The Mikrokopter (MK) is a very reliable and stable aircraft that will provide you with many hours of enjoyable flying and a capability for stunning photography. Many expensive crashes and lost aircraft are caused by lack of proper training. The following instructions and procedures will help greatly reduce the chances of failure.
Contrary to some opinion, flying a mikrokopter does not necessarily mean that an expensive crash is inevitable. By following a common sense approach to training, safety, and regulations you will become part of a small group of mikrokopter pilots that can enjoy a unique and specialized activity that will provide you with a fantastic platform for you photography endeavors.

In the 1970-80's, I was a camera operator (Systems Officer) in the back seat of military reconnaissance aircraft (RF-4C). While my main task was to turn the cameras on at the right time, most of my time and training was spent learning aircraft systems needed to get you to the target.

The Mikrokopter is much the same. On your way to taking the picture, you will learn, soldering, electric systems, navigation, troubleshooting, many new terms, RC flight, FAA regulations, and how to study manuals and checklist.

In photography, you can pick up a camera and get decent pictures right away. Not so in this business. In order to get decent pictures and video, you will have to put in the time and effort to get the camera consistently into position to take the picture.

Training is the key, and much like any technical field, training is always ongoing. There is always something new to learn. The people who excel, are those who enjoy the training as much as the final activity.

Not many people can do this activity, enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

Read, read, read, practice, practice, practice.

The following pages will get you on the road.

PURPOSE OF FLIGHT TRAINING
The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training is the acquisition and honing of basic airmanship skills as they pertain to operating the mikrokopter. Airmanship can be defined as:


• A sound acquaintance with the principles of mikrokopter flight.

• The ability to operate an mikrokopter with competence and precision in different settings and conditions.

• The exercise of sound judgment that results in optimal operational safety and efficiency of the MK.
Learning to fly a mikrokopter is not an easy feat. Since an mikrokopter operates in a three dimensional environment it requires a type of motor skill development that is more sensitive to this situation such as:


• Coordination—The ability to use the your hands subconsciously and in the proper relationship to operate the control transmitter sticks, switches, and levers in a manner that accurately controls the mikrokopter.

• Timing—The application of muscular coordination at the proper instant to make flight, and all maneuvers incident thereto, a constant smooth process without looking at the controls.

• Control touch—The ability to sense the action of the mikrokopter and its probable actions in the immediate future, with regard to attitude and speed variations. Unlike a pilot siting the the aircraft, you do not have the ability to feel the aircraft movement, so, your eyesight is more important than ever.
The goal that comes through proper training and practice is that the pilot becomes one with the MK, rather than a just machine operator. This is where MK systems knowledge, simulator training, and a structured flight training program combine into a well trained pilot. It does not come easy and like anything else in life, you get out what you put into it.

An accomplished pilot demonstrates the ability to assess a situation quickly and accurately and deduce the correct procedure to be followed under the circumstance; to analyze accurately the probable results of a given set of circumstances or of a proposed procedure; to exercise care and due regard for safety; to gauge accurately the performance of the MK; and to recognize personal limitations and limitations of the MK and avoid approaching the critical points of each.

The development of airmanship skills requires effort and dedication on the part of the pilot, beginning with the very first training flight where proper habit formation begins by using good operating practices.

The underlying purpose of flight training is to develop skills and safe habits that are transferable to any MK. Basic airmanship skills serve as a firm foundation for this. The pilot who has acquired necessary airmanship skills during training, will easily advance to more technical skills. The goal of flight training is a safe and competent pilot.

Every flight should be considered a training flight consisting of a well thought out plan, a set of goals, and a post flight evaluation of lessons learned.
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