Battery: Lightweight, high-capacity batteries used in drones.
  • Line of Sight (LOS): The pilot’s ability to see the drone during flight.
  • Lift: The upward force generated by the drone’s propellers.

M –

  • Manual Mode: A flight mode requiring complete pilot control.
  • Micro Drone: A small, lightweight drone perfect for indoor flying.
  • Mapping Drone: Used for aerial surveys and mapping projects.

N –

  • NOTAM (Notice to Airmen): Alerts pilots to potential airspace hazards. Read more about NOTAMs in or blog post – Understanding NOTAM.
  • Nose: The front of the drone.
  • Navigation Lights: Lights that help indicate the direction of the drone.

O –

  • Obstacle Avoidance: Technology that helps prevent crashes.
  • Octocopter: A drone with eight propellers for heavy lifting.

P –

  • Propellers: The blades that create lift and allow the drone to fly.
  • Payload: The equipment or cargo carried by a drone.
  • Pitch: The up-and-down tilt of the drone.
  • Precision Landing: Accurate automated landing technology.

Q –

  • Quadcopter: A drone with four propellers, the most common design.
  • Quick Release Propellers: Easy-to-attach and remove propellers.

R –

  • Return to Home (RTH): Automatically brings the drone back to the launch point.
  • Range Extender: Increases the distance a drone can fly from the controller.
  • Rotor: A rotating part of the drone’s propellers.

S –

  • Stabilization: Systems that keep the drone steady in the air.
  • Surveillance Drone: Used for monitoring and security purposes.
  • Speed Modes: Settings that adjust the drone’s flight speed.
  • Spotter: A person assisting the pilot by keeping an eye on the drone.

T –

  • Telemetry: Real-time data like altitude and battery life transmitted to the pilot.
  • Throttle: Controls the drone’s altitude by adjusting motor power.
  • Takeoff Weight: The combined weight of the drone and its payload.

U –

  • UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): Another term for a drone.
  • Ultrasonic Sensors: Detect obstacles and help with precise landings.

V –

  • Video Transmission: Sends live footage from the drone to the pilot.
  • Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL): Drones that can take off and land vertically.

W –

  • Waypoints: Pre-programmed GPS coordinates for autonomous flight.
  • Wind Resistance: The drone’s ability to remain stable in windy conditions.

X –

  • X-frame: A drone design where the arms form an X shape.
  • XT60 Connector: A common connector for drone batteries.

Y –

  • Yaw: The rotation of a drone around its vertical axis.
  • Yoke: Another term for the joystick or control stick.

Z –

  • Zero Latency: Instant video feed transmission, essential for FPV racing.
  • Zoom Camera: A camera with optical or digital zoom capabilities.

Conclusion

Learning drone terminology doesn’t just make you sound like an expert—it helps you understand instructions and fly safer and smarter. Whether you’re mastering your yaw or marveling at swarm technology, this glossary covers all the basics (and some advanced terms) to help you navigate the exciting world of drones.

Fly safe and have fun!

Thinking about buying a drone? Our detailed reviews break it all down so you can find the perfect drone for your needs today! Check them out here.