Techniques for Improving Drone Skills in New Zealand

Improving your drone piloting skills can open a world of opportunities in New Zealand, where drones are increasingly used for both recreational and professional purposes. Mastering these skills is essential for safety and enjoyment and unlocking career prospects in various industries. 

This blog will guide you through essential techniques to enhance your drone capabilities. It covers everything from basic flight principles to advanced manoeuvres, ensuring you're equipped for any drone-related challenge.

Key Takeaway

• Mastering drone skills in New Zealand involves understanding the basics, thorough preparation, and consistent practice. 
• Familiarise yourself with drone mechanics, practise essential manoeuvres, and consider advanced training for optimal proficiency. 
• Upskilling with certified providers like DroneTrust can maximise your drone experiences and open up new opportunities in New Zealand.

1. Understanding the Fundamentals of Drone Flight

Before you take to the skies, it's crucial to understand the basics of drone flight. Familiarise yourself with your drone's mechanics and controls. Most drones use joysticks on a remote controller that manages altitude, direction, and speed. Mastering these controls is the foundation of all flight manoeuvres.

Many modern drones have a number of stabilisation settings baked in, making them easier to pilot. If you are able to practise inATTI mode, you will find the drone requires much more input from you, although it will help you build key skills that will be crucial should your GPS ever fail. While it is a requirement to gain pilot certifications, we highly recommend doing this for your own benefit too.

Different drones have specific functionalities, so reading the manual is essential. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in New Zealand has clear regulations and safety standards for drone operations. Understanding these rules, including no-fly zones and altitude restrictions, is critical for responsible flying.

2. Preparing for Your Flight

Preparation is key to a successful and safe flight. Start with a detailed pre-flight checklist:

• Battery levels and power management: Ensure your drone's batteries are fully charged and in good condition.
• Condition and attachment of propellers: Check that propellers are not damaged and are securely attached.
• Firmware updates: Keep your drone’s firmware updated to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Weather conditions: Avoid flying in high winds, rain, or extreme temperatures. Based on weather forecasts, choose optimal flight times.

Developing a clear and safe flight plan is also essential. Know where you're going and what you aim to achieve. Legal considerations are crucial; in New Zealand, certain areas require permission for drone operation, especially near airports or populated areas. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to avoid legal issues.

3. Basic Flight Manoeuvres

Starting with basic manoeuvres helps build confidence and control. Begin with safe takeoff and landing techniques in an open, clear area. Hovering in place is another fundamental skill. It allows you to maintain your drone in a fixed position, which is useful for capturing stable footage.

Practice forward, backward, and lateral movements to understand how your drone responds to different control inputs. Maintaining control, stability, and orientation during flight is crucial for smooth operation. We recommend using up a full battery just practising these basic movements to build up your muscle memory, and returning to them regularly.

4. Practice Drills for Building Confidence

Repetition is critical to mastering any skill. Engage in practice drills to build confidence and proficiency. Start with simple exercises like performing figure eights and flying in square patterns. These drills help improve your coordination and control.

Controlled descents and ascents are also essential to practice. Focus on smooth, gradual movements to avoid sudden drops or rises. These drills enhance your ability to handle the drone in various situations, contributing to better overall control.

Spending two full batteries in practising these skills will ensure you are deeply familiar with controlling your drone through moderately challenging manoeuvres, and you’re ready to move on. 

5. Mastering Turns and Curves

Turns and curves are essential manoeuvres for navigating and capturing dynamic footage. Smooth and controlled turns require coordinating yaw, roll, and pitch. Practice maintaining consistent altitude during turns to ensure stability.

Suggested exercises include flying in circular patterns around a central point of interest and gradually increasing the complexity of the turns. Mastering these manoeuvres will give you greater control over your drone, making your flights smoother and more enjoyable.

This is an area to spend a lot of time practising, especially if you’re looking to use your drone for cinematographic purposes, so several batteries will be well spent here. 

6. Perfecting Ascents and Descents

Perfecting ascents and descents is crucial for safe and efficient flying. When ascending, focus on gradual increases in altitude to maintain control and monitor battery and signal strength.

For descents, manage the speed carefully to ensure a smooth landing. Avoid rapid descents, which can destabilise the drone. Practice drills for controlled ascents and descents will improve your ability to handle these manoeuvres in different flight scenarios.

Add this into every practice session you have, every time you need to raise or lower the drone. Making it a standard practice, instead of rushing because you just need to swap batteries, will make you a safer and more professional pilot.

7. Advanced Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore advanced manoeuvres and aerial stunts. Techniques like flips, rolls, and complex flight paths can add excitement to your flying experience. However, always practise these in a safe, open area to avoid accidents. Many new drones have a number of advanced flight patterns pre-programmed, and performing them manually is a great way to build your skill set for when the programs are not quite right for what you want to achieve.

Conclusion

Improving your drone skills involves understanding the fundamentals, preparing thoroughly, and practising consistently. You'll become a proficient and confident drone pilot by mastering basic manoeuvres, engaging in regular practice drills, and advancing to more complex techniques.

Are you looking for a flexible, structured way to elevate your drone skills? Join DroneTrust's comprehensive online training courses for personal and professional use. DroneTrust is a certified drone training provider in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and the United States since 2018.

From Part 101 basics to advanced Part 102 certifications, our fully online modules ensure you learn at your own pace, wherever you are. Gain essential operational competencies, night ratings, and survey skills to become a proficient drone pilot. 

Don't wait—start your journey with us today and master the skies. Enrol now to take the first step towards your drone pilot certification.