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So you're one of the more than one million lucky souls the [FAA estimated][1] would get a drone this Christmas. Congratulations. Now What?
With most consumer drones these days you could head straight out the door and have your new toy in the air in a matter of minutes. And your new toy would probably be in the air *only* a matter of minutes. If you'd prefer your first time flying a drone not to include close up shots of bark and large amounts of cursing we suggest taking a deep breath, slowing down and doing a few things before you send your drone up for the first time.
First and foremost, rip into that plastic bag full of manuals, pull them out and actually Read The Manual. Seriously. Pay special attention to two items. First, memorize the button or sequence of buttons that initiates the drone's "return home" feature. This varies between manufacturers and models, but newer versions tend to have some kind of single button "oh crap" feature that will send the drone back to where it started. When you're first learning this will be your most used flight control. This is also a good place to suggest your consider joining the [Academy of Model Aeronautics][2] ($75), which, in addition to a magazine subscription, will get you some basic insurance coverage should you crash.
The second most import part of the manual is the startup procedure. Some drones need the controller turned on first, some the drone. Whatever the case with your model, make sure you know the sequence so that your drone can acquire satellites for GPS features and connect to whatever wifi or flight control system it uses.
Now that you know the basics the next step we recommend is updating the firmware. Even new drones often leave the factory without the latest updates. Depending on your make and model this might mean you get some new features. In most cases updating the firmware is just a matter of plugging the drone into your PC via a USB cable. Since the process varies by drone, check the manual or manufacturer's website for the precise firmware update method.
Now you're ready for your first flight. Launch in an open, treeless area and head up a hundred feet or so right away. On most drones this means pushing the left control stick up for a few seconds. Then release and just sit there for a minute, keeping your eye on the drone. At this elevation you should be clear of any obstacles and still be able to keep a close eye on your drone.
The first thing I would suggest is to work on getting a feel for the basic flight maneuvers: up, down, left and right. Pay special attention to how much the drone dips when you accelerate, with most models you'll likely find you want a bit of acceleration as you head forward to maintain a constant altitude. Try flying some basic maneuvers like a circling around in box, circle and figure 8. This will help you understand how fast your drone responds to your input. Every drone in different, but the common thread in my experience with half a dozen different models is that gentle, slow movements are the best, safest way to fly.
At first your instinct will be to over-correct every time your drone is headed somewhere you don't want it to go. Unfortunately, over correcting is often as bad or worse than doing nothing at all. Take a deep breath and gently correct your flight errors rather than slamming the control in the opposite direction.
Another key to safe, happy drone flying is to make sure you know where and how you can fly your new drone.
Drone pilots do not have a stellar track record. It seems like hardly a day goes by without someone doing something stupid with a drone -- [interfering with firefighters][3], [buzzing][4] the Macy's Thanksgiving parade or [flying near aircraft][5].
It's no surprise restrictions on drones are tightening up. The FAA has [announced a plan to register and regulate drones][6], but local governments have already started to enact their own rules.
One of the best places to learn how to fly is a large, open, tree-less area away from crowds. In most places that's usually a park or field of some kind. But many parks are starting to take a dim view of drones. For example, the parks and rec department where I live recently banned all use of drones in public parks. You best bet is to call your local parks department and ask, but here's a good rule of thumb for everything to do with flying a drone: when it doubt, don't do it.
At the time of writing the FAA has announced that it will require drones to be registered, but it has not yet set up a system for registration. Still, it's worth at least looking over the FAA [guidelines for hobby craft][7]. The FAA's rules are hardly draconian and primarily reinforce what is hopefully common sense: don't interfere with other aircraft, don't fly near crowds of people, don't go over 400ft up, don't be reckless and so on.
Drone makers have you covered on a couple of FAA rules, like the weight limit (no consumer drones weight anywhere near the 55lb max) and not flying near airports (most drones will not allow you to fly around airports).
One FAA rule deserves extra attention: keep an eye on your drone at all times. Not only is this a rule, it's also the secret to avoiding that closeup of tree bark.
When you first start out flying there's a lot to keep track of -- there's the drone's POV coming in on your controller, there's your fingers on the flight controls, the controls for starting video and taking pictures and of course there's your drone, actually up there in the air somewhere. Despite all these things going on, try to keep in mind that the most important part of controlling your drone is knowing where it is at all times. Keep your head on a swivel and never lose positional awareness.
The last thing to remember when your drone is in the air is to relax. Remember: small corrections, slow movements and a cool head go a long way to making your drone a lot more fun.
[1]: http://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/drones/news/a17535/the-faa-is-terrified-that-1-million-drones-will-be-sold-this-christmas/
[2]: http://www.modelaircraft.org/
[3]: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/drone-flying-too-close-to-wildfire-grounds-forest-service-planes/
[4]: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/custody-flying-drone-macy-parade-article-1.2447782
[5]: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-pilot-spots-drone-lax-20151015-story.html
[6]: http://www.wired.com/2015/10/the-feds-want-a-national-drone-registry-by-christmas/
[7]: https://www.faa.gov/uas/model_aircraft/
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