Module 2: Basic Flight Skills

Welcome to Module 2 of the SARVision Drone Pilot Training Course! Now that you’ve built a strong foundation in drone fundamentals and pre-flight procedures, it’s time to develop the essential flight skills that will form the basis of all your future drone operations.

This module focuses on mastering the core controls and basic maneuvers that every drone pilot needs to become proficient and confident. We’ll start with simple hovering exercises and gradually progress to controlled directional movements, establishing muscle memory and spatial awareness that will serve you throughout your drone journey.

Remember that patience and regular practice are key at this stage. Don’t rush through these basics—they’re the building blocks for everything that follows. It’s better to spend more time perfecting these fundamentals than to advance too quickly and develop bad habits.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  • Set up and operate your controller with confidence
  • Execute smooth takeoffs and precise landings
  • Maintain stable hover in various positions
  • Understand and manage drone orientation
  • Perform basic directional flight movements
  • Navigate your drone in simple patterns
  • Maintain visual line of sight throughout flight
  • Effectively use GPS positioning features
  • Execute return-to-home functions both manually and automatically
  • Recover from minor disorientation

Section 1: Controller Mastery

Controller Layout and Functions

Before flying, you need a thorough understanding of your specific controller:

Standard Controller Layout

Most drone controllers follow a similar configuration:

  • Left Stick (Mode 2, most common in US/Europe):
    • Vertical movement controls throttle (altitude up/down)
    • Horizontal movement controls yaw (rotation left/right)
  • Right Stick (Mode 2):
    • Vertical movement controls pitch (forward/backward movement)
    • Horizontal movement controls roll (left/right movement)
  • Control Modes:
    • Mode 1: Throttle and roll on right stick, pitch and yaw on left (common in some countries)
    • Mode 2: Throttle and yaw on left stick, pitch and roll on right (most common)
    • Mode 3: Throttle and pitch on left stick, yaw and roll on right (less common)
  • Specialized Buttons:
    • Return-to-Home button (typically marked with an H or home icon)
    • Power button
    • Start/stop recording
    • Take photo
    • Gimbal control wheel or slider
    • Customizable function buttons (varies by model)
    • Flight mode switches

Controller Terminology

  • Control Inputs: How far you move the sticks from center
    • Small inputs: Slight movements for precise control
    • Medium inputs: Moderate movements for normal operation
    • Full inputs: Maximum stick movement (avoid as a beginner)
  • Center Position: When both sticks are in their neutral position
    • Left stick centered: Drone hovers at current altitude
    • Right stick centered: Drone stops horizontal movement
  • Trim: Fine adjustments to center position (rarely needed on modern drones)

Controller Handling Technique

Proper physical technique affects your control precision:

  • Grip:
    • Hold the controller with both hands
    • Support the weight with your index fingers underneath
    • Control sticks with your thumbs
    • Keep a relaxed but secure grip
  • Body Position:
    • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for stability
    • Keep controller at mid-chest height
    • Maintain a comfortable, sustainable posture
    • Position yourself to maintain visual contact with the drone
  • Control Movements:
    • Use smooth, deliberate inputs rather than jerky movements
    • Return sticks to center when you want to stop a movement
    • Practice small, precise thumb movements
    • Avoid overcontrolling (making excessive corrections)
  • Controller Awareness:
    • Develop ability to operate controls without looking at them
    • Glance briefly at screen/phone for critical information
    • Primary focus should remain on the drone

Controller Setup and Calibration

Ensuring your controller is properly configured:

  • Pairing Process:
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for controller-to-drone pairing
    • Some models require specific button combinations
    • Verify successful connection via status lights or app indicators
  • Control Sensitivity:
    • Most drone apps allow adjustment of control sensitivity
    • Begin with lower sensitivity settings as a beginner
    • Gradually increase as your skills improve
  • Controller Calibration:
    • Perform when controller seems unresponsive or drifts
    • Usually involves moving sticks through full range
    • Follow manufacturer’s specific calibration procedure
    • Calibrate in a neutral position away from magnetic interference

Section 2: Takeoff and Landing

Click here for the Pre-Flight Checklist Template

Pre-Takeoff Checklist Review

The moments before takeoff are critical for safety:

