Headless Mode? Bad idea?

Roger EWing

Roger EWing

Too many hobbies
Naturally, as a beginner, it is confusing whether the unit is facing you or away. So it seems headless mode helps.

What I'm wondering...is it a bad idea to get used to headless mode? Should I just practice until I finally get a handle on it?
 
I would definitely avoid learning to fly in headless mode. Learning to adjust controls for orientation is one of the basic skills you want to master. Start by learning to control the quad with it facing away from you all the time. Once you have a decent handle on basic moves, then turn it 45 degrees and do the same. Then 90 degrees, etc. Learn to hover, slide left and ride, forward and back, etc.

Remember that on a non-GPS quad, headless mode is always in relation to the direction the quad was facing when you turned it on and bound it. It uses that as the reference heading for directional movement in headless mode. There are some good videos on YouTube that will explain and demonstrate this.

The one good use of headless mode (other than taking selfies while flying) is using it to bring back a quad that is out of range visually and you can't tell its orientation. "Quadcopter 101" on YouTube demonstrates this technique and if you practice it, it can save a flyaway once you are flying farther out.
 
I always suggest turning the basic maneuvers into a game when you're learning. Smallest movement to hover, "box" patterns as square as you can make them, smooth S-maneuvers with the nose pointing away, etc. Make mastering the basics fun, and you will become skilled and keep having a blast as you progress. Eventually you're screaming around, doing funnels and rolls and you have the chops to do it well because you mastered good fundamentals.
 
I hadn't known about Quadcopter 101 on Youtube. Just watched the first video. I'm practicing in the house going back and forth. A quick learning: a little push of the stick goes a long way. Right now, when I get cornered, I go crazy with the stick and flop around like a beached fish :mad:
 
If anything a little angle to get used to the power, then acro is the way to go.
Anything else is bad habits.
I flew on angle for the first few months then struggled with acro because it's the opposite.
 
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