How to Fly a Drone: The Top 5 Drone Flying Tips

From sweeping panoramic views of landscapes to dynamic aerial videos, drones offer a unique perspective that was once reserved only for those with access to helicopters or expensive camera equipment. Providing the ability to soar the skies, drones are a must-have gadget for hobbyists and professionals alike. However, flying a drone isn’t just about pressing a few buttons and watching it go.

Controlling a drone is about understanding flight dynamics, regulations and safety measures. Join us as we reveal the top five tips that every drone pilot should know that will empower you to navigate the skies confidently and unleash the full potential of your drone.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced flyer, creating a pre-flight checklist is essential for any drone pilot. A checklist serves as a crucial tool to ensure that your drone is in optimal condition before launching it into the sky. Things to check before takeoff include battery levels, propellers and any other components for damage or malfunctions.

Calibrating your drone's compass and GPS before flight is also crucial before takeoff for accurate navigation and stability. Without proper calibration, your drone may experience erratic behavior or difficulty maintaining its position in the sky.

You should always maintain a visual line of sight with your drone while also being aware of people and other aircrafts in the vicinity. It’s also a good idea to continuously scan your surroundings for any potential hazards and obstacles, including trees, buildings, power lines and other structures that could impede your flight path or pose a risk to your drone. Be particularly vigilant in crowded or congested areas.

Also, be sure to avoid flying in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, snow or fog, which can compromise your drone's stability and performance. It can be challenging to navigate even the best drones during poor weather conditions because the risk of accidents is increased while visibility and control is diminished.

You should always check the battery level before takeoff and during your flight to make sure it’s adequately charged. Most drones provide real-time battery status indicators, letting you monitor the remaining charge when you’re up in the air. Keep a close eye on this indicator throughout your flight and plan your maneuvers accordingly to avoid prematurely draining the battery.

Stocking up on extra drone batteries while also practicing smart battery management techniques will help you get more flying time out of your drone. Avoid fully draining or overcharging batteries. Instead, try to keep your batteries within a healthy charge range, which is typically between 20% and 80% capacity, and, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

Getting a drone license is a straightforward process, but do you need a drone license? Depending on where you live and the local laws, you aren’t usually required to have a drone license to fly a drone recreationally. However, you are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).See Disclosure ¹ Once you get your TRUST certificate, you can fly your drone without worrying about breaking the rules.

If you are drone surveying or planning on using a long-range drone professionally or commercially, obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate might be a legal requirement. In order to fly your drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must:

• Be at least sixteen years old.
• Have the capacity to comprehend, read, communicate and write in English.
• Stay in a physical and mental condition to safely pilot a drone.
• Take and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG), the initial aeronautical exam.See Disclosure ²

We’ve covered how to fly a drone, but there are a couple more things to consider now that you are a drone pilot. First, make sure to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures. Learn how to initiate a return to home command or how to manually land your drone, just in case if you lose control or if there is a technical issue.

Be sure to always respect the privacy of others when flying your drone, too. Never choose a drone for photography and capture images or footage of people without their consent, and, refrain from flying over private property without permission. You can prevent any potential risks and disturbances by avoiding flying near sensitive areas like airports, government buildings and wildlife sanctuaries.

1. “Recreational Flyers and Community-Based Organizations.” Federal Aviation Administration, United States Department of Transportation. December 20, 2023. https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers.

2. “Become a Certified Remote Pilot.” Federal Aviation Administration, United States Department of Transportation. February 15, 2024. https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot.