Easy and Free Ways to Improve as a Drone Pilot

1. Study FAA Resources

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) provides a wealth of free educational materials to help drone pilots stay compliant and improve their skills. Here are a few must-read resources:

• The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) – If you’re flying for fun, this free online test ensures you understand the rules.

• Part 107 Study Guide – Essential reading for commercial drone pilots, covering airspace, weather, and safety.

• B4UFLY App – A free app that helps you check for flight restrictions in your area.

• FAA’s UAS Regulations Page – Stay up to date with changing drone laws and regulations.

2. Watch Free Online Tutorials

YouTube is an excellent (and free) resource for improving drone flight techniques, cinematography, and troubleshooting common issues. Check out channels like:

• Pilot Institute – Covers FAA regulations, flight techniques, and gear reviews.

• Drone U – Offers real-world tips on improving your drone shots and business. These guys put out some great content on YouTube and answer many of the questions drone pilots of all experience may have! They have several courses online and in person to hone your skills further.

• UAV Commercial News – Focuses on drone industry news, industry legislation, training updates, and gear recommendations.

3. Read Free Publications & Forums

Staying informed about drone trends and best practices is key to improvement. Here are a few places to start:

• DroneDJ – Covers industry news, new drone releases, and regulations.

• sUAS News – One of the most respected sources for professional drone pilots.

• MavicPilots Forum – A great place to learn from experienced DJI drone users.

4. Practice with Free Flight Simulators

You don’t always need to be in the field to practice flying. Free drone simulators can help improve your skills:

• DJI Flight Simulator (Free Version) – A realistic simulator for DJI pilots.

• FPV Freerider (Demo Version) – A fun way to practice FPV flying with a controller.

• Zephyr Drone Simulator (Free Trial) – A training tool that helps with FAA compliance.

5. Join Free Drone Communities

Networking with other drone pilots can expose you to new techniques, job opportunities, and industry insights. Join:

• Facebook Groups like "Drone Pilots" and "Commercial Drone Pilots"

• Reddit Communities like r/drones and r/photography

• Local Meetups & Drone Clubs to connect with pilots in your area

6. Master Manual Flight Skills

One of the best free ways to improve is simply practicing manual flying. Try these exercises:

• Box Pattern – Fly in a square without relying on GPS stabilization.

• Figure 8s – Improve control and smooth movements.

• Orbiting a Subject – Learn to circle an object while keeping it in frame.

Improving as a drone pilot doesn’t have to be expensive. By taking advantage of free FAA resources, online tutorials, flight simulators, and hands-on practice, you can sharpen your skills without spending a penny. Keep learning, stay updated on regulations, and most importantly—fly often!

What’s your favorite free resource for improving your drone skills? Let us know in the comments!