Great vid! And you're spot on with the 'beginner = Phantom 3' and 'Travel = Mavic'. That's why I made a video comparing them side by side. The Phantom 3 is a third of the price but still a really fantastic drone! Cheers guys. Ian in London.
Just passed my 107 (92%) and I want to start my own business. Is the Phantom 3 Pro still a viable drone to start with? I'm considering getting that first as a starter drone with 4k so I don't blow my whole start-up budget. The reason is that I also want to get the Mavic Pro for indoor videos or videos needed for tight places. What do you think of my strategy?
The Mavic will be better at indoor flights due to its downward position sensors; the Phantom 4 series would be your best bet; better camera with larger sensor and all round collision avoidance sensors, as opposed to the Mavic which only has forward facing sensors. The P3Prop has a better camera than the Mavic (again, larger sensor) but it's s lot of money for an older generation drone. As mentioned, I did a direct comparison video between the Mavic and the P3 Standard; that shows some of the features of the Mavic and may help you. It's on my channel. Cheers, Ian in London
Tony! Man I cannot tell you how much I truly appreciate this simple video. I just passed my part 107 with a 97 and was feeling really good about myself... did the research and got a MM as a practice drone. My nerves have controlled my situation and I thought it was just me. I’m so busy worrying about people, property and I haven’t yet developed confidence in this technical piece of equipment. So I’m constantly worrying about the drone just up and flying away or abruptly crashing into a home or car. I will take your advice and practice these maneuvers. I struggle with control when my drone is not facing away from me. Whenever it’s facing me or perpendicular to me I panic. I’ve thought about labeling the sticks. LOL. Perhaps practice will be all I need. Thanks again.
Tony, I bought your book probably six years ago, when I first picked up a DSLR. I remember how easy you made it for me to learn to shoot in manual. I was SO thrilled to see that you make learning to use a drone just as easy. Thank you from taking me from being SCARED to fly to having a plan to improve and practice!
Being new with drones and fiddling with it for several minutes, I am certainly glad I watched this video. It provides good old common sense lessons to learning how to fly a drone. BTW, I'm a license private pilot. Thank you, Tony & Chelsea for an excellent overview.
TheEpicLazyMan HEY!!!! What's up, man? I STAY learning more about cinematography/photography and I'm really interested in drones and I'm also looking into gimbals, like the pilotfly h2. Enjoy your rest week and I hope that you have a BLAST with your drone.
Fantastic! I bought a $30 "selfie drone". Crashed it several times in the house. Then went to my college (we bought a mall) on a Sunday got a bit better until I flew it into the glass wall of the library (nothing broken, just a loud noise). I left before campus police could get there. Tried it outside but it was just too windy (and I didn't realize one of the propellors was damaged. Then last year for Christmas my son gave me a Sharper Image Dro 400. It took me a year before I took it out of the box (no time). Tried flying 2 feet off the ground in the living room. Was just getting the hang of it (after destroying a poinsettia) when it got caught under a couch. That's when I got the brilliant idea to build a drone practice cage. I made a 6' x 3' box out of PVC and laid it on its side. Being cheap I covered with bird netting. Since the DRO 400 has blade guards it worked at first. Then it went up and got caught in the net. Then I crashed into the side and it flipped up and got caught in the net. I hit the "land" button but one blade (back left) kept spinning. Now it won't spin at all. My plan is to repair the drones and cover my practice box with clear shower curtain material until I get comfortable enough to fly them outside. I also may buy $40 or less mini with ducted (like a Redpawz or Holy Stone )or completely shielded blades (like a DWI Crash proof or Kelliwow all available on Amazon). I will DEFINITELY follow these practice steps.
I first watched this channel because my friend gave me his old DSLR and I wanted to learn how it worked. Now I just watch everything on this channel, I love the sense of humour, I love the love/hate relationship with the comment section, I love the nerdiness. Thanks for everything
Great tips.. Ive been flying mutticoptors even before they stared calling them drones... 2 pieces of advise, its much better to go thru the learning stage of flying with a much smaller drone, one you can fly indoors so all the flying controls are second nature... Replace your props about every 10-15 flights even if there not broken and learn how to balance them properly ... Really like how your advocating learning how to fly most people buying these are under the assumption that you don't need to be a skilled pilot but thats also the fault of the drone manufactures marketing... GREAT VID....