  • Complete your pre-flight checklist from Module 1
  • Verify clear, flat takeoff area with no obstacles
  • Confirm GPS lock (sufficient satellites acquired)
  • Ensure home point is correctly recorded
  • Check that all sensors are functioning normally
  • Verify adequate battery levels in drone and controller
  • Position yourself facing the drone with adequate space behind you
  • Announce “taking off” if others are present

Manual Takeoff Technique

Mastering the basic takeoff procedure:

  • Starting Position:
    • Place drone on level ground with battery indicator LEDs facing away from you
    • Stand approximately 10-15 feet (3-5 meters) away
    • Ensure both controller sticks are centered
  • Startup Sequence:
    • Start motors using manufacturer’s method (usually inward or downward stick combination)
    • Observe motors spinning at idle speed
    • Visually check for any irregularities
  • Initial Liftoff:
    • Slowly raise the throttle (left stick up in Mode 2)
    • Lift drone to knee height (approximately 2 feet/60cm)
    • Pause to verify stability and control response
    • Make minor corrections to maintain position
  • Climbing to Safe Height:
    • Once stable at knee height, gradually increase altitude
    • Rise to approximately eye level (5-6 feet/1.5-2 meters)
    • This height provides good visibility while being safe for initial practice
    • Keep throttle movements slow and smooth

Automated Takeoff (If Available)

Many modern drones offer automated takeoff features:

  • Access through the app’s takeoff button
  • Typically rises to about 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) and hovers
  • Still requires vigilance and readiness to take manual control
  • Understand this is a convenience feature, not a replacement for manual skill

Controlled Landing

Safely returning your drone to the ground:

  • Manual Landing Process:
    • Position drone over a clear, level landing area
    • Begin with drone at steady hover at eye level
    • Slowly lower throttle to initiate gentle descent
    • Descend at a steady, controlled rate (approximately 1-2 feet/second)
    • Reduce descent rate as you approach ground (last 2 feet/60cm)
    • Once drone touches down, reduce throttle to minimum
    • Shut down motors using manufacturer’s method
  • Landing Zone Selection:
    • Clear of obstacles, people, and uneven surfaces
    • Avoid tall grass which can tangle with propellers
    • Beware of dusty areas which can damage motors
    • Consider surface reflectivity which may affect visual sensors
  • Common Landing Mistakes:
    • Descending too quickly
    • Landing on uneven terrain
    • Turning off motors before touchdown
    • Excessive horizontal movement during descent
    • Allowing battery to fully deplete before landing

Automated Landing (If Available)

Understanding automated landing features:

  • Activated through controller or app interface
  • Typically performs vertical descent from current position
  • Does not navigate around obstacles in basic models
  • Always be ready to take manual control if needed
  • Use with caution, especially in windy conditions

Section 3: Basic Hovering and Position Holding

The Fundamentals of Hovering

Mastering stable hovering is essential for all drone operations:

  • Definition of a Good Hover:
    • Maintaining a consistent altitude
    • Minimizing horizontal drift
    • Keeping the drone level (no tilting)
    • Maintaining a fixed heading (no rotation)
  • The Physics of Hovering:
    • Thrust from propellers exactly counteracts gravity
    • Equal power to all motors maintains level attitude
    • GPS and vision sensors provide position feedback
    • Flight controller makes continuous micro-adjustments
  • Mental Approach:
    • Focus on making minimal, deliberate corrections
    • Anticipate drift rather than reacting after significant movement
    • Develop patience and avoid overcorrection
    • Think of it as “balancing” the drone rather than “controlling” it

Hover Exercise Progression

A structured approach to developing hover skills:

Exercise 1: Basic Hover (Eye Level)

  • Take off to eye level (5-6 feet/1.5-2m)
  • Attempt to maintain position with minimal control inputs
  • Focus on keeping the drone in one place for 30 seconds
  • Land and repeat 3-5 times

Exercise 2: Altitude Control

  • Take off to eye level
  • Practice raising altitude by 5 feet (1.5m) and stopping
  • Hold for 10 seconds
  • Descend back to eye level and hold
  • Repeat several times without landing
  • Focus on smooth throttle control and stopping precisely

