I'm curious as to how other Pilots control their drone.

I find that by using both thumbs & index finges to control the sticks, I can make more precise movements.  It also feels a lot more secure than having my thumb resting on top of it.

I find using my thumbs I get genauen control... the only time I need more control is when turning the drone sideways. This is often a little more choppy or too fast. But I’m getting a hang of it lately!

What is also a bit hard to control for me is the gimbal. I have it on 10 now, and i i thinks it’s better now..

Depends on the RC in hand - thumb and index with my P4P, thumb only with my MPP suits me best.

thumb seems to be the natural choice

I have always used thumb only for my RC helicopter and airplanes.  I do the same for the drone.  Just feels right.  

I have read that it is popular for top RC model pilots to use index finger and thumb for more precise control.  It seems very popular with European RC pilots to use a tray held by a neck strap for the controller so their hands are free.  I have always just held the controller in my hand which pushes me more to thumb use.  No neck strap.

To make a smooth and perfect manual Point of intrest you will definitely need 4 fingers...for the Phantom controller anyway.

Just the thumbs for me and left index finger to control the gimble movements. Only issue is when it's freezing outside can't feel my fingers after just 1 battery lol.

Thumb control, and fingers for Gimbal and taking photos,,

Both are good.
Some larger RC Transmitters, for RC planes or Helicopters are designed to use thumb and index.
Most drone transmitters are designed to be used with thumb, expecially Mavic & Spark.
Even larger transmitters like P3 and P4 are still desinged for thumb control.
Some are saying the the thumb control is less preicse, well I am flying 3D RC helicopters using only my thumbs.

When taking videos and pictures, thumb only to be able to access other buttons.
But when I am in sport mode pretending to be a drone racer, I set the controller on my lap bracing the sides with the edges of my palms and use thumb and index finger for precise and smooth input.

These rubber tops are also good for fine tuning, i never take them off...

JMR58 Posted at 2018-1-19 13:25
These rubber tops are also good for fine tuning, i never take them off...

These look great! Any idea where I can get some? What are they called exactly?

Thumb but I training for change a bit for fingers

Greg Glasson Posted at 2018-1-20 16:26
These look great! Any idea where I can get some? What are they called exactly?

Hey Greg,

Black Durable Rubber Thumb Grips(eBay)...
Thumb grip DJi remote controller(Amazon)...

Thanks JMR58!

Thumbs only but sometimes the index finger comes in.

Interesting, but not entirely unexpected results, with most people favouring their thumbs to control their aircraft.

Next opportunity I get to fly, I'll use the iPad screen to control the gimbal, as I find using the wheel confusing and get it wrong more often than not.

I tend to use thumbs for the Mavic type controller due to the shape of the sticks, but having been a fixed wing and helicopter flyer for many years I prefer to use fingers on Inspire/Phantom and RC controllers. I feel this gives more precise control. When doing aerobatics such as a loop with a fixed wing if using largish stick movements, when you bring for example your right thumb back to climb, it with tend to naturally curve slightly to the left and conversely if pushing forward to dive will curve to the right causing the aircraft to skew a bit. Using fingers prevents this and will give straight commands

Mullheliflier Posted at 2018-1-25 00:18
when you bring for example your right thumb back to climb, it with tend to naturally curve slightly to the left and conversely if pushing forward to dive will curve to the right causing the aircraft to skew a bit. Using fingers prevents this and will give straight commands

THIS ^

Precisely put and beautifully worded.

Thumb. Think I’ll give the pincer technique a try though.

I've tried the pinch technique over and over down through the years and I've never been able to get it to work. Much too cumbersome, especially when having to make large control inputs. So I always just seem to go back to the thumb-on-the-end technique....

Coming from racing AC I can say that the only way I can fly is thumb and index finger.  Flying with just my thumbs is not precise enough and as a result I would crash a lot.  Those habits carried over and its the only way I fly now, regardless of AC

It's a strong lead in favour of thumbs with 3/4 of the votes , but it's no real surprise to be honest.

I do like the detachable sticks on the Mavic Air RC.  I assume that the DJI store will be stocking plenty of spares .
I wonder how long it'll be before the big auction site is flooded with cloned sticks.

Thumbs on the sticks, and index fingers for camera/gimbal

Gunship9 Posted at 2018-1-19 09:42
I have always used thumb only for my RC helicopter and airplanes.  I do the same for the drone.  Just feels right.  

I have read that it is popular for top RC model pilots to use index finger and thumb for more precise control.  It seems very popular with European RC pilots to use a tray held by a neck strap for the controller so their hands are free.  I have always just held the controller in my hand which pushes me more to thumb use.  No neck strap.

i use a neck strap. It feels more secure  and use thumbs on sticks

It does not really matter. Just make sure you have enough space to make quick reflexes in case you are about to crash into something