First Flight

Planning your first flight is important to get off on the right foot!

Read any manufacturer- specific recommendations and guidance
Find a location that matches these requirements: Few obstructions/obstacles (large open field - football field sized), low wind (<5-10mph), no precipitation (no snow or rain), airspace is good (link to airspace page)
Do not fly too far at first - you will be tempted to! We recommend you keep within 100 - 200’ from your launch location.
Do multiple take-offs and landings to get used to how the drone starts and stops.
As you are becoming more comfortable in your skills, consider using “more advanced modes”, such as “orbit” or “point of interest
As you are flying, attempt to watch the drone and not get attached to your screen. Your main goal is to avoid crashing or having the drone fly too far away.
Pay attention to depth perception and the direction the drone is facing. Most drones have lights on them to assist in this
Be aware if the drone controls are “reversed” (i.e. if you are facing the same direction as the drone that is normal; if you and the drone are facing opposite directions, the controls are “reversed”). Always try to imagine yourself in the cockpit of the drone, as that is how the controls operate.