Released to considerable fanfare, DJI-Innovations’ all-in-one quad copter represents a paradigm shift in multi rotor flying for the masses. Lights, Action, Camera - the DJI Phantom in Ready to Fly (RTF) Package.
Combine practice on each, and your training will accelerate. They can be operated virtually anywhere, are easily repaired, and provide better visual and tactile feedback in training than flight simulators.
The mQX and Hubsan X4 are good training tools, and exhibit near identical flight characteristics to full scale multi copters. Make certain you confirm what the package includes. The Blade mQX from Horizon Hobby ($149.99), and the Hubsan X4 H107 ($60.00). A micro copter complete with transmitter and other essentials can be purchased for less than $150.00. The two micro copters mentioned here are small, relatively safe, and respond similarly in flight to a larger multi copter. A second approach involves purchasing a micro copter and basic transmitter, and learning to fly a real device on a smaller scale indoors or outdoors.
Both install on a PC and provide a surprisingly realistic experience. Two popular flight simulators are RealFlight Basic which retails for $100.00 and includes a proprietary controller, and Phoenix RC4 Flight Simulator ($175.00). Most simulators are PC-based, run in the $100-200.00 range, and provide solid training without risking damage to an actual multi copter.
This means lost time, money, and the ability to continue learning.Ī flight simulator is good choice because it mimics on a computer the actual flight characteristics of a multi rotor. Not all crashes are easily repaired, and some require replacement parts, and long wait times as parts ship. Most new users are eager to fly immediately, but the fact remains that inexperience will inevitably lead to one or more crashes. We point out both the positive characteristics of the Phantom and identify a few key concerns you should be aware of in the set up process.įlight Simulators. The Phantom is a ready-to-fly aerial videography package that provides a nice out-of-the-box flight experience if properly set up and configured.
In addition, we suggest two inexpensive, but durable, micro rotors that provide real world flight experience, but on less expensive scale than a full multi copter.įinally, we introduce DJI-Innovations’ Phantom quad copter.
In this second in a series of articles, we identify two software programs that offer a new flyer a way to simulate actual flight characteristics using a computer. Things remain fairly simple until the multi copter rotates left or right from its original starting orientation. Basically, multi copters are controlled by a wireless transmitter equipped with two toggle/joysticks to move it forward and back (elevator), left and right (aileron), up and down (throttle), and give it speed. Some novices develop flying skills rather quickly, while others struggle. Learning to fly is, in all respects, the most important initial task for the aspiring aerial videographer. Sims, Micros and the DJI Phantom With GoPro Camera Mount It can also mimic ground effects and simulated crashes.Tutorial: Aerial Videography for Beginners, Part 2 Using a sophisticated physics engine, DJI Flight Simulator can also simulate various flight conditions, such as changing day/night cycles, various wind speeds and weather conditions. These are position mode, sport mode and the more challenging attitude mode.įive POVs - pilot first-person view (FPV), remote-control view, drone FPV, drone-follow view and third person - lets the user immerse themselves in a flight experience, just as they would in real life. Three flight modes are available and are identical to the ones on an actual drone. The module includes free-flight city, free-flight island, free-flight hangar, free-flight mountain and free-flight forest. Flight Simulator accurately models the way each drone performs in a real-life scenario, allowing users to practice without the risks or consequences of mishandling.įree Flight mode gives pilots the chance to log virtual hours behind the stick while exploring a variety of scenes.