Mastering Manual Flight Mode

Why Fly Manual?

Manual mode (also called ATTI or Sport mode) disables GPS stabilization, giving you direct control over the drones movement for more dynamic and cinematic footage.

Before You Start

Practice in a large open area with no obstacles. Ensure favorable weather (calm winds below 5 m/s). Have a spotter. Keep drone within comfortable visual range.

Understanding the Difference

GPS Mode: Drone auto-stabilizes, hovers in place, requires constant input for movement.
Manual Mode: Drone continues moving until you counter the motion, like flying a plane rather than driving a car.

Basic Manual Skills

Start with gentle stick movements. Learn to anticipate drift and momentum. Practice figure-8 patterns to develop smooth coordinated turns.

Smooth Cinematic Movements

Manual mode enables: banking turns (tilting during turns for natural motion), faster forward speed, momentum-based movements, and organic-looking camera work.

Emergency Procedures

If you lose control: release all sticks to reduce movement, switch back to GPS mode immediately, or trigger RTH. Practice mode-switching before attempting complex maneuvers.

Building Muscle Memory

Fly 5-10 minutes daily in manual mode. Start with basic hovering, progress to straight lines, then gentle turns, and finally complex 3D movements.

Advanced Techniques

Power loops, barrel rolls, and proximity flying require months of practice. Never attempt near people, property, or irreplaceable environments.

Simulator Training

Use DRL Simulator, Liftoff, or DCL to practice manual flying risk-free. Many professional pilots spend hours in simulators before real-world manual flights.