How to Fly a Drone (& NOT Crash)

8 easy steps to flying without crashing in ANY conditions:
1. Basic controls: 01:24
2. GPS off: 02:38
3. Rotate: 03:54
4. Side-to-side: 05:54
5. Forward and back: 07:39
6. Flying high: 09:24
7. Figure 8: 10:23
8. Flying with distractions: 12:08
Explosion clip from BlinkFarm: / blinkfarm
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STARTER CAMERAS:
Basic Starter Camera ($280 used at Amazon): Canon T3 help.tc/t3
Better Starter Camera ($500 at Amazon): Nikon D5300 help.tc/d5300
Better Travel Camera ($500 at Amazon): Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II help.tc/em10ii
LANDSCAPE CAMERAS:
Good ($550 at Amazon): Sony a6000 help.tc/a6000
Better ($1,400) at Amazon: Nikon D5500 help.tc/D5500 & Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 help.tc/s35
Best ($3,150) at Amazon: Pentax K-1 help.tc/K1 & Pentax 24-70 f/2.8 help.tc/p24
PORTRAIT CAMERAS:
Beginner ($950 at Amazon): Canon T6i help.tc/t6i & Canon 50mm f/1.8 help.tc/c50
Better ($3,000 at Amazon): Nikon D610 help.tc/d610 & Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 help.tc/t200
Best ($5,300) at Amazon: Nikon D810 help.tc/d810 & Nikon 70-200 f/2.8E help.tc/n200e
WILDLIFE CAMERAS:
Starter ($1,100 at Amazon): Canon 7D help.tc/7D & Canon 400mm f/5.6 help.tc/c400
Great ($3,200 at Amazon): Nikon D500 help.tc/d500 & Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 help.tc/n500
VIDEO CAMERAS:
Beginner ($500 at Amazon): Panasonic G7 help.tc/g7 & Panasonic 14-42mm help.tc/p42
Better ($1,400 at Amazon): Panasonic GH4 amzn.to/2p5dAmD & Panasonic 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 help.tc/p140
Best ($4,300 at Amazon): Panasonic GH5 help.tc/gh5 & Metabones Speed Booster XL help.tc/mbxl & Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 help.tc/s35 & Sigma 50-100 f/1.8 help.tc/s100
DRONES:
Beginner ($400 at Amazon): DJI Phantom 3 help.tc/p3
Travel ($1,000 at Amazon): DJI Mavic Pro help.tc/Mavic
Better Image Quality ($1,500 at Amazon): DJI Phantom 4 Pro help.tc/p4p

[@TonyAndChelsea]

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

[@IaninLondon]

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.

[@docphibz739]

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?

[@IaninLondon]

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

[@eucme9716]

Your recommendation for the dji 3 on amazon is actually $499 per your link

[@samcleve01]

And as of Sun Mar-4-2018 it's listed on Amazon (quadcopter only) for $584.99! What the hell?

[@misslydiaface]

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!

[@weareproof8329]

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.

[@CurtTweedle]

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. :)

[@davidrice5603]

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.

[@bobo3034]

Excellent video for beginners. Follow the recommendations, practice, practice and you will soon gain confidence and be able to fly safely.

[@tatooman33]

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!!

[@RCPhysics]

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.

[@bullryda5953]

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.

[@aronisink1]

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....

[@GUROEDDIE.07METFMA]

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.

[@shaniawlfgrl]

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!!

[@DavidAmse]

Just bought the Phantom 3 standard, this video is for me!!! Thanks Tony

[@paulinefollett3099]

Your advice was clear and simple. You are such a great teacher Tony. Thank you.

[@MillionaireHoyOriginal]

My heart actually stopped a bit when I saw the drone explode lol - all the feels - even though it was fake lol

[@TheEpicLazyMan]

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!!!

[@MillionaireHoyOriginal]

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.

