Beginners guide: throttle, yaw, pitch and roll explained (video)

As part of our fortnightly beginners guide videos, today we look at the basic manoeuvres: pitch, yaw, throttle and roll.

I outline the basics of each one, then put them all together and fly around successfully. I hope this helps anyone who wants to get better at flying.

The four controls

Control	What it does	Usually on (Mode 2)
Throttle	Up and down	Left stick, up and down
Yaw	Turns the nose left or right	Left stick, left and right
Pitch	Forwards and backwards	Right stick, up and down
Roll	Slides left or right	Right stick, left and right

Mode 2 is the most common layout in the UK. Check your transmitter's manual.

Practise in stages

1. Take off and hover, using throttle only.
2. Add small pitch and roll movements.
3. Add yaw to turn.
4. Combine them for smooth, flowing turns.

See learn to fly: your first flights for a full practice plan.

Watch on JD Quad