Drone flying in practice
Practical guide to drone flying with checklist, battery tips, and techniques for safe and efficient flying.
Pre-flight Checklist
A thorough pre-check reduces the risk of accidents and technical issues.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check that the drone is registered and labeled with the operator number |
| 2 | Check battery levels on the drone and remote control |
| 3 | Inspect propellers for cracks and wear |
| 4 | Make sure the firmware is up to date |
| 5 | Check weather conditions: wind, precipitation, and temperature |
| 6 | Check if the area is in a no-fly zone via the Flydrone app |
| 7 | Choose a flat and open take-off and landing area |
| 8 | Inform any people nearby |
Battery Handling
LiPo batteries are the most common battery type in consumer drones. Proper handling extends their lifespan and reduces the risk of fire.- Charge the battery to 100% shortly before flight, not days in advance.
- Land when the battery level is at 20-30% to avoid damage to the cells.
- Store batteries at 40-60% capacity for long-term storage.
- Keep batteries away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Always use the original charger and never charge unsupervised.
- In cold conditions (below 5 °C), capacity is significantly reduced. Preheat the battery before flight.
Flight Techniques
Start by hovering at a low altitude to check that everything is working.
Fly calmly and predictably, especially near obstacles.
Always maintain visual contact with the drone (VLOS).
Avoid sudden maneuvers that drain the battery quickly.
Plan the return route and be aware of the wind’s effect on return time.
Use the RTH function (Return to Home) only as a safety feature, not as a standard landing.## Common Mistakes
Flying in too strong wind without sufficient margin.
Forgetting to check airspace restrictions in the area.
Ignoring low battery level and risking an emergency landing.
Flying too far away and losing visual contact.
Starting without calibrating the compass when the drone requests it.
In Emergencies
- Activate RTH immediately if you lose control.
- In case of signal loss, most drones will automatically return to the starting point.
- Do not attempt to catch the drone with your hands during landing.
- Document the incident and report to the Civil Aviation Authority in the case of serious accidents.
Further Reading
- See safety in drone flying for weather and emergency situations.
- Read about airspace rules for where you can fly.
- Understand drone insurance to be covered in case of accidents.
- Practice with free theory test to test your knowledge.
Read next
More in Drone exam
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Drone pilot license in Norway
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