If you’ve just purchased your first drone and are eager to take it for a spin, you’ve come to the right place! In this video tutorial by Jake Sloan, you’ll find everything you need to know about flying drones for beginners. It covers essential information on having a safe first flight, such as hand launching a DJI Air 2s drone with ease, selecting the right ND filter, and using quick shots to capture amazing footage. Jake Sloan also shares his favorite camera and drone tech and offers behind-the-scenes content through his Patreon. Plus, the video contains affiliate links as Jake Sloan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
To get started on your drone flying journey, Jake Sloan’s tutorial is the perfect resource. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, he provides basic instructions on flying drones safely. It’s crucial to ensure you are in a legal flying area and a spacious open environment before taking off. The controller of the drone has two sticks – one controls the drone’s position, while the other controls its movement. Don’t forget to practice basic movements, such as going up and down and turning, with the drone facing away from you. Jake Sloan also encourages viewers to join his live stream for further assistance and offers a paid course for more advanced techniques and drone care. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time and dedication, you’ll improve your drone flying skills in no time!
How to Fly Drones for Beginners
If you’re a beginner who has just purchased your first drone, congratulations! Flying drones is a fun and rewarding activity. However, before you take your drone for its first flight, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some basics to ensure a safe and successful experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of flying a drone, from choosing the right flying area to mastering advanced maneuvers. Let’s dive in and learn how to fly your drone like a pro!
Preparation
Choose a legal flying area
Before you take your drone out for a spin, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re flying in a legal and authorized area. There are various apps available, such as AirMap, that can help you determine the legality of a specific flying location. Make sure to research and comply with local laws and regulations regarding drone flying.
Ensure a spacious open environment
In addition to finding a legal flying area, it’s important to have ample space to fly your drone safely. Look for a wide-open area, such as a park or a field, where you won’t have to worry about obstacles like trees, buildings, or poles. This will give you the freedom to practice and maneuver your drone without any unnecessary risks.
Understanding the Controller
Overview of the controller
The controller is an essential tool for piloting your drone. It consists of two sticks, buttons, and features that allow you to control the movement and position of the drone. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout and functions of the controller.
Function of each stick
The left stick on the controller is responsible for controlling the drone’s position. Pushing it up will make the drone ascend, while pushing it down will make it descend. The left stick also controls the drone’s left and right movements.
The right stick, on the other hand, is used to control the drone’s movement. Pushing it left or right will make the drone slide in the respective direction, while pushing it forward or backward will make the drone move in those directions.
Buttons and features on the remote
The controller is equipped with additional buttons and features that enhance your flying experience. These may include a pause/return to home button, a record button for capturing photos and videos, and a gimbal control wheel for adjusting the camera angle. Familiarize yourself with these buttons and learn how to use them effectively.
Unfolding and Starting the Drone
Follow the manual’s instructions
Each drone model may have a slightly different unfolding process. Refer to the user manual that came with your drone to understand the specific steps required to unfold it properly. The manual will also provide valuable information on any safety precautions you should take.
Properly unfold the drone
unfolding the drone correctly is crucial to ensure that it is stable and ready for flight. Typically, you will need to unfold the front and back legs of the drone. Refer to the manual and follow the instructions carefully to perform this step accurately.
Powering on the drone
Once the drone is unfolded, it’s time to power it on. This is typically done by double-tapping and holding the power button. Listen for a beep or wait for the drone to complete its boot-up sequence. Once it’s turned on, you’re ready to move on to the next steps.
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Basic Movements
Practice going up/down
Now that your drone is powered on and ready, it’s time to practice some basic movements. Start by practicing going up and down. Use the left stick on the controller to make the drone ascend and descend. Take it slow and gradually increase the altitude to get a feel for how the drone responds.
Practice turning
After familiarizing yourself with the up/down movement, practice turning the drone. Use the left stick to initiate left and right turns. Start with gentle motions and gradually increase the speed. The goal is to develop a smooth turning technique, ensuring that your drone maintains stability.
Tips for maintaining control
To maintain control of your drone, it’s essential to practice these basic movements regularly. Take your time and practice in different conditions to become comfortable with the controls. Additionally, always keep an eye on the drone’s position and maintain a safe flying height to avoid potential obstacles.
