Right. The box is open. Batteries are charging. Your new drone is sat on the coffee table like it’s paid rent.
You’re buzzing.
Your hands are also doing that slightly damp thing.
Good. If you’re not a bit nervous before your first flight, you’re either lying or about to donate your drone to a tree.
We’ve seen it all at ProDrone — brand-new pilots turning a calm field into a one-tree obstacle course, taking off in “just a breeze” (it wasn’t), then looking shocked when the drone gets punted sideways like it owes the wind money.
Let’s keep you legal. Let’s keep you safe. Let’s keep your first day from becoming crash tax.
Rule #1: Your first flight isn’t about “cinematic footage”. It’s about not paying crash tax.
Tip 1: Do the legal pre-flight check (2026 doesn’t care about your excitement)
Before you even think about propellers, check the rules.
As of 1 January 2026, the CAA shifted the threshold. Here’s the quick reality check:
If your drone is 100g to under 250g: you must have a Flyer ID. If it has a camera, you must also have an Operator ID.
If your drone is 250g or more: you must have an Operator ID, and you must also have a Flyer ID.
If you want our plain-English breakdown (and a cheat-sheet you can save), read this first: UK Drone Law Change 2026.
And yes — Remote ID is now part of the conversation. The CAA has introduced Remote ID functionality from 2026, and from 1 January 2028 you must use Remote ID for all drone and model operations unless you have an exemption. Keep your firmware updated and don’t buy anything “mysteriously vague” about Remote ID.
If you want the official page open while you read: CAA Remote ID guidance (opens in a new tab).
2026 reality check: If you’re not legal, you’re not flying — you’re gambling.
Tip 2: Find a big, boring field (boring is perfect)
Your back garden is rarely big enough. And your first flight is not the time to discover that.
Pick somewhere wide open: no trees, no power lines, no rivers, no crowds. You want space to be clumsy without consequences.
Don’t guess airspace. Check it. Use an airspace app like Drone Assist (opens in a new tab) before you travel, especially if you’re anywhere near an airport, a heli route, or a temporary restriction.
If you want the app links: iPhone (opens in a new tab) / Android (opens in a new tab).
If you want the official CAA hub handy as well: CAA drones guidance (opens in a new tab).
Also: don’t be shy about permissions. If there are signs, restrictions, or a landowner nearby — ask. It takes 10 seconds and saves drama.
Keep it sensible: stay within visual line of sight, and stay under 120m (400ft).
Tip 3: Use Beginner Mode (save your ego and your drone)
If your drone has Beginner Mode in the app, use it.
Turn it on.
It limits distance, height, and speed — stabilisers for your thumbs. It stops you accidentally sending your new kit into the next postcode because you got excited and shoved the stick too hard.
You can remove the limits later. Today is for learning, not showing off.
Tip 4: Respect British weather (wind is the silent thief)
It might look calm from the kitchen window. Up there, it’s a different mood entirely.
Beginner drones are light — that’s the point. A gust that doesn’t bother a seagull can shove a mini drone sideways and turn your footage into jelly.
Here’s the rule I trust more than any forecast app:
If it’s too windy to wear a cap comfortably, it’s too windy to fly a mini drone.
British wind tip: If you’re negotiating with gusts, you’ve already lost. Pack up and fly another day.
And drizzle? Don’t be brave. Be patient. Wet grass, cold hands, rushed landings — that’s how people pay crash tax with interest.
Tip 5: Learn the RTH button before you need it
RTH stands for Return to Home. It’s your panic button.
But it only helps if you do one boring thing first:
Wait for the Home Point to update before take-off.
Your app will usually confirm GPS lock and show a “Home Point Updated” message. Don’t rush it. If you launch too early and the drone hasn’t set home properly, pressing RTH can feel less like a rescue and more like roulette.
If your drone lets you set RTH altitude, be sensible. High enough to clear nearby trees — not so high you’re wasting battery fighting wind up there.
Trees exist. Britain loves trees.
Quick first-flight checklist (steal this)
- IDs sorted? (Flyer/Operator if your drone falls into that bracket)
- Remote ID checked? (know what your model supports; keep firmware current)
- Airspace checked? (Drone Assist or equivalent)
- Props fitted correctly? (yes, people get this wrong)
- Battery properly seated? (a “click” is not optional)
- Home Point updated? (wait for GPS lock)
- RTH located? (know the button before you panic)
- Wind honest assessment? (don’t negotiate with gusts)
Final word
Don’t try to be Maverick from Top Gun on day one.
Your goal is simple: take off, hover, small movements, land neatly. That’s a win.
If you’re still choosing your first drone, start here: Beginner Drones.
If you want a quick sanity check before you buy (or before you fly), message our pilot team: Contact Us.
Last updated: 2026
Happy flying,
ProDrone