Are you a new drone pilot? Excited to explore the world from above? That's great, but before you take off, there are some common mistakes you should be aware of to ensure a safe and successful flight. In this article, we will discuss nine mistakes that new drone pilots often make and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Flying the drone too high. It may be tempting to push your drone to its limits and fly it as high as possible, but the best perspectives for aerial photography are usually achieved at around 200 feet or below. Flying too high isn't necessary and won't necessarily help showcase the property you're filming.
Mistake #2: Not being aware of obstacles. One of the biggest mistakes new pilots make is not being aware of obstacles. Always look for the highest obstacle in the area and fly at a higher altitude when possible to avoid running into trees, bushes, power lines, or light posts.
Mistake #3: Flying the drone too long. It's not a good idea to fly your drone when your battery percentage is below 20%. Your drone is designed to fly home at around 25% for a reason, so always fly it home and swap out the battery if the level gets to 25%. It's also a good idea to carry at least three or four batteries with you when doing aerial shoots, just in case it takes longer than expected.
Mistake #4: Not having enough batteries. Always purchase the "fly more" combination when ordering drones so that you have at least three batteries at any given time. This will ensure that you're not stressed out on the day that you have multiple aerial shoots scheduled.
Mistake #5: Not being intentional when flying. When your drone is in the air, be intentional with your flight plan. Focus on the shots that you want to capture and go straight to those shots so that you're not wasting your time and battery life.
Mistake #6: Attempting high-risk shots. Don't attempt high-risk shots with your drone, such as flying it inside a home. Use your regular camera and gimbal instead, or walk through the house with your drone with the blades turned off. These types of shots often don't turn out as envisioned and put yourself at a higher than normal risk for property damage.
Mistake #7: Not updating your drone. Always check to make sure that your drone controller and batteries are up to date with the latest firmware before heading out for your shoots. The last thing you want is to show up at a property and have to wait 30 minutes for your drone to update.
Mistake #8: Flying in bad weather. Don't fly your drone in windy or rainy conditions as it puts your drone at risk and the footage or pictures may not turn out very good. It's best to reschedule the shoot if the weather isn't safe to fly.
Mistake #9: Not using the gimbal clamp. Using the gimbal clamp will help reduce your gimbal and camera shaking during transport and will extend the life of your equipment. Make sure to use the gimbal clamp and save yourself time and money while extending the life of your equipment.
In conclusion, being aware of these common mistakes and taking the necessary precautions before taking off will help ensure a successful flight and capture stunning footage. Happy flying!