How to Use This Plan
Fly 3–4 times per weekKeep most sessions 20–40 minutes.
Smooth beats fastThe goal is clean control, not speed.
Log every flightUse the main checklist page after each session.
Week 1 — Foundation / Control
Goal: smooth flying, no panic inputs.
Session 1: Hover MasteryHover at 20–30 ft. Hold position for 60 seconds. Practice tiny stick corrections.
Session 2: Straight LinesFly forward/back and side-to-side. Keep altitude steady.
Session 3: Yaw ControlRotate slowly in place while keeping the drone from drifting.
Session 4: Combine BasicsHover → move → stop → rotate → hover.
Week 2 — Movement & Patterns
Goal: build muscle memory.
Session 1: Box PatternFly a square pattern with steady altitude and straight lines.
Session 2: Figure 8Practice smooth transitions between turns.
Session 3: Wide Circles / OrbitOrbit a fixed object while keeping distance consistent.
Session 4: Light Wind PracticeFly in 5–10 mph wind. Hold position and correct drift.
Week 3 — Precision & Distance
Goal: stop exactly where you want.
Session 1: Approach & StopFly toward an object and stop 20–30 ft away.
Session 2: Altitude ControlHold exact heights: 20 ft, 40 ft, and 60 ft.
Session 3: Slow MovementFly as slowly as possible without drifting.
Session 4: Close ControlFly near objects at a safe distance. Stay clear of trees, wires, and people.
Week 4 — Inspection Skills
Goal: real-world inspection flying.
Session 1: Orbit BuildingCircle a building smoothly at consistent altitude and distance.
Session 2: Top-Down ShotsFly above the target and hold position for straight-down photos.
Session 3: Edge TrackingFollow a roofline or structure edge smoothly.
Session 4: Full Photo SetCapture front, back, both sides, top-down, and angled shots.
Week 5 — Real Conditions
Goal: handle wind, obstacles, and recovery.
Session 1: Moderate WindPractice hover and slow flight in 8–12 mph wind only if safe.
Session 2: Obstacle AwarenessIdentify trees, poles, wires, people, vehicles, and escape routes before flying.
Session 3: Emergency PracticeSimulate low battery return and quick landing.
Session 4: Recovery ControlPractice regaining control after drift or overcorrection.
Week 6 — Mock Job Training
Goal: fly like you are getting paid.
Session 1: Full Pre-Flight RoutineAirspace check, weather check, Remote ID, battery, home point, takeoff area.
Session 2: Full Inspection FlightOrbit, roofline passes, top-down photos, and controlled return.
Session 3: Efficiency RunComplete the inspection smoothly with fewer wasted movements.
Session 4: Final Job SimulationStart → inspect → land → log flight → review photos.