US National Drone Racing Championships Coming To Governors Island In August

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Drone racing is coming to New York this summer.

CBS2's Chris Wragge reported drone pilots will take part in the U.S. National Drone Racing Championships on Governors Island from Aug. 5-7.

"Drone racing is like being in the cockpit of a plane, flying three-dimensionally in mid-air with other pilots in the air. It's fun. It's exciting. It's loud and totally safe," Ken Loo, a top drone racing pilot, said, adding that he and his wife are putting off having children just to race more.

Pilots like Loo steer custom-built quadcopters – the size of a loaf of bread – through an obstacle course at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. They wear first person-view goggles that let them see from the drone's perspective.

"It's completely immersive. Once the goggles are on, you're on the drone. As soon as you take off, you feel like you're flying, basically," Colby Curtola, a drone racing pilot, said.

To compete in these drone races, pilots need a fast drone, quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination.

"It's about having the nerves and just the ability to get around the track without losing your cool and crashing," drone pilot Larry Davis said.

Drone racing has quickly turned into an international spectator sport after starting out as a friendly competition among hobbyists.

"No one really expected that drone racing was going to get this type of traction in less than a year, but the hyper-growth we're experiencing is really a testament to the potential of this sport," Sahand Barati, CEO of the International Drone Racing Association, said.

The Drone Racing League held its first major race in Sun Life Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins, in December, and in March, Dubai hosted the World Drone Prix with a $250,000 prize that was won by a 15-year-old.

These drone pilots spend $10,000 or more on their aircraft, and some said if they could find a way, they'd do it for a living and leave their jobs behind.