Let’s talk about some common beginner mistakes that can make your drone flight less of a dream and more of a disaster.
We’ll focus on the common blunders that drone pilots make as well as how to avoid them in the future.
So if you’ve just opened your drone out of its box or want to learn what NOT to do before you fly, then let’s dig in.
Turning on Remote Controller and Drone in the Wrong Order
As a beginner drone pilot, you might think there’s no specific order for powering up your drone and controller, and I’ll admit I thought the same not too long ago! After all, there are no obvious signs instructing you to do so.
But, getting it right can make a difference!
If you power up your drone first and encounter issues with the propellors, or there’s a motor malfunction and you need to turn them off for whatever reason, you don’t want to be frantically rushing to connect your controller or phone to regain control.
This is a panicky situation and one that can easily be avoided!
Instead, power on your controller and connect your phone if you need to do so and have it ready to connect when you power up your drone. That way, your controller is ready to respond to any drone issues immediately and you’ve maintained control.
Now, this isn’t such an issue for DJI drones as the safety measures tend to prevent takeoff. But it’s something to be aware of in older drone models and it’s a good rule of practice to follow to save you from any avoidable mishaps.
Check out the must-have accessories for your DJI Mini 2.
Causing a Disturbance to Others
When you’re all excited and giddy to take your drone outside like a kid on Christmas day, it’s easy to cause a disturbance to the people around you.
Whether you’re in a park or on a beach, people visit these places to unwind and relax, not to be disrupted. So, when picking a spot for takeoff, be considerate and find a location away from others.
From personal experience, we’ve launched our drone many times in parks, and we’ve learned to be cautious about curious, unleashed dogs. Take-off is a critical moment, especially when those propellers start spinning – it’s the time of the biggest safety risk.
Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Although flying your drone might not be illegal in certain places, it’s vital to respect both the environment and the people around you.
Buying a High-End Drone
Another common mistake most beginner drone hobbyists make is overspending on a high-end drone. A lot of drones have capabilities that suit beginners without them having to splash the extra cash.
It’s better to define what you intend to use the drone for before purchasing.
If you want to just practice flying an aerial gadget for fun, going with a toy drone might be your best option. For example, check out Holy Stone drones. It does what you need to practice the basics of flying but it’s not going to give you the quality footage that actual brands like DJI and Autel will do.
If you want to practice on a good drone and don’t want to spend too much too seriously, start with something like the DJI Mini 2. It’s beginner friendly and it’s one of the lowest priced in the DJI market right now.
If you want something that has cool features and you’re serious about learning skills and photography, go for the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro.
Starting with a small drone isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The great thing about mini drones is that they’re easy to take with you anywhere, they’re quiet so don’t attract too much attention, and they’re priced appropriately for what you get.
Top of the range, non-stock drone with 4K UHD resolution, 5G FPV with GPS intelligent fuction and up to 25 minutes flight time.
Check out the top beginner drones in 2023.
Not Knowing the National and Local Regulations
As fun as droning is, there are legalities around it. As a beginner, you can forget to look at the rules surrounding droning. Not understanding and familiarising yourself with the local regulations around droning could cause problems.
For example, in the UK, you need to register for an Operator ID if your drone is under 250g, isn’t a toy and has a camera. This is an ID that you need to keep a copy of with you at all times in case questioned – albeit unlikely!
In the US, there are height restrictions for certain drone certifications. For example, as a hobbyist, you cannot fly your drone above 400 ft AGL. AGL stands for Above Ground Level.
However, if you get your Part 107 Licence, you can exceed this height so long as you stay within a 400 ft distance from the structure you are droning. Usually, this is in circumstances when you want to drone on top of a mountain or high landscape.
Familiarise yourself with the regulations of your region so you don’t unexpectedly do something illegal!
On top of national regulations, local regulations are also what you need to be aware of. Using the Drone Assist app or the DJI Fly app, you can see the restrictions that are in place around you through a colour code system.
Get acquainted with those geo zones to know where you can drone freely, where you should be cautious, and where taking off is a no-go.
This leads nicely into the next beginner mistake!
Flying Too High and Not Maintaining VLOS
As a beginner drone pilot, it’s all too tempting to push the limits and see how high your drone can go, but this could lead to a common mistake – losing Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of your drone.
VLOS stands for Visual Line of Sight. And it simply means you should always be able to see your drone with your own eyes, not just through the screen.
This is easy to do if you’re in Sport mode – trust me! Flying in this mode, there’s a slight delay in the stopping controls and stopping it on time at a fast speed can be tricky – especially if you’ve never piloted a drone before.
Before you know it, you’ve flown off into the clouds and your drone has lost signal.
Now, losing signal isn’t necessarily a big problem if you can still spot your drone visually. As you can get closer to it and regain control. However, it’s a different story if you’ve flown too far away and high and can’t see it anymore.