I don't know why I never came across any of your videos before but, the old adage "You're never too late!" is perfect for this one. I am so thankful that someone like you is doing do diligence in explaining to a" newbie" how to get control of a drone and fly it correctly. This does more good for the drone community than you can imagine. Newbies are probably the ones that are more responsible for more negative public acceptance of drones than any other single item. I think it's because to injuries they inflict on others with their inability to control a drone.. These things can really do damage if a prop hits your flesh, I know first hand. Knowing how to fly a drone basics is a real treat if one struggles without any explanation or help. I really have and I have lost several drones because of it. I also am a firm believer that in doing videor like you and others do, I wish you would dispel the myths that are going around about drones spying on your neighbors taking photos through bedroom windows and skylights, etc. Also the protection of drones by the FAA Thank you so much for your videos
Great video and very easy to follow each stage. One thing that helped me when I was trying to get smooth turns, (banked turns) like Tony is doing, was to learn the timing of the roll, (right stick) and Yaw, (left stick). If your quad is facing away and you want to do a right banked turn first apply right roll with forward pitch than very gently add right yaw, (left stick) once it starts banking or rolling to the right. The timing of the roll/forward pitch then yaw as it starts to bank or roll right, made all the difference when I was learning these turns. Naturally when quad is facing you, this is reversed for left and right turns respectively. This technique helped me to no end when doing wide smooth loopy turns as apposed to more aggressive on the controls - tight turns. My apologies for any wrong terminology & I hope this helps someone!
That's the best beginner's guide on UA-cam. I've had 4 flights and I thought I was getting pretty good at it. Yesterday it was windy and I got too confident and my drone got blown out to sea. I wasn't wearing sunglasses and the wind suddenly changed direction coupled with low battery. I lost sight of it in the sun and by the time I saw it again it was on it's way to Norway. Game over .
The best thing to do is get a decent toy grade drone first and practice flying completely manually before you fork over the extreme big bucks for a Phantom.
I bought a cheap $40 drone on Walmart.com I ended up flying it into a 100 ft tree couldn't get it down so now I have another one and refuse to fly it high.
Christian Blade I'd recommend the Hubsan h502e to train on. It flies almost exactly like the phantom, except it's only $90. It has GPS, which is why I got it to train on. It's a pretty good drone, but it doesn't have a very good camera or gimbal, which is why I got the Phantom. However, since it has GPS, it flies mostly like the Phantom. The Hubsan H502e is a really cheap drone to train on before you get your phantom.
I'm just in the early beginner phase of learning how to fly my drone and your video is the first one i've watched in which i actually feel like i've learned something practical. The inset of the control motions on the screen are the most helpful. I have subscribed and look forward to watching and learning from your other videos. Thanks for the help!!
Don't know if Tony will see this comment, but if you do, I've gotta say that was the best instructional video I've seen, and I sit her day in and day out watching drone videos. lol I've been flying rc hellicopters and quads on and off for the last 15 years or so, but I'm still not as comfortable flying as you are in this video. Nobody watching me would be able to tell, but I know.
I love two things about this: First, it's about time that you've renamed the channel to include Chelsea, she has been pulling her weight for quite a while. :-) And second, this is the tutorial people need when starting out with a drone, not the "look what cool and advanturous things I can do with this drone". I have a drone, and I hate that there are so many idiots out there that don't fly safely and ruin it for all of us with a bunch of new laws and restrictions...
My dad had an asphalt RC landing strip on his property. Every weekend the RC club came out and flew, this was in the late 70's so before quadcopters. We had a friend that the instant he took off, he inverted his plane and flew that way the entire tank. One day I saw him bent over looking out into the field. Me, "What ya doing?" Pilot, "Trying to decide if I can fly between the wires in the fence." Me, blink, blink Pilot, "I got this!" He didn't, the plane exploded into an impressive pile of fabric, wood, and servos.
Very well done. I love the fact that you were considerate enough to show the remote and the movements of the joystick. I was waiting for a video like this. The numbered progressions were very helpful also. Thanks for the time it took to publish this.
Thank you so much this is by far the best tutorial on how to fly a drone, the tutorial covers the general fundamentals and safety on how to be confident to operate a drone in safety.
What a great video! I loved the way you teach and explain things! Thank you!! I am a pure beginner and it is so hard to find videos that instruct, usually they show the drone flying with little explanation. I hope you continue to make educational videos. Thank you so much!!
Probably one of the best videos I've seen for new drone owners. I come from R/C helicopters, where learning this kind of stuff was mandatory. I think if more people learned to control their drones without the fancy electronics, they'd be better pilots overall. I've spent a lot of time flying figure 8s until I could do them without thought.
This was fabulous. I suspected the controls worked as you showed them but didn't have any idea how to get started. I think you provided a great practice routine and great advice. I'd have started with the phone engaged and can see now that you're right; it would be an unnecessary distraction. Thank you.
awesome video! DJI needs to throw in a piece of paper with the link to this video into every package that says, "watch this before flying!" excellent guide!