Exercise 3: Hover with Varying Orientations

  • Begin at eye-level hover with drone facing away from you
  • Rotate drone 90 degrees using yaw control (left stick)
  • Hold this position for 30 seconds
  • Rotate another 90 degrees and hold
  • Continue until you’ve practiced hovering with drone in all four directions
  • This builds familiarity with controlling the drone regardless of orientation

Using Visual References

Techniques for maintaining awareness of drone position:

  • Establishing Reference Points:
    • Use fixed objects in the environment as position markers
    • Note drone’s position relative to trees, poles, or other landmarks
    • Create mental “boundaries” to help gauge movement
  • Distance Estimation:
    • Practice judging distance by comparing to known object sizes
    • Use the drone’s size appearance as a rough distance gauge
    • Notice how wind affects maintaining position at different distances

Troubleshooting Hover Problems

Common issues new pilots encounter:

  • Altitude Drift:
    • Caused by inconsistent throttle control
    • Practice finding the “neutral” throttle position
    • Make smaller throttle adjustments
    • Be aware that wind and battery level affect required throttle
  • Horizontal Drift:
    • Check for GPS issues (weak signal, interference)
    • Ensure calibration was properly completed
    • Be aware of wind effects
    • Practice smaller, more precise stick corrections
  • Oscillation or “Toilet Bowl Effect”:
    • Typically caused by compass interference
    • Land and recalibrate compass away from metal objects
    • Check for software updates that might address stability

Section 4: Understanding Drone Orientation

The Challenge of Orientation

One of the biggest challenges for new pilots:

  • Relative Direction: Unlike ground vehicles, a drone’s controls change relative to its orientation
  • Changing Reference Frame: Controls that move the drone left when facing you will move it right when facing away
  • Orientation Confusion: The primary cause of crashes for beginners
  • Mental Mapping: Requires developing ability to “translate” controls based on drone’s current orientation

Nose-In vs. Nose-Out Flying

The two primary orientation challenges:

  • Nose-Out (drone facing away from you):
    • Easiest orientation for beginners
    • Control directions align with apparent movement
    • Right on controller moves drone right from your perspective
    • Standard position for takeoff and initial practice
  • Nose-In (drone facing toward you):
    • Controls are reversed from your perspective
    • Right on controller moves drone to your left
    • Requires mental translation of commands
    • Essential skill to master for complete control

Orientation Practice Exercises

Structured approach to mastering orientation:

Exercise 1: Controlled Rotation

  • Hover at eye level, nose-out position
  • Use yaw control (left stick left/right) to slowly rotate drone 45 degrees
  • Hold position for 10-15 seconds
  • Continue rotating in 45-degree increments, pausing at each position
  • Focus on maintaining altitude and position while rotating
  • Complete a full 360-degree rotation

Exercise 2: Figure-8 Pattern

  • Begin with the drone in nose-out position
  • Rotate 90 degrees to the left using yaw
  • Focus on maintaining orientation awareness as you rotate
  • Practice small forward/backward movements with each new orientation
  • Learn to adjust control inputs based on drone’s current direction

Exercise 3: Nose-In Hovering

  • Position drone about 20 feet (6m) in front of you
  • Rotate so the drone faces you (nose-in)
  • Practice maintaining hover position
  • Try small left/right movements, remembering controls are reversed
  • Build up confidence with reversed control orientation

Headless Mode: Training Wheels for Orientation

Understanding this beginner-friendly feature:

  • What Is Headless Mode:
    • Control directions remain relative to pilot, not drone orientation
    • Right on controller always moves drone to pilot’s right, regardless of which way drone is pointing
    • Drone “remembers” the original orientation upon activation
  • When to Use It:
    • As a temporary learning aid for absolute beginners
    • When you become disoriented and need to safely recover
    • In emergency situations to simplify control
  • Limitations:
    • Creates dependency that can slow skill development
    • Not available on all models
    • Requires proper calibration to work effectively
    • Can become confused on longer flights
  • Proper Development Path:
    • Begin with headless mode if needed
    • Gradually practice without it
    • Use as backup while building orientation skills
    • Eventually fly without it entirely

