Drone piloting is both a fun and professional activity that attracts more and more enthusiasts. However, it requires a certain mastery and specific knowledge whether you are a beginner or an expert. Here’s everything you need to know regarding drone piloting from the basics to good pilot tips.
The basics of drone piloting
Drone piloting responds to at least three basic principles. The first is learning the radio control. For aspiring professionals, learning the component parts of the drone is important. This first principle calls on the notion of understanding the role of each command by the pilot. For this, some countries require a minimum age (14 years in France) to fly a drone. You can find out more on this site.
To return to the radio control, it is a device equipped with push buttons and/or sticks and switches allowing the drone to be controlled. Direction (left/right), altitude (up/down), speed controls are usually located on the left side of the remote control. On the other hand, the rotation and tilt (forward/backward) controls are on the right side.
The second basic principle is the understanding of basic movements (take-off, landing, forward and backward flight, etc.) which stems from the first principle. Third, the efficient use of sensors is important. It allows you to avoid obstacles and fly safely. Piloting a drone also means being aware of the regulations in force in your country.
Drone piloting regulations
It is crucial to master the laws and regulations relating to drone piloting to avoid falling under the blow of justice. In France, regulations on drone piloting are supervised by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
Security and privacy rules must be followed. Any drone, whether recreational or professional, must be registered. Restricted areas (airports, holiday camps), often populated, are prohibited for recreational drones. Professional drone pilots are required to have a remote pilot certificate.
Necessary accessories and equipment
To enhance your drone piloting experience, certain accessories and equipment may be essential including backup batteries, a compatible battery charger, spare propellers and even virtual headsets. These are both very vulnerable and vital to the operation of the drone. They can break easily and without them the drone cannot fly. Don’t forget the filters for the camera lens and finally a bag dedicated to drone accessories and equipment for safety. This list of accessories is far from exhaustive, as it varies according to your personal needs.
Tips for flying a drone successfully
For a successful drone flight, you must calibrate your drone before each flight. This is to do a short flight test to make sure it works properly. You can also use a sun visor which protects you from the reflections of the sun’s rays on the control screen. Don’t forget to plan your flight path. You must plan the take-off and landing zones, taking care to avoid sources of interference on your route as much as possible.
During drone piloting, the avoidance of sudden movements, the use of the camera and the GPS contribute to the success of your flight. The best of all tricks is to train regularly and always keep a positive attitude despite setbacks.
