Glossary

Beyond Visual Line Of Sight — flying a drone farther than you can see with your own eyes (requires special permission).

Force that resists motion through air.

Electronic speed controller — controls each motor.

Federal Aviation Administration — the U.S. government agency that regulates flight, including drones.

Automatic protective behavior.

The body that holds everything together.

Geographic information systems.

Constant downward pull.

Sudden, brief increase in wind.

Steady flight at one position.

Inertial measurement unit — senses movement.

Upward force created by spinning propellers.

Keeping the drone in view.

Lithium polymer rechargeable battery.

Area where flying is restricted.

The FAA rule and exam that licenses commercial drone pilots in the United States.

Tilting forward or back.

Tilting left or right.

Return to home.

Mid-level charge for long-term storage.

The control that raises or lowers overall motor power (and therefore lift).

Force pushing the drone through the air.

Choppy, irregular air.

Unmanned aerial vehicle.

Rotation around the vertical axis.