Also a figure M is a great way to get comfortable looking at the left and right sides, make sure there is space beside you and no on lookers. I also learnt on rc helis, very similar to multicopters.
oh my o mysitting here waiting for my Phantom to arrive is just like the xmas feeling as when a kidbeing a former military and civilian pilot with more than 20000 hrs in the logbook I must say that I'venever thought of going back to flightschool BUT this is the very best instruction on drone flying I have ever seenThank U very much
This is a great video! I've recently gotten into flying multi-rotors and have been doing very similar exercises trying to train myself to perform basic skills without having to think about it. This is a very well thought out and methodical system to help newbies and experienced guys alike build their basic skill sets. Practicing fundamentals in NEVER a bad thing.
I picked up a Syma x5sw drone last year to test stuff out and get a feel for flying before jumping into a Phantom-sized machine. The first time flying it, at night I got it stuck in a tree about 30-40ft up. I got it down, eventually, but realized that that small, light drone is too underpowered to fly in anything other than still air. I will get it out and power it up again but look forward to having a Phantom with the weight and motors to counter a slight breeze. I had the Syma's sticks all the way over and that would barely hold it in place. These are some good tips and will definitely employ them in my practice/training regimen before flying the expensive stuff for client work.
Great video by the way... My drone recommendations: 1st: cheap under $125, preferably under$100, buy 2 extra batteries that should cost less than $25 each 2nd: stay cheap see #1 3rd: see #2 I have seen here on YT where the experienced flyers recommend by-passing low-end drones. Not sure why. All the moves you see here, can be done with a cheap drone. All the manual stuff that is. You will have a harder time controlling the cheaper drone and that is a GOOD thing. Same problem as an expensive drone, just exaggerated because of weight and lack of power of the cheaper drone. You will still have to master it. Train hard so the real thing is easier is an old motto that applies to drones. Fly the harder to control model so flying the Cadillac drone with GPS and homing capabilities is that much easier. From what I have seen on this and other videos, the cost and capability of the drones have no bearing on how much trouble and how much you will have to learn, period. Save your money and buy extra batteries to keep flying, spare parts to keep the drone in shape, and bank the rest so when you destroy or lose the cheap drone, you can replace it with the same cheap drone model. You WILL damage one of these expensive drones, guaranteed! You can learn all the nuances of stick control, wind affects, getting disoriented, etc. I have been flying one of the U818A PLUS for a whole 2 hours now and I have learned quit a bit, but no where near what I need to to lower the risk on losing or destroying a $1,000+ drone. Right when I feel I got this, I lose this! Stay cheap until you can fly it with your eyes closed. You can buy 3-4 of these (U818A PLUS) and stay under their first recommendations and buy extra batteries and spare parts. HIGHLY recommend an inexpensive drone to learn until you are very good to expert before wasting money on a fly-away/crashed drone! If you have money to burn, go for it! The number one drone killer: wind, and flying near structures where vortexes and winds are exaggerated (my tip of the day, LOL)
Got me a cheap 50 dollar drone to practice... I'm actually amazed it has the same Controll as this one. The knobs react the same as this one! 10/10 This guy knows what he's talking
been flying model Helicopters since 1985. I have a DJI inspire Pro at the moment. I would not say it is fun flying multirotors but the video results are amazing!
This is the first how to fly a drone tutorial I came across. Great video. I feel like I don't even have to look at other tutorials (I'm sure I will though). Thanks for making this!
Great tips! Personally I would recommend anyone who wants to get into multirotors/drones to buy a micro/mini drone first, like the hubsan X4/blade nano qx or something like that. Then you don't run the risk of damaging property or hurting someone, the Phantom is a big drone. But great tips on learning how to fly!
This guy is having fun with his drone real good. I got a new one and am new and I can’t do even a little of what he is doing. I tried two days and I keep crashing it and panicking.
I just bought a Sharper Image DX-2 toy drone for $35. Glad I did. I need a lot of practice before I even think about getting a higher end one. I already broke one of the propellers (and that was with the guard on). This video, along with a couple of others I've watched, should be helpful. Thanks.
1st attempt was on a basketball court .. I brought it down within 15 seconds. 2nd attempt was in a gigantic opened grassy field .. it went straight up and I panicked .. it went higher and higher then the wind caught it .. I didn't know what was front or back and it flew quickly toward trees in the far distance and crashed into the trees (thankfully). I tried unsuccessfully to bring it back home. Good thing that I was not flying near the ocean. The tutorial here today was very helpful with your controls in full view of us all to demonstrate the function of the right and left sticks.
Good vid. I just got a cx20 and am learning all manual first. Might have more crashes and may not be the best way to go, but if I get comfortable always being manual then I won't have anything at all to worry about when using the bells and whistles
Absolutely one of my favorite videos by you guys since I'm getting ready to add drone shots to my filmmaking (and I have never flown a drone)... the other funny but informative one being you smoking the cigar in the dark explaining the difference between f stops and t stops reviewing the Mitakon lens... Lol. Funny but seriously informative for those of us who just simply didn't know!