[@IsaArts2930]

OMG SAME XD

[@jacari7340]

Millionaire Hoy same here

[@lloydlindo3860]

Millionaire Hoy

[@Titandusk]

Great advice. Love it. I just started learning to a Syma x5sw and am going to use your advice to master the basics. Thanks.

[@1rcproductions]

Thanks for posting the video. It is a helpful reminder as I slowly become more confident with my drone flying ability.

[@josheh4]

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.

[@TheMercian01]

This is the most useful "how to..." video I have managed to find Cheers

[@setnthahookwitstubbs297]

Yes this was the best one by far!!! Good job making one feel comfortable to get them nerves up!!!!

[@puta1082]

Very nice! Simple movements progressing to the inconceivable figure 8s. Well done.

[@JohnGilbert49]

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.

[@bradwilliams7145]

Thank you for the time you've taken to help others enjoy this hobby. Much appreciated.

[@GeroLubovnik]

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.

[@donwat91]

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.

[@aprilwebbartist]

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!

[@tyrausfarrelly6257]

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!

[@philipgrubel8222]

GR8 Instructional Video! & sense of humor! : ) Learned so much from this! Thank- you

[@ejpmusicandvideo]

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!

[@edgardovdemey315]

Excelente demostración. Muchas gracias por compartir tu maestria.

[@sandoval8291]

thank you so much for the help did some practice at the part today basic getting the drone up and bring it back down

[@Lepton85]

Great tips, very useful. Thank you very much!

[@internaman]

I enjoyed the video!!! Great narration and humor!! Thanks for sharing on You Tube

[@JHJohnson]

I put these tips in place today. Very very helpful

[@racerzx84AE]

Thank you for this video. You put it together very well. I'm wanting to purchase a drone of my own soon, so I'm researching drones and how they fly. So far on flying your video was the best! Thank you.

[@henrydinh9251]

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

[@transmitterimages8638]

Excellent tips, especially #8. Thanks, Tony.

[@VitorMadeira]

AMAZING video! Quite top professional production. One of the best ever I saw here on KZbin. Thank you and greetings from Portugal.

[@LEXPIX]

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.

[@fisherus]

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

[@Macnormann]

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

[@Richardisonline]

Awesome instruction and tips.... great video

[@yarbooa]

Great video! Basic and nice. Thank you.

[@MidniteClubII]

Nice video. Easy, basic knowledge. Valuable. Like anything, Practice, Practice, Practice. I Emailed it to my son. Thanks!

[@herbertcoleman9776]

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.

[@mxrris.5699]

Great helpful video. Thanks!

[@jameskonopka3629]

Great instructions. Thanks a lot for your time.

[@ThePulsar14]

Superb and very professional lesson !!! Thanks

[@kimpliny]

Great tutorial video! I've just ordered a Phantom.4 as my 1st drone and this video is just right for me. Thanks!! Of course, subscribed!:)

[@josephmcguire6120]

great video tony well put together hope to get one up soon

[@RICKHALBUR]

Thanks great Video, this is a must see video for beginners

[@Dogdocphil]

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!

[@HodgePodgeGarage]

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

[@Lexyvil]

Awesome video! And hilarious intro~ Getting a drone soon is indeed a plan of mine. Thanks for demonstration how it's like controlling one.

[@JeremiahTrue]

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.

[@HiHai]

Lovely video! Keep up the good work.

[@johndarrah6022]

This guy is great. Simple and direct instructions. ***** stars!

[@barkyvonschnauzer2188]

Tony this was awesome thanks. More confident now. Mucho gracias!!

[@philnolan7193]

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.

[@frednorman1]

Great video, Tony! I’ve need watching all your drone videos...

[@jo2k459]

New drone owner here. Been flying my Spark for about 3 weeks now. Going to start at step 1 here :) Thanks!

[@garyburdick9200]

Very good lesson with practical knowledge. It was excellent material! Thanks!

[@46ace]

Outstranding video Mr.Tony!

