Quickstart
Starting out with drones can be challenging as finding quality content appropriate for total drone beginners is nearly mission impossible.
However it's important to understand that you need to make things as simple as possible. Learning too much at once is something that you should avoid.
The following guide was created to help you on your perilous journey:
Step 1: Simulator
To get started, you will need a game console controller with two joysticks, as well as a PC or Mac. Next, install a Drone Simulator (for example, ORQA FPV.Skydive, which is free on Steam) and start learning to fly a drone in easy mode. At this stage, you don't need to set any records - simply familiarize yourself with the feel of drone flying.
Step 2: Get a Drone
Great, you've practiced on a simulator and now you're ready to fly the real thing. However, it's important to accept the inevitable: sooner or later, you will crash. There's no way around it - every drone pilot has experienced it at some point. Given that your first drone is likely to experience an unscheduled disassembly, you should start with the cheapest toy drone you can find, preferably weighing under 250g. Don't worry about the quality of the camera, or whether it even has one. As long as it comes with a controller with two joysticks, you're good to go.
Step 3: Read the instructions
I'm afraid there's no way around it. You'll need to learn how to safely charge the batteries, understand the function of each button on the controller (the emergency stop button will come in handy), and ideally, you should learn how to fly the drone without relying on your phone or the need to install questionable apps.
Step 4: Fly
Find an open field, free of people, and start flying.
PS: Stay away from trees. They seem to have an uncanny knack for capturing drones, proving to be more agile than you might think.
What's Next?
Next, you should learn about the different types of drones. When you retire your first drone, you'll likely need to choose a new one. However, heed this warning: steer clear of FPV drones at this stage.
Toy Drones
These are typically the cheapest and smallest type of drones. They are primarily designed for beginners and children. They usually have limited features, shorter flight times, and simpler controls. While some toy drones might have cameras, these are generally of low quality. They're primarily meant for learning and fun rather than serious photography or business applications.
Consumer Drones
These drones are a step up from toy drones and are intended for hobbyists or enthusiasts. They typically come equipped with high-quality cameras and offer more advanced features like GPS, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent flight modes. Models like the DJI Mavic series are popular consumer drones, commonly used for personal photography and videography.
Enterprise Drones
Also known as commercial or professional drones, these are designed for business and industrial applications. They often have even higher-quality cameras and sensors, and may come with specialized features for specific industries. For instance, they might have thermal cameras for inspection work, LIDAR for surveying, or multispectral sensors for agriculture. They are typically larger, more robust, and offer longer flight times than consumer drones.
FPV Drones
First-Person View (FPV) drones are primarily designed for drone racing and freestyle flying. They provide a first-person perspective of flight through a live video feed that is transmitted to goggles or a screen. FPV drones are built for speed and maneuverability. They might not have many of the advanced features found in consumer or enterprise drones, like obstacle avoidance or automated flight modes, as they're primarily focused on agility for competitive racing or acrobatic flight.
In summary, toy drones are simple and affordable, making them ideal for beginners. Consumer drones offer advanced features for hobbyists, while enterprise drones provide specialized functions for professional use. FPV drones, on the other hand, are designed for speed and agility, catering to the needs of racing or freestyle flight enthusiasts.
No matter which path you choose, we recommend forming a strong bond with a drone simulator. Practice your 'new moves' there before attempting them in the real world.