Thank you for video. I have a small drone for some time now. This one the Potensic T-35 is larger and faster with more controls. So I found your drone and enjoyed it. So, again thanks, I have subscribed.
Direction on an aircraft: Forward, Starboard, Port, Butt. :} I'm painting two cheeks on the back of my drone to help me keep the direction right. Love the acting and the info, great job as usual.
today for Christmas I got a Video photo AP new york protocol mini drone and I noticed that it was easier to start off slow and only go up down forward and back, then after a few take offs start to turn.
I just got a drone and my first flight I ended up on a ladder with a long pole to get it out of a tree. Luckily it wasn't damaged. I am slowly getting the hang now. This video gave me some moves to practice so thanks maybe I can stay out of those trees now. Thanks
When I was learning to fly RC airplanes I had a terrible time flying the airplane towards me. I found that if I stood with the airplane flying toward my side rather than directly at my front I could control it much easier. Try it,just stand with the drone flying at a 90 degree angle to you instead of facing it directly as it flies toward you and you can put yourself in the cockpit. Good luck!
Excellent video! Well done! And HIGHLY entertaining. I had to watch it twice to not laugh: "acting lessons--" ROFL "get nervous-- show your butt..." really?? The last time I did that I got arrested...! Keep up the good work! You are now my Official Drone Instructor.
Our drone recommendations: 🚁🚀📡
Beginner ($400): DJI Phantom 3 on Amazon help.tc/p3
Travel ($1,000): DJI Mavic Pro on Amazon help.tc/mavic
Better Image Quality ($1,500): DJI Phantom 4 Pro on Amazon help.tc/p4p
Great vid! And you're spot on with the 'beginner = Phantom 3' and 'Travel = Mavic'. That's why I made a video comparing them side by side. The Phantom 3 is a third of the price but still a really fantastic drone! Cheers guys. Ian in London.
Just passed my 107 (92%) and I want to start my own business. Is the Phantom 3 Pro still a viable drone to start with? I'm considering getting that first as a starter drone with 4k so I don't blow my whole start-up budget. The reason is that I also want to get the Mavic Pro for indoor videos or videos needed for tight places. What do you think of my strategy?
The Mavic will be better at indoor flights due to its downward position sensors; the Phantom 4 series would be your best bet; better camera with larger sensor and all round collision avoidance sensors, as opposed to the Mavic which only has forward facing sensors. The P3Prop has a better camera than the Mavic (again, larger sensor) but it's s lot of money for an older generation drone. As mentioned, I did a direct comparison video between the Mavic and the P3 Standard; that shows some of the features of the Mavic and may help you. It's on my channel. Cheers, Ian in London
Your recommendation for the dji 3 on amazon is actually $499 per your link
And as of Sun Mar-4-2018 it's listed on Amazon (quadcopter only) for $584.99! What the hell?
Tony! Man I cannot tell you how much I truly appreciate this simple video. I just passed my part 107 with a 97 and was feeling really good about myself... did the research and got a MM as a practice drone. My nerves have controlled my situation and I thought it was just me. I’m so busy worrying about people, property and I haven’t yet developed confidence in this technical piece of equipment. So I’m constantly worrying about the drone just up and flying away or abruptly crashing into a home or car. I will take your advice and practice these maneuvers. I struggle with control when my drone is not facing away from me. Whenever it’s facing me or perpendicular to me I panic. I’ve thought about labeling the sticks. LOL. Perhaps practice will be all I need. Thanks again.
Tony, I bought your book probably six years ago, when I first picked up a DSLR. I remember how easy you made it for me to learn to shoot in manual. I was SO thrilled to see that you make learning to use a drone just as easy. Thank you from taking me from being SCARED to fly to having a plan to improve and practice!
Great video, Tony.
I think you invented the phrase for 2016: If you get nervous, remember to go to your safe place with the butt towards you. :)
Being new with drones and fiddling with it for several minutes, I am certainly glad I watched this video. It provides good old common sense lessons to learning how to fly a drone. BTW, I'm a license private pilot. Thank you, Tony & Chelsea for an excellent overview.
My heart actually stopped a bit when I saw the drone explode lol - all the feels - even though it was fake lol
XD just bought a drone. Fancy meeting you here! I'm on rest week about to catch up on your workouts next week! Bought a shirt to! BOOM FIST BUMP!!!
TheEpicLazyMan HEY!!!! What's up, man? I STAY learning more about cinematography/photography and I'm really interested in drones and I'm also looking into gimbals, like the pilotfly h2. Enjoy your rest week and I hope that you have a BLAST with your drone.
