ORIGINAL: Electrolight
How can I extend the range? Can I just sever the small antana and add another longer one? The range is 300 ft. (100 m.)
A longer one may be of NO help and could actually hurt things.
Antennas have to correspond to the wavelength of the frequency used.
The more efficient antennas typically have elements that bring the length up to exactly the wavelength.
To save space 1/2 wave or 1/4 wave antennas can be used or misc lenths with a coil of wire that acts as if the antenna was/is the full length of 1 wave.
If you are dealing in the shorter wavelengths ( which is likely ) the antenna is probably alread at 1 wavelength.
The way to increase the range will be to increase the transmision power, which a ) is not legal and b ) is not easy.
I purchased a small self contained video camera that records to SD cards for this purpose, to avoid trying to transmit the video signals.
ORIGINAL: Electrolight
And how do I power the camera onboard the plane. The obvious answer is a batterie but It needs 8 volts. Will I break the camera by providing 8.4 volts or would it be better to under power the camera with 7.2 volts?
It depends upon the on board regulation and voltage tolerance.
Find out from the manufacturer what the camera will tolerate.
ORIGINAL: Electrolight
Could I fly the plane just off the camera or does anyone think that It will be footage with too much of a delay? (I haven't tested the camera yet to know)
Not only is this NOT legal ( you will be piloting a UAV if you attempt to do so, and the FAA has much to say about this! ), but it is impractical.
The viewpoint of the camera is quite restricted, so you would have a hard time telling the attitude of the plane... it would be a recipie for disaster.