Section 5: Basic Directional Flight

Forward and Backward Flight

Fundamentals of controlled horizontal movement:

  • Forward Flight Technique:
    • Apply slight forward pitch (right stick forward)
    • Start with minimal input (slight stick movement)
    • Maintain consistent altitude (adjust throttle if needed)
    • Return stick to center to stop forward motion
    • Note that forward speed affects altitude (may need throttle adjustment)
  • Backward Flight Technique:
    • Apply slight backward pitch (right stick backward)
    • Use extra caution as you can’t see where you’re going
    • Maintain slower speed than forward flight
    • Be aware of potential obstacles behind the drone
    • Practice looking around the drone rather than just at it

Left and Right Flight (Roll)

Mastering lateral movement:

  • Roll Control Basics:
    • Right stick left/right controls roll (tilting)
    • Drone moves in direction of tilt
    • Greater stick deflection creates more tilt and faster movement
    • Stick return to center levels drone and stops lateral movement
  • Practical Application:
    • Begin with drone in stable hover
    • Apply small right input to initiate rightward movement
    • Return stick to center to stop movement
    • Practice moving left, then stopping
    • Focus on smooth starts and stops
    • Practice varying distances (2 feet, 5 feet, 10 feet)

Controlled Rotation (Yaw)

Mastering directional orientation:

  • Yaw Control Basics:
    • Left stick left/right controls rotation
    • Small inputs create slow, controlled rotation
    • Larger inputs create faster rotation
    • Stick return to center stops rotation
  • Practical Application:
    • Begin with stable hover
    • Practice rotating 90 degrees clockwise, then stop
    • Rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise to return to starting orientation
    • Work on stopping precisely at desired heading
    • Practice completing full 360-degree rotations in both directions

Combining Basic Movements

Progressing to coordinated control:

  • Start with Simple Combinations:
    • Forward flight while maintaining altitude
    • Sideways movement with slight forward motion
    • Gentle turns while moving forward
    • Changing altitude while maintaining position
  • Common Coordination Challenges:
    • Altitude loss during forward flight (forgetting to adjust throttle)
    • Turning instead of lateral movement (mixing up controls)
    • Unintended pitch or roll when adjusting throttle
    • Overcontrolling with multiple simultaneous inputs

Section 6: Simple Flight Patterns

Straight Line Practice

Developing precision in basic movement:

  • Forward Straight Line:
    • Choose two points about 30 feet (10m) apart
    • Fly directly between them at consistent altitude
    • Focus on straight path with minimal drift
    • Practice at various speeds
  • Sideways Straight Line:
    • Position drone facing 90 degrees from flight path
    • Move laterally while maintaining consistent heading and altitude
    • Practice with drone facing both left and right relative to path

Box Pattern

A fundamental pattern for building control skills:

  • Execution:
    • Begin at a corner point in hover
    • Fly forward in straight line for about 15 feet (5m)
    • Stop and hover
    • Turn 90 degrees using yaw
    • Continue pattern to form a square, returning to starting point
    • Maintain consistent altitude throughout
  • Progression:
    • Start with drone facing away from you at all times (adjust orientation at corners)
    • Progress to maintaining constant drone orientation (using roll and pitch instead of changing orientation)
    • Increase speed as proficiency improves
    • Try with different orientations (nose-in sections challenge orientation skills)

Circle Pattern

Developing coordinated control inputs:

  • Manual Circle Technique:
    • Begin at eye-level hover
    • Combine gentle forward pitch with slight roll to create circular path
    • Maintain consistent altitude throughout
    • Focus on creating a smooth, round shape
    • Practice both clockwise and counterclockwise circles
  • Alternative Method:
    • Keep drone facing the center of the circle at all times
    • Use yaw to rotate drone while using pitch to move forward
    • Creates more challenging control coordination

Figure-8 Pattern

Combining multiple skills:

  • Execution:
    • Begin at center point in hover
    • Fly in circular pattern to the left
    • Cross back through center point
    • Transition to circular pattern to the right
    • Return to center starting point
    • Maintain consistent altitude throughout
  • Skill Development:
    • Requires coordinating multiple controls simultaneously
    • Builds orientation awareness through changing directions
    • Develops smooth control transitions

