October 13, 2023

How to Start/Stop/Landing a Drone

If you’ve recently acquired a new drone or are considering investing in one, you have come to the right resource. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have become an integral tool across various sectors, offering capabilities ranging from high-resolution aerial photography to land surveying and beyond. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for those using drones for the first time and prepares you for key operational aspects, such as setting up your remote controller. It aims to provide all the essential knowledge you need for successful drone deployment. Let’s delve into the details.

Getting Started: Drones Using for the First Time
Setting Up Shop: Preparing the Remote Controller
Rev it Up: How to Start Your Drone
Calm It Down: How to Stop/Landing Your Drone
Final Thoughts

Getting Started: Drones Using for the First Time

Before you take to the skies, there are some fundamentals that you absolutely must know.

Choosing the Right Drone

Consumer Drones: Ideal for capturing photos and videos, as well as recreational flying.
Enterprise Drones: Best for professional use, these drones often come with advanced features like mapping software.

Read the Manual

The manual contains important information about the drone’s features, limitations, and safety precautions. By reading the manual, you can learn how to fly the drone safely and avoid damaging it or putting yourself or others at risk.

Understanding Regulatory Compliance: Drone Licenses in Australia

In Australia, operating a drone for commercial purposes requires you to hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Even for recreational use, there are specific rules and regulations, set forth by CASA, that must be followed:

Always keep your drone within visual line-of-sight.
Do not fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
No flying within 5.5 km of a controlled aerodrome or airport.

If your activities require more advanced operations, a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) might also be necessary. It’s crucial to consult CASA’s official resources for the most current guidelines.

Safety Measures

Always check local and national regulations around drone flying.
Ensure your drone’s firmware is up to date.
Perform a pre-flight checklist.

Finding an Ideal Location

Opt for open spaces far from crowds and obstacles.
Be wary of no-fly zones, especially around airports.

Setting Up Shop: Preparing the Remote Controller

Your remote controller is the beating heart of your drone operation. Here’s how you can get it ready for action.

Charge the Remote Controller

Use the provided charger to charge the remote controller. For example, the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise uses the USB-C port to activate the battery.

Pair the Controller and Drone

The aircraft and remote controller require activation before using for the first time. Press, and then press again and hold the power button to power on the devices. Follow the onscreen prompts to activate. Ensure that the remote controller can access the internet during activation.

Make sure that the aircraft is linked to the remote controller before activation. The devices are linked by default. If linking is needed, refer to the Remote Controller Linking section in manual for more details.
Check the internet connection if the activation fails. Make sure internet access is available and try activating

Configure the Settings

Customise your flight settings to suit your needs, including controls, altitude limits, and safety features.

Rev it Up: How to Start Your Drone

To start your drone safely and professionally, follow these steps:

Prepare your drone. Make sure that the drone is fully charged, and that the propellers are securely attached.
Choose a suitable takeoff site. The takeoff site should be flat, level, and free of obstacles. It should also be in a well-lit area so that you can clearly see the drone as it takes off.
Turn on the drone. Place your drone on a level surface. To turn it on, press the power button. Some drones require you to press the power button once, then press and hold it to power on. The power button is usually located at the top or bottom of the drone.
Take off the drone. Slowly increase the drone’s throttle until it lifts off the ground. Be careful not to jerk the throttle, as this could cause the drone to become unstable.
Hover the drone. Once the drone is airborne, hover it in place for a few seconds to make sure that it is stable.
Begin flying. Once you are confident that the drone is stable, you can begin flying. Be careful to fly the drone slowly and carefully at first, until you get a feel for how it controls.

Here are some additional tips for starting your drone safely and professionally:

Be aware of the wind conditions. If it is windy, avoid flying your drone, as this could be dangerous.
Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that there are no people or obstacles in the way of the drone as it takes off and lands.
If you are unsure about starting your drone safely, ask a more experienced pilot for help.

Calm It Down: How to Stop/Landing Your Drone

As a professional drone pilot, it is important to be able to land your drone safely and consistently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Choose a suitable landing site. The landing site should be flat, level, and free of obstacles. It should also be in a well-lit area so that you can clearly see the drone as it lands.
Slow down your descent. As you approach the landing site, gradually reduce the drone’s throttle until it is hovering at a height of about 3 feet.
Align the drone with the landing site. Make sure that the drone is facing directly at the landing site before you begin your descent. This will help to ensure a smooth and controlled landing.
Land the drone gently. Slowly reduce the throttle until the drone’s feet touch the ground. Be careful not to drop the drone from a height, as this could damage it.
Disarm the drone. Once the drone is safely on the ground, disarm it using your remote controller. This will prevent the drone from accidentally taking off again.

Final Thoughts

In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for operating drones, whether you are a first-time user or seeking to refine your skills in remote controller preparation. It covers crucial aspects to ensure your activities are both compliant with A ustralian regulations and conducted in a safe, efficient manner.

Drones represent more than mere recreational gadgets; they are innovative tools with applications spanning various professional sectors—from surveying and mapping to asset inspection and beyond. With the essential knowledge now at your fingertips, you are well-prepared to capitalise on the advantages offered by this transformative technology.