Getting started with UAVs
I have created a guide with steps that progressively familiarise the user with the concepts and equipment used in micro and small-scale drones. This page outlines the steps I recommend for beginners to take to get started with UAVs.
Disclaimers
I am not responsible for what you do with the information provided here. Follow the rules and regulations outlined in the country, area, location and organisation where you plan to build and operate UAVs.
I neither endorse any products nor am sponsored by any manufacturers or vendors. I simply recommend the ones I have used and found to be suitable and satisfactory for my work. I am not responsible for any malfunction of things you buy.
The information I provide here is to the best of my knowledge. Please do not hold me responsible if the builds not not work as intended. You can get in touch with me for ant further help.
Some basic equipment
Here are some basic tools, equipment and materials I recommend for making and flying UAVs, and guides to help use them.
Step 1 - Build a quadcopter
The easiest way to learn about UAVs is to build and fly a quadcopter. It is easy to build with off-the-shelf components and the easiest to fly. It does not require making the frame from scratch; flying one is much easier than a fixed-wing without a trainer.
Step 2 - Fly a quadcopter
Unlike a fixed-wing, a quadcopter (including a helicopter and other multirotors) can hover in one spot. This makes it easier to fly and to learn how to fly. Using a flight controller with a GPS module, the quadcopter will truly stay in one place and handle winds and other disturbances. Automatic return-to-home feature can take-over if the trainee-pilot loses control.
Step 3 - Learn with a flight simulator
Crashes are common when learning to fly, especially a fixed-wing UAV. I recommend learning and practising with a flight simulator before flying one. This guide helps you setup a flight simulator on your computer.
I don't think practice in a simulator is necessary to fly a multirotor. So it is not essential before you fly a quadcopter. But is necessary before flying a fixed-wing.
Step 4 - Build a plane
Step 5 - Fly a plane
This is it for the steps required to get you started with making and flying UAVs. Have fun!
I update the content here as often as I can. Please check the published date for updates.