OMG SAME XD
Millionaire Hoy same here
Millionaire Hoy
Step 3 - "fly it about eye level" *Shoots it off to space
that was the best thing I've herd all day
How do I keep it from shooting into space even the lightest touch it's gone
bahahahhhaha the drone memes
Garrett Daly Came for this. On mine 1mm on the left stick seems to equal around Mach 9 as far as I can tell.
Garrett Daly did you just buy a race drone as a first drone
Fantastic! I bought a $30 "selfie drone". Crashed it several times in the house. Then went to my college (we bought a mall) on a Sunday got a bit better until I flew it into the glass wall of the library (nothing broken, just a loud noise). I left before campus police could get there. Tried it outside but it was just too windy (and I didn't realize one of the propellors was damaged. Then last year for Christmas my son gave me a Sharper Image Dro 400. It took me a year before I took it out of the box (no time). Tried flying 2 feet off the ground in the living room. Was just getting the hang of it (after destroying a poinsettia) when it got caught under a couch. That's when I got the brilliant idea to build a drone practice cage. I made a 6' x 3' box out of PVC and laid it on its side. Being cheap I covered with bird netting. Since the DRO 400 has blade guards it worked at first. Then it went up and got caught in the net. Then I crashed into the side and it flipped up and got caught in the net. I hit the "land" button but one blade (back left) kept spinning. Now it won't spin at all. My plan is to repair the drones and cover my practice box with clear shower curtain material until I get comfortable enough to fly them outside. I also may buy $40 or less mini with ducted (like a Redpawz or Holy Stone )or completely shielded blades (like a DWI Crash proof or Kelliwow all available on Amazon). I will DEFINITELY follow these practice steps.
I first watched this channel because my friend gave me his old DSLR and I wanted to learn how it worked. Now I just watch everything on this channel, I love the sense of humour, I love the love/hate relationship with the comment section, I love the nerdiness. Thanks for everything
This is the most useful "how to..." video I have managed to find
Cheers
Yes this was the best one by far!!! Good job making one feel comfortable to get them nerves up!!!!
Great tips.. Ive been flying mutticoptors even before they stared calling them drones... 2 pieces of advise, its much better to go thru the learning stage of flying with a much smaller drone, one you can fly indoors so all the flying controls are second nature... Replace your props about every 10-15 flights even if there not broken and learn how to balance them properly ... Really like how your advocating learning how to fly most people buying these are under the assumption that you don't need to be a skilled pilot but thats also the fault of the drone manufactures marketing... GREAT VID....
Now I am certain Tony Northrup has always been honest, because he can't act completely!
I don't know why I never came across any of your videos before but, the old adage "You're never too late!" is perfect for this one. I am so thankful that someone like you is doing do diligence in explaining to a" newbie" how to get control of a drone and fly it correctly. This does more good for the drone community than you can imagine. Newbies are probably the ones that are more responsible for more negative public acceptance of drones than any other single item. I think it's because to injuries they inflict on others with their inability to control a drone.. These things can really do damage if a prop hits your flesh, I know first hand. Knowing how to fly a drone basics is a real treat if one struggles without any explanation or help. I really have and I have lost several drones because of it. I also am a firm believer that in doing videor like you and others do, I wish you would dispel the myths that are going around about drones spying on your neighbors taking photos through bedroom windows and skylights, etc. Also the protection of drones by the FAA
Thank you so much for your videos
I clicked "like" 30 seconds in, cause Tony's superb acting and effects needed to be acknowledged. Oscars, please?
Nominated for best actor of the year (Death of a drone: Honey I told you so!) 2016
Excellent video for beginners. Follow the recommendations, practice, practice and you will soon gain confidence and be able to fly safely.
Great video and very easy to follow each stage. One thing that helped me when I was trying to get smooth turns, (banked turns) like Tony is doing, was to learn the timing of the roll, (right stick) and Yaw, (left stick). If your quad is facing away and you want to do a right banked turn first apply right roll with forward pitch than very gently add right yaw, (left stick) once it starts banking or rolling to the right. The timing of the roll/forward pitch then yaw as it starts to bank or roll right, made all the difference when I was learning these turns. Naturally when quad is facing you, this is reversed for left and right turns respectively. This technique helped me to no end when doing wide smooth loopy turns as apposed to more aggressive on the controls - tight turns.
My apologies for any wrong terminology & I hope this helps someone!
That's the best beginner's guide on UA-cam. I've had 4 flights and I thought I was getting pretty good at it. Yesterday it was windy and I got too confident and my drone got blown out to sea. I wasn't wearing sunglasses and the wind suddenly changed direction coupled with low battery. I lost sight of it in the sun and by the time I saw it again it was on it's way to Norway. Game over .