[@shortcircuitrc6865]

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!

[@ChristiaanRoest79]

Awsome demonstration. Learned a lot from it.

[@ReactionsBySuleman]

Hi tony i have mavic air which i just bought for wedding coverage mostly indoors in marquees and there are situations when only a spot light is on and all other lights are off , i flew the drone in my home with lights off and onstacles sensors off but i was unable to control it and it crashed , i need tips on how to do this

[@Collwila]

That's the best beginner's guide on KZbin. 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 .

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Sorry for your loss, but glad I could help!

[@brianp6097]

Thanks for a good video, very helpful advice for a newbie like me .

[@jordytips]

Great video, thanks man!

[@artgreenisland]

I just got my brand new drone and I found you, and, I am your FAN from now! :)

[@draghiciciprian4002]

Thanks Tony! I learned a lot today

[@lanzpineda5227]

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!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Glad to help!

[@BlackJack661]

Great video, keep up the work!

[@camybon]

excellent video. Thank you.

[@nja3224]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

[@ileana_y_hugo]

Easy step by step tutorial...... Great video

[@paris466]

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.

[@tubeisace]

This was very helpful. Thanks.

[@LorenzMerella]

Thank you for this video it helped me a lot

[@duranopaulo]

Thank you for good advice. In Karma drone there is no quick switch to restore the gps. I am a beginner, I might practice flying cheaper drone to get the hang of it. I will follow your advice to take more flight time and familiarize the control. Cheers

[@montanabush]

great video learnd a lot thank you

[@JerryLester]

Very good instruction video!

[@prmosesbusulwak4827]

i have never seen a best teacher like you thankx tony

[@jackchow4316]

I just bought a drone, and thanks a lot for the helpful info!

[@vincentamazona5202]

Thank very much bro for teaching

[@TheShazstar]

I've had a phantom for over a year and I still thought this was useful. Good stuff

[@ukraineinvasionnews7792]

Step 3 - "fly it about eye level" *Shoots it off to space

[@channonforstner9020]

that was the best thing I've herd all day

[@garrettdaly9893]

How do I keep it from shooting into space even the lightest touch it's gone

[@rarufu2368]

bahahahhhaha the drone memes

[@Also_Ran]

Garrett Daly Came for this. On mine 1mm on the left stick seems to equal around Mach 9 as far as I can tell.

[@SophieNotSophie_]

Garrett Daly did you just buy a race drone as a first drone

[@14Mentalist]

I have a U818A HD and I flew it indoors for about an hour before taking it out. wind always bullys it but more practice I found keeping headless mode off easyer. So much fun. last time I flew it got up to 70 feet. By the time I got it back down it had drifted quarter of a mile. Got muddy that day as it landed in a ploughed field. lol

[@cheryldecgmail]

This video got my back on track after I crashed for the first (and hopefully last) time. Thank you!

[@MRBETTO700]

good video man, keep them coming....

[@alimaleki217]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@frednorman1]

Excellent! Thanks so much

[@moominie7806]

I LOVED IT THANKS FOR THE VID!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Now I am certain Tony Northrup has always been honest, because he can't act completely!

[@treetrimmerguy1977]

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.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks!

[@xd-aftab6041]

YEAH HE IS SUPER GOOD

[@Netzfalke]

Great tutorial THX!

[@ocediis]

I did something like these drills when I learned to fly my drone several years ago. But I was making it up as I went along. Having a set like you've created here would have been a valuable reference. Don't forget to look up the new FAA requirements for "Unmanned Aerial Systems", as Big Brother as they may be. New drone fliers don't want to end up with an insanely unreasonable fine for flying around their backyards. By the way, your opening... outstanding!

[@timex7155]

nice job. this video answered questions that rookie like me needed .

[@larrylehman8874]

Excellent advice thanks

[@mxkhxi]

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.

[@altenjoao]

Great video congrats !