Introduction

Basic Piloting Controls

sUAV Controls: Getting started

When learning how to fly a drone, the controls will become second nature once you know how they operate and interact together to form a complete flying experience.

When you first start out, push the sticks very gently so the drone performs slight movements. As you get more comfortable, you can make sharper movements.

(Note: For simplicity’s sake, this article assumes that the left stick controls yaw and throttle, and the right stick controls roll and pitch. Some transmitters allow the pilot to switch these controls based on what’s most comfortable.)

There are four main drone controls:

• Roll: Done by pushing the right stick to the left or right. Literally rolls the drone, which maneuvers the drone left or right.

• Pitch: Done by pushing the right stick forwards or backward. Tilts the drone, which maneuvers the drone forwards or backward.

• Yaw: Done by pushing the left stick to the left or to the right. Rotates the drone left or right. Points the front of the copter in different directions and helps with changing directions while flying.

• Throttle: To increase, push the left stick forwards. To decrease, pull the left stick backward. This adjusts the altitude, or height, of the drone.

Let’s go through each of them.

Roll (Right Stick)

Roll moves your drone left or right. It’s done by pushing the right stick on your controller to the left or to the right.

It’s called “roll” because it literally rolls the drone.

For example, as you push the right stick to the left, the drone will angle diagonally downwards to the left.

When you push the stick to the left, the propellers will be pushing air to the right, forcing the drone to fly to the left.

f you push the stick to the right, the propellers will be pushing air to the left, forcing the drone to fly to the right.

Pitch (Right Stick)

Pitch is done by pushing the right stick on your controller forwards or backward. This will tilt the drone, resulting in forwards or backward movement.

When the right stick is pushed forward, the back of the drone will pitch up causing the air to push the drone forward.

If the right stick is pulled backward, the front of the drone will pitch up causing the air to push the drone backward.

Yaw (Left Stick)

Yaw was a little bit confusing for me in the beginning. Essentially, it rotates the drone clockwise or counterclockwise.

This is done by pushing the left stick to the left or to the right.

Yaw is typically used at the same time as throttle during continuous flight. This allows the pilot to make circles and patterns. It also allows videographers and photographers to follow objects that might be changing directions.

Throttle (Left Stick)

Throttle gives the propellers on your drone enough power to get airborne. When flying, you will have the throttle engaged constantly.

To engage the throttle, push the left stick forward. To disengage, pull it backwards.

Make sure not to disengage completely until you’re a couple of inches away from the ground. Otherwise, you might damage the drone, and your training will be cut short.

Important Note:

When the drone is facing you (instead of facing away from you) the controls are all switched.

This makes intuitive sense…

• Pushing the right stick to the right moves the drone to the right (roll)

• Pushing the right stick forward moves the drone forward (pitch)

• Pushing the right stick backward moves the drone backward (pitch)

• And so on.

So pay attention to that as you start changing directions. Always be thinking in terms of how the drone will move, rather than how it is oriented towards you.

Pre-flight checks & Risk assessment

Going through a pre-flight checklist will keep you and your drone safe.

Here’s a checklist you can use before each flight:

WEATHER & SITE SAFETY CHECK

• Chance of precipitation less than 10%

• Wind speed under 15 knots (less than 20 mph)

• Cloud base at least 500 feet

• Visibility at least 3 statute miles (SM)

• If flying at dawn / dusk, double-check civil twilight hours

• Establish take-off, landing, and emergency hover zones

• Potential for electromagnetic interference?

• Look for towers, wires, buildings, trees, or other obstructions

• Look for pedestrians and/or animals and set up safety perimeter if needed

• Discuss flight mission with other crew members if present

VISUAL AIRCRAFT / SYSTEM INSPECTION

• Registration number is displayed properly and is legible

• Look for abnormalities—aircraft frame, propellers, motors, undercarriage

• Look for abnormalities—gimbal, camera, transmitter, payloads, etc.

• Gimbal clamp and lens caps are removed

• Clean lens with microfiber cloth

• Attach propellers, battery/fuel source, and insert SD card / lens filters

POWERING UP

• Turn on the remote control and open up DJI Go 4 app

• Turn on aircraft

• Verify established connection between transmitter and aircraft

• Position antennas on transmitter toward the sky

• Verify display panel / FPV screen is functioning properly

• Calibrate Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) as needed

• Calibrate compass before every flight

• Verify battery / fuel levels on both transmitter and aircraft

• Verify that the UAS has acquired GPS location from at least six satellites

TAKING OFF

• Take-off to eye-level altitude for about 10-15 seconds

• Look for any imbalances or irregularities

• Listen for abnormal sounds

• Pitch, roll, and yaw to test control response and sensitivity

• Check for electromagnetic interference or other software warnings

• Do one final check to secure safety of flight operations area

• Proceed with flight mission

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