Sorry for your loss, but glad I could help!
The best thing to do is get a decent toy grade drone first and practice flying completely manually before you fork over the extreme big bucks for a Phantom.
Exactly what I just did. Just a Syma X5SW. Already had to make a 40 foot long pole to get it out of a tree. Great practice. hahaha.
I bought a cheap $40 drone on Walmart.com I ended up flying it into a 100 ft tree couldn't get it down so now I have another one and refuse to fly it high.
Christian Blade I'd recommend the Hubsan h502e to train on. It flies almost exactly like the phantom, except it's only $90. It has GPS, which is why I got it to train on. It's a pretty good drone, but it doesn't have a very good camera or gimbal, which is why I got the Phantom. However, since it has GPS, it flies mostly like the Phantom. The Hubsan H502e is a really cheap drone to train on before you get your phantom.
Thats how i did it before buying the P4P.
My first drone was $50 and it flew away in 10 minutes. Lol. It took awhile for me to get another one. I hate to see money fly away.
I smell an Oscar or "Best performance by a Photo Geek"!
Greatest. Opening. Ever!!! LMAO! :D
The cringe so hard its good!
I'm just in the early beginner phase of learning how to fly my drone and your video is the first one i've watched in which i actually feel like i've learned something practical. The inset of the control motions on the screen are the most helpful. I have subscribed and look forward to watching and learning from your other videos. Thanks for the help!!
Don't know if Tony will see this comment, but if you do, I've gotta say that was the best instructional video I've seen, and I sit her day in and day out watching drone videos. lol I've been flying rc hellicopters and quads on and off for the last 15 years or so, but I'm still not as comfortable flying as you are in this video. Nobody watching me would be able to tell, but I know.
Thanks!
YEAH HE IS SUPER GOOD
I love two things about this: First, it's about time that you've renamed the channel to include Chelsea, she has been pulling her weight for quite a while. :-) And second, this is the tutorial people need when starting out with a drone, not the "look what cool and advanturous things I can do with this drone". I have a drone, and I hate that there are so many idiots out there that don't fly safely and ruin it for all of us with a bunch of new laws and restrictions...
My dad had an asphalt RC landing strip on his property. Every weekend the RC club came out and flew, this was in the late 70's so before quadcopters. We had a friend that the instant he took off, he inverted his plane and flew that way the entire tank. One day I saw him bent over looking out into the field.
Me, "What ya doing?"
Pilot, "Trying to decide if I can fly between the wires in the fence."
Me, blink, blink
Pilot, "I got this!"
He didn't, the plane exploded into an impressive pile of fabric, wood, and servos.
Very well done. I love the fact that you were considerate enough to show the remote and the movements of the joystick. I was waiting for a video like this. The numbered progressions were very helpful also. Thanks for the time it took to publish this.
Thank you so much this is by far the best tutorial on how to fly a drone, the tutorial covers the general fundamentals and safety on how to be confident to operate a drone in safety.
What a great video! I loved the way you teach and explain things! Thank you!! I am a pure beginner and it is so hard to find videos that instruct, usually they show the drone flying with little explanation. I hope you continue to make educational videos. Thank you so much!!
Tony's got great drone flying and teaching skills...acting..not so much. But, impressive flying lesson
Probably one of the best videos I've seen for new drone owners. I come from R/C helicopters, where learning this kind of stuff was mandatory. I think if more people learned to control their drones without the fancy electronics, they'd be better pilots overall.
I've spent a lot of time flying figure 8s until I could do them without thought.
This was fabulous. I suspected the controls worked as you showed them but didn't have any idea how to get started. I think you provided a great practice routine and great advice. I'd have started with the phone engaged and can see now that you're right; it would be an unnecessary distraction. Thank you.
awesome video! DJI needs to throw in a piece of paper with the link to this video into every package that says, "watch this before flying!" excellent guide!
Also a figure M is a great way to get comfortable looking at the left and right sides, make sure there is space beside you and no on lookers. I also learnt on rc helis, very similar to multicopters.
I got one of these for my birthday (Jan 2nd) and it is still in the box. I like the self training approach of this video. Thanks Tony.
Smart advice. Wish all new operators would follow your steps. There would be a lot less issues, on many levels if they did. Keep up the great content.
New drone owner here. Been flying my Spark for about 3 weeks now. Going to start at step 1 here :)
Thanks!
Looks harder than flying a real plane! Very well done. Looking forward to the rest.
oh my o mysitting here waiting for my Phantom to arrive is just like the xmas feeling as when a kidbeing a former military and civilian pilot with more than 20000 hrs in the logbook I must say that I'venever thought of going back to flightschool BUT this is the very best instruction on drone flying I have ever seenThank U very much
That platoon reference was gold 😂😂
This is a great video!