Advanced Maneuvers
Developing muscle memory
To master advanced maneuvers, such as orbiting or flying in tight spaces, it’s essential to develop muscle memory. Muscle memory allows you to perform complex movements instinctively, without having to think consciously about each control input. Regular practice and repetition will help you develop this essential skill.
Combining motions
As you become more comfortable with the basic movements, start combining them to perform more complex maneuvers. For example, practice simultaneously ascending while turning or sliding left and right while maintaining a stable altitude. Experiment with different combinations and gradually increase the difficulty.
Mastering more complex movements
Advanced maneuvers, like flips, rolls, and figure-eights, require more precision and control. Once you’re comfortable with the basic and intermediate maneuvers, challenge yourself to master these more complex movements. This will allow you to expand your flying skills and capture more dynamic footage.
Flight Modes
Understanding different flight modes
Most drones offer different flight modes, each with its own set of characteristics and capabilities. Common flight modes include cine mode, normal mode, and sport mode. Cine mode is typically slower with smoother movements, while sport mode offers maximum speed and agility. Understanding these flight modes will allow you to tailor your flying experience to your specific needs.
Choosing the right mode for your needs
When selecting a flight mode, consider your skill level, purpose, and the environment you’re flying in. For beginners, starting with cine mode or normal mode is recommended, as it offers stability and a slower pace. As you become more experienced, you can gradually transition to sport mode for faster and more dynamic flights.
Photography and Videography Tips
Using auto mode for beginners
If you’re new to drone photography and videography, utilizing the auto mode on your drone’s camera settings can simplify the process. Auto mode allows the drone to make automatic adjustments to exposure, focus, and white balance, ensuring optimal image quality without requiring extensive manual settings.
Benefits of using ND filters
Neutral Density (ND) filters are a valuable tool for drone photographers and videographers. These filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing for more control over shutter speed and aperture. ND filters are particularly useful in bright conditions, helping to avoid overexposure and achieve balanced, professional-looking footage.
Adjusting manual settings for control
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, consider experimenting with manual camera settings. Adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will give you more control over the creative outcome of your photos and videos. Don’t be afraid to explore and find the settings that best suit your desired results.
Obstacle Avoidance and Smart Features
Limitations of obstacle avoidance
While most drones are equipped with obstacle avoidance features, it’s important to remember that these systems have limitations and should not be solely relied upon. Obstacle avoidance can sometimes miss objects or have a limited detection range. It’s crucial to maintain situational awareness and actively avoid potential obstacles while flying.
Utilizing pre-programmed flight paths
Many drones offer pre-programmed flight paths, such as waypoints and follow modes. These features allow you to plan and execute complex flights automatically, creating cinematic shots with ease. Familiarize yourself with your drone’s smart features and practice using them to enhance your aerial photography and videography.
Taking advantage of smart features
In addition to pre-programmed flight paths, drones often come equipped with various smart features, such as ActiveTrack and QuickShots. These features automate specific flight patterns and camera movements, allowing you to capture captivating footage effortlessly. Exploit these smart features to add dynamic elements to your aerial content.
Practice Makes Perfect
Importance of practice
As with any skill, practice is essential to improve your drone flying abilities. Dedicate regular time to practice and refine your flying skills. Focus on perfecting maneuvers, honing your control, and familiarizing yourself with your drone’s specific capabilities. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become.
Improving drone flying skills over time
Drone flying is a continuous learning process, and it’s important to keep challenging yourself. As you become more proficient, push your limits and explore new techniques and maneuvers. Consider joining a local drone community or participating in drone competitions to further enhance your skills and engage with like-minded enthusiasts.
Safe and Responsible Flying
Importance of flying safely and responsibly
Flying a drone comes with great responsibility. Prioritize safety and adhere to drone flying regulations and guidelines set by your local authorities. Be mindful of your surroundings, respect privacy, and consider the welfare of others. Flying safely and responsibly not only ensures a positive drone flying experience but also helps maintain the reputation of the drone community as a whole.
Encouragement to join live stream for assistance
If you’re seeking additional guidance and support in your drone flying journey, consider joining live streams or online communities dedicated to drone enthusiasts. These platforms provide a space to connect with experienced pilots who can offer advice, answer questions, and share their knowledge. Engaging with a supportive community can greatly enhance your learning experience.
In conclusion, flying a drone is an exhilarating experience. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled drone pilot. Remember to prioritize safety, practice regularly, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities that aerial photography and videography offer. Happy flying!