Hi,

Just wanted some flying advice.

I usually fly and I just look up at the sky and the drone to fly. However when visisibiliy isnt too good, (ie bright and sunny) I cant see the drone clearly anymore and it becomes more difficult to fly as you dont know which direction its facing anymore.

What is good practice in this case, should I learn to fly just looking at the camera? or am I missing something?

Thank you

You need to use the video feed to your device for composing the images and video you wish to record. If you are not doing that then the drone is nothing more than a model aircraft and you're in the wrong hobby. In the app FPV will also see vital telemetry data in real time such as your altitude, distance and speed in addition to the map to help with orientation. You are also expected to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) of the drone for added safety. So almost every drone operator will do both intermittently. You also have RTH if you become totally disorientated.

Hello there mpapapetrou. Thank you for reaching us regarding the inquiry about the DJI Mavic mini. What I can advise is to kindly practice flying the unit using the live view and the DJI Fly App, but still maintaining a line of sight when flying it especially if you are a new user. You may also refer to this link we have for you regarding our DJI Mavic mini beginners guide: https://store.dji.com/guides/mavic-mini-beginner-guide/ and I hope that you will also get the best recommendation from the experiences of our fellow DJI co-pilots who had purchased the latest products we currently have. Thank you for your support.

A J Posted at 11-5 02:38
You need to use the video feed to your device for composing the images and video you wish to record. If you are not doing that then the drone is nothing more than a model aircraft and you're in the wrong hobby. In the app FPV will also see vital telemetry data in real time such as your altitude, distance and speed in addition to the map to help with orientation. You are also expected to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) of the drone for added safety. So almost every drone operator will do both intermittently. You also have RTH if you become totally disorientated.

well said.

A J Posted at 11-5 02:38
You need to use the video feed to your device for composing the images and video you wish to record. If you are not doing that then the drone is nothing more than a model aircraft and you're in the wrong hobby. In the app FPV will also see vital telemetry data in real time such as your altitude, distance and speed in addition to the map to help with orientation. You are also expected to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) of the drone for added safety. So almost every drone operator will do both intermittently. You also have RTH if you become totally disorientated.

Great advice.  

Scarves UP Posted at 11-5 10:56
well said.

It's a tough one knowing where to look when you start out - I recall it being quite a daunting feeling at first.

DowntownRDB Posted at 11-5 11:16
Great advice.

Thanks mate

I do both.  It depends on what I am doing.  For example, today I was shooting video and photos of a radio tower.  At times I was within a foot of objects on the tower - at times inside the tower structure.  I can assure you that I was looking at the drone and tower.  I was glancing at the phone to compose the video, but that close to the tower, I was spending most of my time looking at the drone.


On the other hand, a couple weeks ago I was shooting video of an object about a quarter mile away from 30 to 40 feet above ground level.  I was entirely watching the video on my phone.

The Compass on the DJI Fly app has an arrow that rotates to indicate the direction the Mini is facing.  Also the arc indicated the orientation of the controller antennas in relationship to the drone.  This is incredibly helpful to keep the remote antennas aligned with the direction of the drone to improve signal.

A J Posted at 11-5 12:15
It's a tough one knowing where to look when you start out - I recall it being quite a daunting feeling at first.

Thanks for the advice and spot on, it is quite daunting at first...

fans1f6b2232 Posted at 11-5 21:15
Thanks for the advice and spot on, it is quite daunting at first...

You’re welcome - take your time and enjoy it

A J Posted at 11-5 12:16
Thanks mate

You're very welcome.

DowntownRDB Posted at 11-7 08:51
You're very welcome.

K6CCC Posted at 11-5 17:25
I do both.  It depends on what I am doing.  For example, today I was shooting video and photos of a radio tower.  At times I was within a foot of objects on the tower - at times inside the tower structure.  I can assure you that I was looking at the drone and tower.  I was glancing at the phone to compose the video, but that close to the tower, I was spending most of my time looking at the drone.
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Great Shots!

If you want an advice, always try to fly looking up to the drone and the phone's camera.
Get acquaintance with the terrain in the surroundings of the position of the drone, because you never know when the visual contact can be lost.
Try to exercise yourself navigating throughout the terrain, even if you momentarily lose sight of the drone.
Even if it crashes, you can survey the most probable place where it landed.
Have excellent flights!

Cients Posted at 11-7 09:36
Great Shots!

Thank you.