Drone Flying 101 – A Beginner’s Guide

Drones have become a popular gadget and its innovative capabilities have provided its users not only practical applications but as a past-time activity as well. Beginner mode in drones allows the user to pilot them using phones or tablets and have limited altitude and speed. This is a good way to improve your skills to become a licensed drone pilot.

The industry has provided a niche for drone pilots to provide services that were not available or expensive to have not too long ago. With the recent developments on drones and cutting-edge photography, drone filming companies have given us a new and breath-taking view of different aerial media contents. These highly-qualified service providers pride themselves in executing meticulously planned snapshots of the city’s skyline as well as other terrains that fit their client’s requirements.

Learning to fly your own drone is not that complicated and once you’re adept with its techniques you’ll be able to take your own beautiful aerial shots. Or accomplish whatever purpose that interests you involving drones. But first, you need to start somewhere:

Controls

Get familiarized with the controls. Many of the drones in the market offer simulators that help beginners acclimate with the controls and safety. Before you take off, make sure you learn the function of each toggle, indicator, and buttons of the console. They may not be as expensive as a real helicopter, but they’re still pricey. This will also prevent untoward mishap that can potentially hurt you or other people.

Pre-Flight Check

Just like a real aircraft, you’ll need to do a pre-flight check to determine if your drone is fit for flight. Again, it’s for safety for everyone, including your drone.

• Check for damages or signs of wear, especially in the propellers.
• Know the rules and regulations of the place you’re planning to fly in.
• Make sure your batteries are fully charged and capable of powering the flight.
• Make sure the drone responds well to the controller.
• Pay attention to the weather.
• Check the camera and its settings.

Take-off

Make sure the area is clear and announce to people nearby that you’re taking off. Power the drone and monitor battery levels and other indicators. Increase the throttle to lift it a couple of feet off the ground. Keep it nearby while you do further checking of controls and performance. This so that you can easily land when something’s amiss.

Landing

When landing, make sure you announce to everyone that you’re going to land. Navigate the drone to the landing area while slowing down. This is a critical part as you need to land it slowly and gently. Carefully decrease throttle and land the drone on the ground, wait until the propellers have completely stopped before you approach.

Basic Flying Techniques

There are some basic flying techniques that you need to get accustomed to before you fly over more difficult terrains. Practice them diligently until you master them and proceed to fly off into more interesting areas.

• Hover in place
• Hover and Rotate
• Rotate in different angles
• Move Left, Right, Forward, and Backwards
• Fly in square and circular patterns.
• Fly at different heights

Safety and Maintenance

There are a number of safety precautions that you need to remember every time you fly. Make sure to know and observe them.

• Rules and Regulations of the Area
• Ensure a clear line of sight
• Keep within range of your control
• Monitor weather conditions
• Have a spotter assist you
• Be respectful to other people flying
• Replace damaged propellers immediately

Flying a drone is a fun experience. There are a lot of other activities, aside from photography and videography, that you can do with them. There are some competitions that fit pilots to get the best time in finishing a course as well as some practical ones like delivering essential goods to far-flung areas where there is limited access. They have become an integral part of a number of real-world applications and it’s going to be that way for the foreseeable future.