Section 7: Visual Line of Sight and Spatial Awareness

Maintaining Visual Line of Sight

Critical safety and legal requirement:

  • Definition of VLOS:
    • Being able to see the drone with unaided vision (no binoculars)
    • Maintaining awareness of drone’s orientation and position
    • Being able to detect potential obstacles or hazards
    • Required by law in most countries
  • Distance Limitations:
    • Visibility decreases dramatically with distance
    • Orientation becomes difficult beyond 400-500 feet (120-150m)
    • Weather and lighting conditions affect maximum VLOS distance
    • Legal limitations often specify maximum distances (400ft height in US)
  • Challenges and Solutions:
    • Sun glare: Position yourself with sun at your back when possible
    • Background contrast: Be aware how sky conditions affect visibility
    • Obstructions: Maintain position to keep drone in view around obstacles
    • Size perception: Practice judging distance based on apparent size

Building Spatial Awareness

Developing mental mapping of drone position:

  • Environmental Awareness:
    • Continuously scan for potential hazards (trees, buildings, power lines)
    • Create mental map of safe areas and no-fly zones
    • Maintain awareness of the drone’s position relative to these areas
    • Consider wind conditions and how they affect different areas of operation
  • Altitude Awareness:
    • Learn to judge altitude by drone’s apparent size
    • Use environmental references (trees, buildings) for height comparison
    • Be conscious of legal altitude restrictions
    • Remember height affects wind exposure
  • Situational Scanning:
    • Develop habit of scanning entire flight area, not just the drone
    • Watch for changing conditions (people entering area, etc.)
    • Divide attention between drone, surroundings, and controller/screen
    • Prioritize drone and surroundings over screen

Section 8: Using GPS Positioning Features

Understanding GPS Assistance

How GPS enhances flight stability and safety:

  • GPS Functionality:
    • Provides precise positioning data to flight controller
    • Enables position hold capability
    • Records home point for return-to-home function
    • Allows advanced autonomous features
    • Typically accurate to about 1-3 meters (3-10 feet)
  • Satellite Requirements:
    • Most drones need minimum of 6-7 satellites for GPS lock
    • More satellites generally means better positioning accuracy
    • App typically displays satellite count and signal quality
    • Wait for strong GPS signal before takeoff
  • Positioning Modes:
    • P-Mode/GPS Mode: Full GPS positioning assistance
    • ATTI Mode: No position holding, only altitude (for when GPS unavailable)
    • Sport Mode: Modified GPS parameters for faster flight

Position Hold Function

Utilizing GPS for stable hovering:

  • Activation and Use:
    • Automatically engaged in P-Mode/GPS Mode
    • Release control sticks to activate position holding
    • Drone maintains horizontal position using GPS
    • Still maintains altitude using barometric pressure and other sensors
  • Limitations:
    • Not perfectly stationary (1-3 foot drift is normal)
    • Performance affected by satellite coverage quality
    • Can be affected by strong winds
    • Less effective at very low altitudes
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Take off and hover at eye level
    • Release controls and observe position holding capability
    • Note any drift and how quickly drone corrects
    • Test in different locations and weather conditions

Home Point and Return-to-Home

Understanding critical safety features:

  • Home Point Recording:
    • Automatically set when GPS lock achieved before takeoff
    • Records position and altitude
    • Can be manually updated during flight in some models
    • Verify home point is set before each flight
  • RTH Types:
    • Smart RTH: Manually activated by pilot
    • Low Battery RTH: Automatically triggered at critical battery level
    • Failsafe RTH: Activated when signal lost between controller and drone
  • RTH Procedure:
    • Drone rises to predetermined RTH altitude (if below it)
    • Flies in straight line back to home point
    • Descends and lands
    • Some models hover at low altitude awaiting manual landing
  • RTH Safety Considerations:
    • Set appropriate RTH altitude to clear obstacles
    • Be aware RTH doesn’t avoid obstacles in basic models
    • Consider wind conditions when setting RTH altitude
    • Remember RTH uses significant battery power
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Fly drone to about 100 feet (30m) away at eye level
    • Activate RTH function and observe behavior
    • Note ascent to RTH altitude before returning
    • Practice manual cancellation of RTH