A pro tip for avoiding this: Don’t become the drone’s eye. Be both the drone’s eye and your own. Pay attention to your surroundings and the drone’s position in the sky.
I’m guilty of being in awe shooting a cool shot and not paying attention to how close my drone is to a protruding tree.
Another way that helps avoid this, especially on your first few flights, is to take someone with you on your drone ventures. Having them as your drone spotter can lend you that second pair of eyes.
Forgetting Software Updates Until Last Minute
Drone firmware dates are pushed out on a frequent basis, especially if you have bought a recent drone on the market. These updates focus on features and ironing out any issues to make flying an easier experience.
With the DJI app not being available on the app store (downloaded straight from the DJI website), it can be difficult to remember to update the app. But forgetting those software updates until the last minute can lead to unnecessary hassles.
When you load up the app and log onto the settings, there may be an update for the app and for the drone itself, to which the drone will need to be turned on.
The last thing you need is when you head outside, you’ve powered up your drone and ready to fly, for you to get the notification of a required update. This is only a waste of your battery, phone data, and time.
Although it’s a common oversight, it’s easy to avoid.
Before your next flight, once you’ve charged up your batteries and geared up for action, make a habit of logging into the DJI app, connecting your drone to WiFi, and checking for any updates. Do this either the day before or at least an hour before your scheduled flight.
By staying on top of those software updates, you’ll ensure your drone is equipped with the latest improvements for a safe flight.
Flying Without Purpose
This goes back to the question of why you purchased your drone in the first place.
Many beginners take off without a clear purpose and end up aimlessly zipping through the air with crazy movements. It’s natural to get a hang of the pilot controls initially, but these drones are more than just toys.
Stock drones feature impressive 4K and 5K capabilities, designed to capture high-quality, cinematic shots from an aerial perspective.
Take some time to practise flying with purpose – try perfect circles, orbiting large landmarks, drawing figure-eights, and even manually landing without the help of the drone’s intelligent features.
Plan your shots in advance before you head out to fly. Explore nearby landmarks and envision the shots you want to capture from a bird’s-eye view.
That said, if you don’t want to get into the photography side of drones and just want a thrilling gadget to fly, it’s advised to stick to toy drones, such as Holystone – easily found on Amazon.
It’s cheaper for your wallet if you were to crash it and it’s without the added cost of a high-resolution camera.
Still wondering whether to get a drone? Have a read on whether it’s worth getting a drone in 2023.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned the mistakes that most beginners make when they first start flying a drone, you should be sorted to take to the skies.
Make sure to make a habit of checking for regular updates, don’t fly too crazy (no matter how tempting), and don’t cause a disturbance of public peace.
Don’t make the same mistakes and fly safe!
FAQs – 7 Common Drone Mistakes Most Beginners Make
What to avoid when flying a drone?
When flying your drone, avoid objects that can interfere with your drone’s GPS signal and compass. This can be anything from power lines to antennas and transmitters.
Stay away from crowds of people or places where people are due to gather, such as beaches and festivals. If you do plan to drone a beach or a park, make sure to do so away from groups of people and don’t fly too close above them.
In parks, beware of dogs off their leashes and small children as the take-off process can strike a lot of curiosity and wandering eyes.
Is it easy to lose a drone?
Losing your drone is a rare occurrence, usually happening due to carelessness or, in an unlikely case, a drone malfunction.
To minimise the risk of losing your drone mid-flight, make sure to not fly above 400 ft unless you’re shooting a structure or landmark. And most importantly, do not lose Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of your drone.
Should you experience a loss of signal, staying within VLOS allows for a quick recovery. You can regain control and navigate your drone back home smoothly.
If you happen to get your drone stuck, the DJI app has a ‘Find My Drone’ feature in the settings which emits a continuous bleep noise from the drone, making it easier for you to locate it.
How much should a beginner spend on a drone?
How much you should spend on a drone depends on what you want out of the drone. To explain this, we will split drones into three categories.
Toy Drones: If you’re looking for an affordable and fun flying experience without breaking the bank, toy drones are your best bet. You can find these drones on platforms like Amazon, typically priced between $50 to $200. While the camera quality may be decent for the price, it won’t match the capabilities of non-toy drones.
Hobbyist Drones: Drones in this category usually range from $300-$500. These drones are aimed at drone hobbyists that want something more serious than a toy drone and are focused on developing their aerial skills. DJI’s Mini range is a great example as they offer beginner-friendly controls and high-quality cameras for amazing shots. They are also so easily lightweight and portable, with minimal hassle.
Serious/Professional Drones: These are not aimed at beginners and are at the top end of the market. Drones in this category range from $500+. The controls and features that these drones offer are aimed at experienced pilots who are serious about their photography or videography skills and usually have paying clients.
