Drone Basics

Question 1

Quadcopter

Answer 1

Four propeller drone

Question 2

How to Speed Up

Answer 2

Front propellers slow down while back ones speed up, creating pitch down.

Question 3

How to Roll

Answer 3

Propellers in roll direction slow down but opposite side speeds up

Question 4

How to Achieve Yaw

Answer 4

Reducing speed of one diagonal pair

Question 5

Flight Controller

Answer 5

The “brain” of the drone, it processes inputs from various sensors and the receiver to control the drone’s movement. It can stabilize the drone in winds. It translates pilot inputs from the remote controller into precise motor commands, enabling maneuvers and directional control.

Question 6

Sensors

Answer 6

Include gyroscopes, accelerometers, and altimeters to measure orientation, acceleration, and altitude. In modern drones, sensors may be the size of an ant.

Question 7

Accelerometer

Question 8

Gyrocope Sensor

Question 9

Magneto Meter

Question 10

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Answer 10

Includes accelerometer, gyroscope sensor, and magneto meter.

Question 11

How does drone determine altitude?

Answer 11

A mems-based barometer sensor.

Question 12

Sensor Fusion

Answer 12

Integrating different sensors for the same input

Question 13

Control Logic

Answer 13

Algorithm that reduces the error further and makes decisions. E.g., Kalman Filter (KF) algorithm.

Question 14

Range of modern consumer drone

Answer 14

1-2km

Question 15

What happens when you fly a drone beyond its radio control range?

Answer 15

It makes use of GPS and tower internet to return to home location set by the operator.

Question 16

What is a drone?

Answer 16

Unmanned aerial vehicles controlled remotely by a pilot.

Question 17

4 primary controls

Answer 17

Roll, pitch, yaw, and throttle

Question 18

Roll

Answer 18

Move the drone left or right using the right stick sideways

Question 19

Pitch

Answer 19

Control forward/backward movement with the right stick forward/backward

Question 20

Yaw

Answer 20

Rotate the drone using the left stick left/right

Question 21

Throttle

Answer 21

Adjust altitude using the left stick up/down

Question 22

Flying Basics

Answer 22

Position the drone on a flat surface.
Power up and slowly increase throttle to lift off.
Stabilize the drone in a hover before moving.
Practice takeoffs, landings, and hovering to build skills.

Question 23

Tips for Beginners

Answer 23

Start with beginner mode to limit speed and altitude.
Keep the drone in your line of sight at all times.
Practice basic movements like flying in circles or squares.
Be patient and fly within your skill level.
Use a lightweight drone with replaceable propellers for learning.

Question 24

UAS

Answer 24

Unmanned Aircraft System

Question 25

Frame

Answer 25

The body of the drone, serving as the structure to which all other components are attached. It defines the drone's size and provides stability during flight.

Question 26

Motors

Answer 26

Generate the power to lift and propel the drone.

Question 27

Propellers

Answer 27

Attached to motors, they create lift and thrust. There are standard propellers for vertical movement and pusher propellers for forward/backward motion.

Question 28

Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)

Answer 28

Control motor speed and direction, converting DC power from the battery to AC power for the motors

Question 29

GPS

Answer 29

Provides location data for navigation and features like return-to-home. Enables features like autonomous flight, return-to-home, and geofencing in more sophisticated models.

Question 30

Battery

Answer 30

Usually lithium polymer, it powers all onboard systems.

Question 31

Receiver

Answer 31

Picks up radio signals from the remote controller.

Question 32

Transmitter

Answer 32

Part of the remote control, it sends signals to the drone.

Question 33

Gimbal

Answer 33

Stabilizes the camera to reduce vibrations and ensure smooth footage. A gimbal is allowed to rotate around an axis.

Question 34

Stabilization

Answer 34

The flight controller maintains the drone's stability during flight by constantly adjusting motor speeds based on sensor data.

Question 35

Obstacle Avoidance

Answer 35

Some advanced flight controllers incorporate obstacle detection systems for enhanced safety.

Question 36

Peripheral Management

Answer 36

Acts as a hub for other drone components such as ESCs, GPS modules, LEDs, and FPV cameras.

Question 37

First Person View (FPV)

Answer 37

A method of piloting where the operator sees from the drone's perspective through a live video feed. This is achieved by: An onboard camera mounted on the drone Real-time video transmission from the drone to the pilot A display device such as FPV goggles, a headset, smartphone, or monitor FPV flying provides an immersive experience, allowing pilots to: See what the drone sees in real-time Fly with more precision and accuracy Capture unique aerial footage and photographs Participate in drone racing events The rise of FPV drones has revolutionized drone racing, cinematography, and recreational flyin

Question 38

Line of Sight (LOS)

Answer 38

Traditional "line of sight" (LOS) flying, where pilots control the drone while watching it from the ground. FPV enables more dynamic and agile flight, especially useful for racing, freestyle flying, and creative videography.

Question 39

AI / Automation

Answer 39

Drones have become more autonomous, capable of executing complex missions with minimal human input12. This includes real-time data processing, decision-making, and adaptive flight patterns.

Question 40

Geofencing and Collision Avoidance

Answer 40

Implementation of geofencing technology and advanced collision avoidance systems has improved drone safety and regulatory compliance.

Question 41

Remote Identification

Answer 41

The introduction of remote ID systems has enhanced the ability to monitor and manage drone traffic.

Question 42

Entanglement Auto-Detection

Answer 42

Drones can now detect and respond to tether entanglement, with customizable parameters for different scenarios such as ground obstructions or entanglement at altitude.

Question 43

Overweight Payload Rejection

Answer 43

Automated systems now check payload weights to prevent unsafe flying conditions, especially useful for third-party pickups.

Question 44

Gentle Payload Touchdown

Answer 44

Automated slowing of tether deployment as payloads approach the ground, ensuring softer landings for critical deliveries.

Question 45

Advance Collision Avoidance Systems

Answer 45

Improved technologies help prevent mid-air collisions and unauthorized flights in restricted airspace.