Section 9: Emergency Procedures

Handling Disorientation

Recovering when you lose track of orientation:

  • Prevention:
    • Maintain visual focus on drone
    • Pay attention to front/back indicators (colored lights)
    • Keep drone in positions where orientation is clear
    • Don’t fly further than you can clearly see orientation
  • Recovery Steps:
    1. Stop all stick inputs (release controls)
    2. Allow GPS to stabilize drone in hover
    3. Check controller screen for drone orientation indicators
    4. Use slow yaw rotation until orientation becomes clear
    5. If still disoriented, activate RTH

Wind Challenges

Handling unexpected wind conditions:

  • Recognition:
    • Drone tilts against wind direction
    • Position holding requires constant correction
    • Battery drains faster than normal
    • Aircraft makes unusual motor sounds working against wind
  • Response Techniques:
    • Reduce altitude if possible (wind typically less strong lower down)
    • Turn drone to face into the wind for better stability
    • Use more deliberate, stronger inputs to counter wind effects
    • Begin returning home before battery reaches critical levels
    • Land at nearest safe location if wind exceeds drone’s capabilities

Signal Interference

Dealing with connectivity problems:

  • Warning Signs:
    • Controller signal strength indicator shows degradation
    • Video feed becomes pixelated or freezes
    • Control inputs become delayed or inconsistent
    • Warning messages appear on controller/app
  • Response Actions:
    1. Fly drone closer to your position
    2. Check for obvious interference sources
    3. Reorient controller antennas
    4. If problems persist, find clear landing spot and land manually
    5. Last resort: Allow automatic RTH to activate

Practice Exercise: Simulated Emergency

Safe practice for emergency situations:

  • Disorientation Drill:
    • Have a spotter monitor safety while you briefly look away from drone
    • Look back and practice recovering orientation
    • Practice using RTH when disoriented (in safe, open area)
  • Emergency Landing Practice:
    • Designate several “emergency landing zones” in your practice area
    • Practice quickly finding the nearest one and landing precisely
    • Simulate different scenarios (low battery, wind, loss of GPS)

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding with these questions:

  1. Which stick controls altitude in the most common controller configuration (Mode 2)?
  2. What is the recommended height to pause at during initial takeoff, before climbing to eye level?
  3. List three characteristics of a good hover.
  4. What happens to the controls when flying with the drone oriented toward you (nose-in)?
  5. Why is it important to use small, precise control inputs rather than large movements as a beginner?
  6. What is the minimum number of satellites typically needed for a good GPS lock?
  7. Name the three types of Return-to-Home functions and when each is activated.
  8. What is the primary cause of disorientation for new drone pilots?
  9. When experiencing signal interference, what should be your first response?
  10. What is headless mode, and what are its limitations?

Click here to check your answers

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing Module 2 of the SARVision Drone Pilot Training Course! You have now developed the foundational flight skills that form the basis for all drone operations. Through practice, you’ve begun building the muscle memory and spatial awareness that are essential for confident, safe drone piloting.

Remember that mastery comes through consistent practice. We recommend spending at least 3-5 flight sessions practicing these basic skills before moving on to the intermediate techniques in Module 3. Focus particularly on any areas where you felt less confident, such as nose-in orientation or maintaining precise hover control.

In the next module, we’ll build on these fundamentals to develop more precise positioning skills, coordinated control movements, and flight in different orientations. We’ll also introduce more complex flight patterns and begin working at different altitudes.

Practice Goals Before Next Module

Before proceeding to Module 3, aim to:

  • Complete at least 10-15 successful takeoff and landing cycles
  • Maintain a stable hover for at least 60 seconds continuously
  • Fly a complete box pattern while maintaining consistent altitude
  • Demonstrate basic control in nose-in orientation
  • Successfully execute manual return-to-home
  • Complete a figure-8 pattern with reasonable precision

Additional Resources

Next Steps

When you’re confident in your basic flight skills, proceed to Module 3: Intermediate Flight Techniques.

Have questions about this module? Visit our community forum or contact our training team for support.

Last updated: March 2025