The headless mode on drones is a specialized flying mode that allows the operator to focus less on the orientation of the drone and more on the line of sight while flying. It is a mode of operation found on most entry-level drones.
Hello folks! My name is Lavelle and I am a drone pilot and long-time drone operator. For the past 10 years or so, I have been flying my drones for recreational and commercial uses. Like many of you, I started out with entry-level drones and experienced the ease of the headless mode during my early days of operation.
In this article, I will describe the headless mode on drones and explain who should use this mode. I will also discuss some of the pros and cons of using this mode of operation. Finally, I will provide some examples of the best drones that offer headless mode.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The headless mode is for beginner drone pilots. This feature allows users to enjoy the experience of flying a drone without the fear of crashing and damaging it.
- Each drone model has a specific way to activate the headless mode.
What Is Headless Mode on a Drone
The headless mode of operation on a drone is a specialized mode of operation that tracks the drone’s orientation for the operator. In many instances, entry-level drones come with this mode on the unit.
Who Should Use Headless Mode
The headless mode on drones is used in many cases by first-time drone operators. The headless mode is comparable to training wheels on a bicycle. It allows novice users to experience their drones without focusing on drone orientation. The headless mode also allows users to experiment with maneuvers and other beginning drone operations.
How to Turn On the Headless Mode
The headless drone mode is turned on differently for different drones. It depends on which model drone you have, as to how you specifically activate the drone mode. There is usually one button to turn it on. Check your drone manual for details.
Headless Mode Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of using the headless mode of operation.
Pros:
- Allows to focus on the flying experience and not have to worry about the orientation of the drone;
- Beginner-friendly;
- Lower chances to have an accident;
- Simple to operate;
- Allows to fly beyond the visible range.
Cons:
- Does not work with FPV goggles;
- Doesn’t give you experience flying a drone in regular mode;
- Is not always reliable;
- If you use the headless drone mode for a while, you might form ” bad habits” that will be difficult to break;
- It is not recommended for long-term use.
The Best Drones with Headless Mode
The table below lists some of the best drones that offer the headless mode.
| Model | Estimated Price | Description | Suggested Use Level |
| Potensic A20 | $30 | Mini drone, weight 8.5 grams; flying time 8 mins | Young pilots (14 yrs and up) |
| Holy Stone Mini Drone HS 210 | $36 | Mini drone, weight 44 grams; flying time 15 mins | Young pilots (14 yrs and up) |
| Holy Stone HS720 | $250 | Foldable drone, 4k camera, weight 460 grams; flying time 15-20 mins | Beginner |
| Ruko F11 | $169 | Quad drone; weight 18.3 oz; flying time 30 mins; 4k camera | Adults/Beginners |
| DJI Mavic 2 Pro | $789 | Quadcopter; weight 32 oz.; flying time 31 mins; 4k video | Intermediate/Advanced |
FAQs
Here are some answers to some of the frequently asked questions about headless mode drones.
Do DJI Drones Have Headless Mode?
Yes, DJI has drones that have a headless mode of operation. Several DJI drones are intended for entry-level operators. Examples of the DJI models include the DJI mini drone and the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum series.
Is It Easier to Fly in Headless Mode?
Yes, for operators with less experience, it is easier to fly in the headless mode. Flying in the headless mode allows the operator to focus less on the orientation of the drone and more on the flying experience.
Final Thoughts
The headless mode of operation for drones is typically meant for beginning drone pilots. While it is a handy way to begin the flying experience, it is not recommended to be a permanent mode of flying.
Have you ever tried flying a drone in headless mode? Do you agree that experienced drone pilots shouldn’t use this feature? Feel welcome to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