I've recently gotten into flying multi-rotors and have been doing very similar exercises trying to train myself to perform basic skills without having to think about it. This is a very well thought out and methodical system to help newbies and experienced guys alike build their basic skill sets. Practicing fundamentals in NEVER a bad thing.
i have never seen a best teacher like you thankx tony
I picked up a Syma x5sw drone last year to test stuff out and get a feel for flying before jumping into a Phantom-sized machine. The first time flying it, at night I got it stuck in a tree about 30-40ft up. I got it down, eventually, but realized that that small, light drone is too underpowered to fly in anything other than still air. I will get it out and power it up again but look forward to having a Phantom with the weight and motors to counter a slight breeze. I had the Syma's sticks all the way over and that would barely hold it in place.
These are some good tips and will definitely employ them in my practice/training regimen before flying the expensive stuff for client work.
For me this is the best tutorial so far. Did all of these and now i'm very comfortable flying my drone. No more nerves. Thank you!
Glad to help!
This video got my back on track after I crashed for the first (and hopefully last) time. Thank you!
Thank you for the time you've taken to help others enjoy this hobby. Much appreciated.
Great video by the way...
My drone recommendations:
1st: cheap under $125, preferably under$100, buy 2 extra batteries that should cost less than $25 each
2nd: stay cheap see #1
3rd: see #2
I have seen here on YT where the experienced flyers recommend by-passing low-end drones. Not sure why. All the moves you see here, can be done with a cheap drone. All the manual stuff that is. You will have a harder time controlling the cheaper drone and that is a GOOD thing. Same problem as an expensive drone, just exaggerated because of weight and lack of power of the cheaper drone. You will still have to master it. Train hard so the real thing is easier is an old motto that applies to drones. Fly the harder to control model so flying the Cadillac drone with GPS and homing capabilities is that much easier.
From what I have seen on this and other videos, the cost and capability of the drones have no bearing on how much trouble and how much you will have to learn, period. Save your money and buy extra batteries to keep flying, spare parts to keep the drone in shape, and bank the rest so when you destroy or lose the cheap drone, you can replace it with the same cheap drone model.
You WILL damage one of these expensive drones, guaranteed! You can learn all the nuances of stick control, wind affects, getting disoriented, etc.
I have been flying one of the U818A PLUS for a whole 2 hours now and I have learned quit a bit, but no where near what I need to to lower the risk on losing or destroying a $1,000+ drone. Right when I feel I got this, I lose this!
Stay cheap until you can fly it with your eyes closed. You can buy 3-4 of these (U818A PLUS) and stay under their first recommendations and buy extra batteries and spare parts.
HIGHLY recommend an inexpensive drone to learn until you are very good to expert before wasting money on a fly-away/crashed drone! If you have money to burn, go for it!
The number one drone killer: wind, and flying near structures where vortexes and winds are exaggerated (my tip of the day, LOL)
Your advice was clear and simple. You are such a great teacher Tony. Thank you.
"Video-OGGraphy" 😂
Seriously, though, great series - huge help! Thanks.
Got me a cheap 50 dollar drone to practice... I'm actually amazed it has the same Controll as this one. The knobs react the same as this one! 10/10 This guy knows what he's talking
It's an international standard.
Roberto Licardie where did u get it from at that price? i am also looking for one.
Syma x5c is a great one, 45 dollars on amazon
Munkombwe Muchindu you can get a decent 100 dollar drone from Marshalls
I got mine for $40
been flying model Helicopters since 1985. I have a DJI inspire Pro at the moment. I would not say it is fun flying multirotors but the video results are amazing!
I've had a phantom for over a year and I still thought this was useful. Good stuff
This is the first how to fly a drone tutorial I came across. Great video. I feel like I don't even have to look at other tutorials (I'm sure I will though). Thanks for making this!
This guy is great. Simple and direct instructions. ***** stars!
Great tips! Personally I would recommend anyone who wants to get into multirotors/drones to buy a micro/mini drone first, like the hubsan X4/blade nano qx or something like that. Then you don't run the risk of damaging property or hurting someone, the Phantom is a big drone. But great tips on learning how to fly!
Very nice!
Simple movements progressing to the inconceivable figure 8s.
Well done.
LOL at the intro!! Great stuff, Tony is showing his top notch acting skills here!!!
Hollywood performance intro right there! 5 stars
I just got my brand new drone and I found you, and, I am your FAN from now! :)
Best video I've found on flying a drone.
Excellent video, you explain everything clearly and concisely. Thank you.
PS. Your acting could do with a bit more improvement though.
