WIKIHow Tutorial: How to fly a drone

WIKIHOW Tutorial:  How to fly the Mavic air 2 

With a DJI drone, it's possible to take some breathtaking photos and videos.  Unleash your inner cinematographer and get movie-like angles and pans.  With the newly released DJI Mavic Air 2, you can do all this and more while taking it on the go in a small bag.  Whether you’re someone that just bought one or are interested in one, look no further.  Here is a basic breakdown of how to set it up and fly a DJI Mavic Air 2. 

Step 1:  It's important to make an inventory of all the components within your box.  When purchasing the Mavic Air 2, you can buy the basic model or the fly more combo.  Make sure you bought the correct model. 

Step 2:  Make sure to look at the directions as well as the booklet which has additional information about setting it up along with warranty info.    

Step 3:  Lay all the contents out of the box.  

  

Step 4:  The circular button on the batteries as well as the remote control indicate the battery life.  If all 4 dots are lit up when pressed then it's 100% charged.  If not, then charge them.  You can reference the manual to see how to plug it in.  Charging takes 1 hour and 35 minutes for just one battery.  You can use the provided cables in the bag to charge it up.    

Step 5:  Once your drone is all charged you can now take the battery and place it gently within the opening on the drone.  To do this, spread apart the legs with the underside of the legs opening first and then the top ones.  When you hear a click, it's in.  

Step 6:  The next step is to take your phone or tablet and download the free app which will communicate with the drone as you fly it.  In other words, your phone will act as the link between the remote control and the drone.  The app is called “DJI Fly”.  It's entirely free and all you have to do is make an account.  

Step 7:  Oh and don’t forget to get your drone registered.  Very important to do this before flying.  You can do this online.  Any drone that’s over 250 grams must be registered with a fee of $5.00.  This may all seem like lots of in between stuff just to fly, however, it’ll be worth it once you have your registration all set.  You can go to:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone/

The steps on the website are very easy to follow.  Here is a screenshot of the website.  

Step 8:  Once you have your drone charged, your registration is in place, and you’ve thoroughly read the rules on where you can fly, you’re now ready to fly.  For a beginner flyer it's best to start off on a flat surface with open space.   Fold and spread out the legs as well as the propellers.  Also, take off the plastic gimbal protector BEFORE taking off.   

Step 9:  For this next step, turn on the remote by pressing on the button twice until you hear a chime.  Then, reach behind the remote and grab the USC cable and connect it to your phone.  Once you have done this you can open the app. Before you go any further turn on the drone by pressing the button on the battery twice.  FInally, follow the onscreen instructions on your phone to connect your phone, remote and the drone.  

Step 10:    Now is the fun part - flying it!  When you have your drone and phone connected you will see what your drone sees through the camera.  Press on the arrow pointing up and hold it to take off.   

Step 11:  Once you click, “take off” your drone will start up and hover above the ground.  For safety reasons,  hover the aircraft a few feet above to make sure it's working well.   Once you feel more comfortable flying, you can play around with the resolution and awesome built in effects to make your drone shots more appealing.  

Step 12:  When landing your drone you can land it on grass or a flat surface.  Make sure of course, there are no animals or people too close.  You don’t want to scare anyone. For landing, just hold the joy stick down on the left hand side until it's on the ground.  Also, it's important to fly your drone in your sight of view.  NEVER let it out of your sight.     

Step 13:  When you’re done flying your drone, close up the propellers and fold the legs back in.  And place the gimbal back on.  Congratulations, in just 13 steps you have successfully flown a drone.  

Step 14:  As a bonus, here are some shots I’ve taken with my drone.  With some post editing you can take pictures just like these.