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ESPFlight Docs v1
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First Flight

Perform the first flight as a short manual Beginner-mode hover after every propeller-off bench and preflight gate has passed.

ESPFlight Docs · v1 • Validated v1 documentation path
BEGINNER PATH · STEP 12 OF 13

Use a conservative first flight and stop immediately for abnormal behavior.

Back to the 13-step path · Next checkpoint: Next Steps

# Do not start until

Bench Test passed with propellers removed.
Correct motor mapping and CW/CCW direction confirmed.
Correct propellers installed and secured only after bench testing.
IMU movement/orientation verified.
Application connected with live telemetry.
Battery/power state is normal for your validated build.
Open area is clear of people, animals and property.

# First manual hover sequence

  1. 1

    Place the Drone and stand clear

    Use a level launch surface with enough open space to land immediately.

  2. 2

    Connect and select Beginner mode

    For the first baseline flight, leave Head Lock off. Do not use assisted Takeoff/Landing unless the optional altitude-sensor path has already been validated.

  3. 3

    Set throttle to minimum and ARM

    Wait for telemetry to confirm ARMED. Motors should still be off in the low-throttle ARMED-ready state.

  4. 4

    Increase throttle smoothly

    Raise throttle only enough to lift into a very low hover. Do not make a first flight a high-altitude or aggressive test.

  5. 5

    Check basic response

    Use very small Roll/Pitch/Yaw inputs. The Drone should respond in the intended direction without violent oscillation, flip tendency or unexpected motor behavior.

  6. 6

    Land at the first uncertainty

    Lower throttle smoothly and return the Drone to the ground instead of trying to fly through an unexplained problem.

  7. 7

    Return throttle to minimum and DISARM

    Confirm telemetry reports DISARMED before approaching the Drone.

  8. 8

    Power down and inspect

    Check motor temperature, propellers, fasteners, battery, connectors and any part that moved during the hover.

# Abort / emergency response

Swipe horizontally to see all columns.

Observed problemImmediate beginner action
Flip/tip tendency or wrong control directionImmediately lower throttle to minimum. Once the low-throttle condition is met and control is available, DISARM. Remove propellers and return to the bench checks.
Violent oscillation or strong vibrationLand immediately; do not continue the hover to “see if it settles.” Inspect mechanics first, then tuning.
Unexpected motor behaviorLower throttle, DISARM at low throttle, disconnect power and re-check M1–M4 wiring/direction.
Control link lostKeep clear of the Drone and let firmware failsafe behavior remain authoritative. Do not approach spinning propellers. After it is safe, diagnose the connection/failsafe before another flight.

# A successful first flight

The goal is not range, altitude or aggressive handling. A successful first flight is a short repeatable hover with correct control directions, stable basic attitude, predictable landing, clean DISARM and no abnormal heat, vibration or connection behavior.