Drone Camps / Modes Series ANGLE Mode
Angle Mode is the most popular fpv beginner mode.
Share this tutorial with a new fpv pilot.
Learning the basics of angle mode is critical for successful beginner flights.
To start your journey, it's recommended to follow this Drone Camps RC series on flight modes. In this article, we will discuss Angle Mode, how it works in Betaflight, and why it's important to start training in this mode before moving on to Acro or Horizon Mode.
Angle Mode is a beginner-friendly flight mode that is commonly used in FPV drones. In this mode, the drone's pitch and roll angles are automatically leveled, meaning the drone will maintain a level position even if the pilot is not actively controlling it. So if you let go of the sticks the drone will level out. The pilot is still able to control the drone's yaw and altitude, making it a great mode for practicing basic movements and gaining confidence in flying.
Starting to fly as a beginner it is important to learn altitude control on the left stick. Flying in Angle mode will help you learn and maintain a consistent altitude without worrying about stabilization. You can focus on your aircraft heading.
To use Angle Mode, your drone needs to be set up with a compatible flight controller, and you need to configure your settings in Betaflight. Betaflight is a software program that allows you to configure your drone's settings, including flight modes. Once you've set up your drone and configured Betaflight, you're ready to start flying in Angle Mode.
Step-by-step first time pilot tips for flying in Angle Mode
It is recommended to set a 3 minute timer on your radio for LOS training.
Unless your battery can not fly 3 minutes.
Begin by flying your drone line of sight, meaning you can see it at all times. Keep the drone within your sight, and do not fly it too far away from you. Start with your drone's back facing you on a Landing pad. Gently give it throttle. It is common for beginner's to do the "bounce" on take off. Smooth throttle will help with this as you become familiar with your new drone. Mininal throttle movements take practice to master. - Once you are hovering try to keep it within a 10 foot radius. Try to keep the drone rear facing you. If you move the front of the drone left or right. You might crash. beginners don't understand Yaw input at this time. Once you start turning the nose left and right and back you will be ready to start forward flight. Once you can fly out and come back you can start learning to fly the drone "nose in". This means with the drones front facing you. This reverses the drone's axis controls. You will find this is hard to master. Minimal stick inputs will help. Remember keep your drone under 10ft.
Keep your altitude under 10 feet until you become more comfortable with flying. If you feel like you're going to fly over 10ft, gently lower the throttle to bring the drone back down. This will keep the drone out of a tree or on your roof. Believe us it happens all the time.
Practice making small movements with your drone, like turning left and right or flying in circle circuits. Remember, the drone will automatically level itself, so you don't need to worry about maintaining its angle.
Once you're comfortable with basic movements, practice flying the drone in a straight line while maintaining altitude. This will help you get a feel for the drone's speed and how to control it. Practice flying the drone up and back down. And returning to your landing pad.
When you're ready, try making gradual turns and adjusting your altitude. Continue practicing until you feel comfortable with the drone's movements. Finally practice flying figure eights.
Starting with Angle Mode
is important for beginner pilots because it provides an easier flight experience new pilots. With the auto-level angle mode, it's easier to recover from altitude or heading mistakes, and the drone won't flip over unexpectedly. This helps build confidence and allows for a more controlled learning experience.
Acro Mode
is a more advanced flight mode that offers no auto-level for yaw, pitch, and roll axis. Acro mode is great for freestyle FPV flying, as it allows for flips, rolls, and more complex maneuvers. It's important to note that Acro Mode requires more experience and skill, and is not recommended for beginners. It is recommended after mastering Angle mode to start practicing Horizon mode. Horizon mode is a combination of Angle and acronyms modes. We will go over Horizon mode in the next Modes Series tutorial. Also practice Acro mode in an fpv simulator like Liftoff Simulator.
Starting with Angle Mode
Most bind and fly fpv drones come with Betaflight and Angle mode setup. Sometimes you can plug in a battery after binding your receiver and you can flip a switch and the drone might be in angle mode from the factory. However, you need to check which switch is actively set as your Modes switch. Generally we use 3 position switch to add Angle, Horizon, and Acronyms modes.
Line of Sight / LOS Flying
If you learn to fly in angle mode first line of sight ; you will thank us later. When you do start your first time flying fpv you will be ahead of the curve. Learn how the quad moves, reacts, and use minimal stack inputs. A little bit of throttle goes a long way up! Advanced LOS Return to home technique - Practice at your own risk!
This technique will help you possibly recover your drone if you are way out and you lose video. First flip into Angle mode! This will auto level your quad. Sometimes fpv pilots will immediately fly up higher to regain fpv feed to their goggles.
LOS Rescue What do you do if you lose fpv feed in your googles and it does not return :
Remove your fpv goggles at once. Establish LOS with your drone. If within LOS it may appear as a dot in the sky.
Move the right stick any direction while looking at the drone.
Look and see which way it appears to move across the sky.
Stop. Spin the drone with the left stick on the yaw axis.
Move the right stick again and now it should change direction.
Your goal is to have the drone move towards you. We are trying to establish a return flight path by spinning the drone with the left stick and retesting pulling the right stick towards you. In the hopes the drone starts moving towards you.
After you see the drone start to move towards you ; now bring the drone over head.
Descend slowly and land.
You have completed your first LOS Rescue.
Practice LOS flying, Angle Mode flying, and LOS Rescue
and become a great fpv pilot!
Next in this series we will cover Horizon mode.
Article by Justin Davis @Rights Reserved