In today’s tutorial, I am going to show you how to hand catch and hand launch your DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Mavic Air.

Watch the tutorial here, or read the written tutorial after the jump:

Now why would you want to hand catch or hand land your drone instead of just taking off from the ground? Good question, I’m glad you asked!

Well if you’re anything like me and you love flying your DJI Mavic Pro or DJI Mavic Air I’m sure at some point there is going to be a time when your surroundings are either uneven, rocky, sandy, wet or dusty.

Watch out for elements getting kicked up into your motors

All of those elements can make it hard to take off and when props are spinning if there are loose particles and elements present (like dirt and sand) they can easily fly up and end up in your prop’s motors which could cause problems later down the road.

Me and some friends just after taking off from a moving boat

Another reason is maybe you forgot to bring a drone take-off/landing pad with you or you want to take off from a moving vehicle like a boat.

In each of those scenarios using the following tips for hand launching and hand catching your drone will be very helpful.

Before we start it is important to mention that hand launching and hand catching your drone can be dangerous so please don’t try this until you feel very experienced and comfortable with your controlling your drone.

Be sure that it isn’t windy when you are trying this and an added precaution you can also try these techniques with some hand gloves, protective eyewear, a helmet, and/or with the prop guards on the drone.

Also, I switch back and forth between DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Mavic Air photos but each principle applies to both drones so don’t be too distracted by that.

Now let’s get started!

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