Phantom is a Good One
@PVTw
Many thanks Tony for the good basic tutorial. Now I know what was going wrong on my first test flights 😂
Your my new hero I just got a drone with Attitude hold and it was my first one I been always watch your video sense
Great video." It's going towards the trees! It's going towards the trees! Oh God no!" is the drone meme of the century, a command performance indeed.
This guy is having fun with his drone real good. I got a new one and am new and I can’t do even a little of what he is doing. I tried two days and I keep crashing it and panicking.
Excellent tips, especially #8. Thanks, Tony.
GR8 Instructional Video! & sense of humor! : ) Learned so much from this! Thank- you
I wish Tony could've been my driving instructor
Love your sence of humour Tony & Chelsea. :P
Yeah, especially the lament about having to hear "I told you so" for the rest of eternity!
This list of super simple maneuvers to practice actually helped me a lot.
I... Oh, my...
You broke my brain with that opening but video is your usual stellar production. Thanks!
I don't know how you guys find the time too makes these videos, much thanks ... cheers
You're right, we need to practice how to stay cool first. it's so easy to make mistakes when we are nervous. Good show.
I just bought a Sharper Image DX-2 toy drone for $35. Glad I did. I need a lot of practice before I even think about getting a higher end one. I already broke one of the propellers (and that was with the guard on). This video, along with a couple of others I've watched, should be helpful. Thanks.
Really nice video, Tony. You're best in "teacher" mode, for sure!
Thank you 🙏🏽
Cause my got stuck in a tree 🌳 for over three hours 🤦🏽♂️
Now i know how to practice
That was intense! The drama! The action!
1st attempt was on a basketball court .. I brought it down within 15 seconds. 2nd attempt was in a gigantic opened grassy field .. it went straight up and I panicked .. it went higher and higher then the wind caught it .. I didn't know what was front or back and it flew quickly toward trees in the far distance and crashed into the trees (thankfully). I tried unsuccessfully to bring it back home. Good thing that I was not flying near the ocean. The tutorial here today was very helpful with your controls in full view of us all to demonstrate the function of the right and left sticks.
Thanks I lost my first Phantom 3 before tumbling over your video. Thanks a thousand times bro.
Good vid. I just got a cx20 and am learning all manual first. Might have more crashes and may not be the best way to go, but if I get comfortable always being manual then I won't have anything at all to worry about when using the bells and whistles
You've really upped the special FX budget on this one.
thank you so much for the help did some practice at the part today basic getting the drone up and bring it back down
Absolutely one of my favorite videos by you guys since I'm getting ready to add drone shots to my filmmaking (and I have never flown a drone)... the other funny but informative one being you smoking the cigar in the dark explaining the difference between f stops and t stops reviewing the Mitakon lens... Lol. Funny but seriously informative for those of us who just simply didn't know!
Thank you for video. I have a small drone for some time now. This one the Potensic T-35 is larger and faster with more controls. So I found your drone and enjoyed it. So, again thanks, I have subscribed.
Best video that doesn't explain how drone technology came from alien technology.
Direction on an aircraft: Forward, Starboard, Port, Butt. :} I'm painting two cheeks on the back of my drone to help me keep the direction right. Love the acting and the info, great job as usual.
Just bought the Phantom 3 standard, this video is for me!!! Thanks Tony
today for Christmas I got a Video photo AP new york protocol mini drone and I noticed that it was easier to start off slow and only go up down forward and back, then after a few take offs start to turn.
Great video. Went through the first minute earlier tonight hence watching this video now.
$1,200 down the drain. I jumped when it exploded. Love these videos.
I just got a drone and my first flight I ended up on a ladder with a long pole to get it out of a tree. Luckily it wasn't damaged. I am slowly getting the hang now. This video gave me some moves to practice so thanks maybe I can stay out of those trees now. Thanks
Hahaha the first 30 seconds is gold Tony!
I put these tips in place today. Very very helpful
I have a mini drone and I am doing well but without this vid but this helped me ALOT!!
haha all of the sarcastic captions cracked me up every time :DD
Awsome demonstration. Learned a lot from it.
When I was learning to fly RC airplanes I had a terrible time flying the airplane towards me. I found that if I stood with the airplane flying toward my side rather than directly at my front I could control it much easier. Try it,just stand with the drone flying at a 90 degree angle to you instead of facing it directly as it flies toward you and you can put yourself in the cockpit. Good luck!
nice job. this video answered questions that rookie like me needed .
Tony, as an actor you are a really successful photographer
I feel personally attacked because that intro literally happened to me during a shoot. lmao
BEST GUIDES IN THE WORLD
Excellent video! Well done!
And HIGHLY entertaining. I had to watch it twice to not laugh:
"acting lessons--" ROFL
"get nervous-- show your butt..." really?? The last time I did that I got arrested...!
Keep up the good work! You are now my Official Drone Instructor.