How to Pilot Drone Safely and Legally:

A Beginner’s Guide to Flying a Drone

Drones have become an incredibly popular hobby, offering people the chance to explore the skies, capture stunning aerial photos and videos, and even participate in racing. If you’re new to flying drones, it can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the basics of piloting a drone, from learning the controls to understanding the legal rules you need to follow in Australia.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to safely pilot drone and make the most out of your new flying hobby.

How to Pilot a Drone Safely and Legally Beginners Guide to Flying

Step 1: Getting Started – Choosing the Right Drone

Before you start flying, the first step is choosing the right drone for your needs. Drones come in various sizes and with different levels of complexity, so it’s important to pick one that suits your skill level.

Beginner Drones to Consider:

  • DJI Mini 2: Lightweight, easy to fly, and doesn’t require a drone licence for recreational use in Australia.
  • Ryze Tello: A budget-friendly option perfect for indoor practice and beginners who want to learn the basics.
  • Holy Stone HS720: A great entry-level drone that offers more advanced features like GPS positioning and a high-quality camera.

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a drone that is easy to control and has built-in stabilisation features, helping you get a feel for flying before moving on to more advanced models.

Step 2: Understanding the Basic Controls

Now that you’ve got your drone, it’s time to learn the controls. While different drones may have slightly varied layouts, most drone controllers have the same basic functions. Here’s a breakdown of the main controls you’ll use to pilot drone:

1. Left Stick – Throttle and Yaw

  • Throttle: Moving the left stick up and down controls the altitude of your drone. Push the stick up to make the drone ascend, and pull it down to descend.
  • Yaw: Moving the left stick left or right rotates the drone on its axis. This is useful for changing the direction your drone is facing without moving forward or backward.

2. Right Stick – Pitch and Roll

  • Pitch: Moving the right stick up or down tilts the drone forward or backward, allowing it to move in those directions.
  • Roll: Moving the right stick left or right makes the drone move horizontally in those directions.

3. Trim Controls

These are smaller controls that help you fine-tune the drone’s balance. Use the trim to adjust if your drone is drifting to one side or not hovering steadily.

Step 3: Learning to Fly – Basic Techniques for Beginners

Before you take your drone to the skies, it’s important to practice the basics. Start by flying in an open, obstacle-free area like a park or large field. Here are some beginner flying techniques to get you started:

1. Hovering

Hovering is one of the first skills to master as a pilot drone. Practice keeping the drone steady in the air without moving in any direction. This will help you understand how the controls affect the drone’s balance and stability.

2. Takeoff and Landing

Once you’re comfortable hovering, practice smooth takeoffs and landings. Gradually increase the throttle to lift the drone off the ground, and reduce the throttle slowly to bring it back down. Proper takeoff and landing are key to avoiding crashes and keeping your drone in good condition.

3. Basic Maneuvers

After mastering hovering, try some basic movements like flying forward, backward, and side-to-side using the pitch and roll controls. Practice changing directions and rotating the drone (yaw) while keeping it steady in the air.

4. Flying in a Square Pattern

A good exercise for beginners is to fly the drone in a square pattern. This will help you get used to using both the throttle and pitch controls together while maintaining control over the drone.

Step 4: Legal Considerations for Recreational Pilot Drone in Australia

As fun as flying a drone is, it’s essential to be aware of the legal requirements that apply to recreational pilot drone in Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governs the use of drones, and there are specific rules you must follow to fly safely and legally.

Key Legal Requirements:

  • Altitude Limit: Drones must not fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
  • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times. This means being able to see the drone with your own eyes (not through a screen or camera).
  • No Flying Near People: Keep your drone at least 30 metres away from people who are not involved in the operation.
  • No-Fly Zones: Avoid flying in restricted areas, such as near airports, emergency operations, or over crowded areas. You can check CASA’s Can I Fly There? app to find out where it’s safe to fly.
  • No Commercial Use: If you’re flying for fun, you don’t need a licence, but if you want to operate a drone commercially, you’ll need to get a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

Step 5: Safety Tips for Beginner Pilot Drone

Flying a drone comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to safety. Here are some essential safety tips for beginner pilot drone:

1. Check the Weather Before Flying

Windy conditions can make it difficult to control your drone, especially if you’re flying a lightweight model. Avoid flying in strong winds, rain, or fog, as these conditions can affect your drone’s performance.

2. Fly in Open Spaces

For your first flights, choose a location that is free from obstacles like trees, power lines, or buildings. This will give you more room to maneuver and reduce the risk of crashing.

3. Keep an Eye on Battery Life

Drones have limited battery life, typically lasting 15-30 minutes per flight. Keep an eye on your drone’s battery level and make sure to land before it runs out. Many drones have built-in alerts that warn you when the battery is running low.

4. Always Follow the Drone’s Flight Path

Avoid flying your drone beyond your line of sight or into areas where you can’t see its exact position. Flying blind can result in crashes or loss of control, especially in unfamiliar areas.

5. Be Aware of Surroundings

Even in open spaces, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Watch out for other people, animals, and objects that could interfere with your flight or cause accidents.

Step 6: Drone Maintenance – Keeping Your Drone in Top Shape

To get the most out of your drone, regular maintenance is essential. Keeping your drone in good condition not only ensures longer flight times but also helps prevent unexpected issues in the air.

1. Clean the Propellers and Motors

After each flight, check your drone’s propellers and motors for dust, dirt, or debris. Gently clean the propellers using a soft brush or cloth. If the motors have accumulated dirt, use compressed air to clean them out.

2. Check the Battery

Inspect your drone’s battery before and after each flight. Make sure it’s fully charged before flying and avoid overcharging it, as this can shorten its lifespan. Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.

3. Inspect the Frame

Check your drone’s frame for any cracks or damage, especially after a rough landing. Repair or replace any damaged parts before your next flight to prevent further issues.

4. Firmware Updates

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that improve your drone’s performance and add new features. Make sure to keep your drone’s firmware up to date to ensure smooth and safe flying.

Conclusion: Take Flight and Enjoy the Skies

Flying a drone for the first time can be an exciting experience, offering you a whole new perspective on the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to safely and confidently piloting your drone. Remember to practice regularly, fly within the legal limits, and always put safety first.

At Flying Glass, we offer expert advice and services for those looking to take their drone skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to upgrade or an experienced pilot drone seeking professional opportunities, our team can help. Be sure to check out our showreel to see what’s possible with advanced drone operation, and contact us for any inquiries about professional drone services.