Aerial Advice: Top Techniques and Technology for Novice Drone Pilots
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Mar 14 2017, 9:03 AM
Flying a drone does not require a lot, but flying a drone well takes time and experience. Since drones are expensive, it’s wise to learn with a balance of confidence and prudence. Those who become great fliers take their time as a beginner and allow experience to gather under their wings. Here’s some aerial advice to those who are new to flying.
Read Forums
Remember when your teacher reminded you that there were no stupid questions since it was likely at least one other person in the class wanted to know the answer too? Forums are great places to get answers to obvious questions. Of course, the question may seem brand new to you, but it’s likely that other beginner fliers had the same questions and concerns. Read questions and answers as well as forge relationships with fliers from around the globe on related forums.
Buy More Batteries and Propellers
Generally, beginners are racing to online stores to buy two things a lot: batteries and propellers. Most drones quickly drain batteries, some lasting fewer than 30 minutes. Secondly, it’s inevitable that you’ll take a few spills or knock your drone into branches, walls, etc. That means you’ll be damaging propellers, so might as well buy more now.
Be Frugal
It’s true that you get what you pay for but you don’t want to invest in an ultra high-end drone just yet. You need more time in the sky before buying a prime model. As suggested, read forums and look for answers related to first drones. You don’t want a child’s toy yet wait a year or more before going top shelf. Look at it as having to earn a better model.
Use Apps
There’s an app for drone flying too. Actually, there are more than several depending on what you’re looking to accomplish. For example, fliers are obsessed about weather conditions since heavy winds, rain, or snow will cancel flight plans. Check the local weather before you head out of the door. Other handy apps are related to finding flying locales, friends with similar interests, and more.
Mind Your Location
Sure, an experienced flier can take their drone in many settings but a novice should stick to open areas. Find local parks and fields that are free of crowds. Also, be sure to read over local laws and regulations, especially if you’re planning on flying near an airport or government building. Be respectful of others and mind your location and laws.
Stay Within Line of Sight
As you gain experience and graduate to other types of flying, you’ll hear about those who fly their drones ‘out of sight.’ Using a small screen, fliers can navigate their drones despite small to large distances. However, such a style of flying is reserved for those who have proven their skill level. Keep your drone within sight. Otherwise, you risk damaging your drone or creating a public nuisance. You’ll have plenty of time to spread your wings. For now, stay in open fields with your eyes on your drone.
Flying a drone does not require a lot, but flying a drone well takes time and experience. Since drones are expensive, it’s wise to learn with a balance of confidence and prudence. Those who become great fliers take their time as a beginner and allow experience to gather under their wings. Here’s some aerial advice to those who are new to flying.
Read Forums
Remember when your teacher reminded you that there were no stupid questions since it was likely at least one other person in the class wanted to know the answer too? Forums are great places to get answers to obvious questions. Of course, the question may seem brand new to you, but it’s likely that other beginner fliers had the same questions and concerns. Read questions and answers as well as forge relationships with fliers from around the globe on related forums.
Buy More Batteries and Propellers
Generally, beginners are racing to online stores to buy two things a lot: batteries and propellers. Most drones quickly drain batteries, some lasting fewer than 30 minutes. Secondly, it’s inevitable that you’ll take a few spills or knock your drone into branches, walls, etc. That means you’ll be damaging propellers, so might as well buy more now.
Be Frugal
It’s true that you get what you pay for but you don’t want to invest in an ultra high-end drone just yet. You need more time in the sky before buying a prime model. As suggested, read forums and look for answers related to first drones. You don’t want a child’s toy yet wait a year or more before going top shelf. Look at it as having to earn a better model.
Use Apps
There’s an app for drone flying too. Actually, there are more than several depending on what you’re looking to accomplish. For example, fliers are obsessed about weather conditions since heavy winds, rain, or snow will cancel flight plans. Check the local weather before you head out of the door. Other handy apps are related to finding flying locales, friends with similar interests, and more.
Mind Your Location
Sure, an experienced flier can take their drone in many settings but a novice should stick to open areas. Find local parks and fields that are free of crowds. Also, be sure to read over local laws and regulations, especially if you’re planning on flying near an airport or government building. Be respectful of others and mind your location and laws.
Stay Within Line of Sight
As you gain experience and graduate to other types of flying, you’ll hear about those who fly their drones ‘out of sight.’ Using a small screen, fliers can navigate their drones despite small to large distances. However, such a style of flying is reserved for those who have proven their skill level. Keep your drone within sight. Otherwise, you risk damaging your drone or creating a public nuisance. You’ll have plenty of time to spread your wings. For now, stay in open fields with your eyes on your drone.
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