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Understanding Your Controller

Your controller is the connection between you and your drone—and getting comfortable with it is one of the best ways to build confidence before your first flight.

In this lesson, we’ll walk through the main parts of your FPV radio controller, including the control sticks, switches, buttons, screen, antennas, and charging port. You’ll learn how to safely power the controller on and off, check that it is ready to fly, and understand the basic functions you will use in both the simulator and the real world.

We’ll also introduce the four primary flight controls—throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll—so you can begin connecting each stick movement to what your drone will do in the air. By the end of this lesson, you should feel more familiar with your controller and ready to start building muscle memory in the simulator.

In this lesson, you will learn:

• The main parts of your controller and what they do
• How to charge, power on, and safely power off your controller
• What the sticks, switches, buttons, and display are used for

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Setting Up Your DJI Goggles & Camera

Before your first FPV flight, it is important to activate your DJI Goggles and DJI O4 Air Unit. Activation registers each device with DJI, starts its warranty coverage, and ensures your equipment is ready for firmware updates and use.

In this lesson, we’ll walk you through connecting your goggles and air unit to a computer, logging into DJI Assistant 2, and following the on-screen prompts to activate each device. We’ll also show you how to confirm that both devices are recognized, check for available firmware updates, and safely disconnect everything once setup is complete.

What You’ll Need

• Your DJI Goggles
• Your WingSmith drone with DJI O4 Air Unit installed
• A fully charged drone battery
• USB-C data cable(s)
• A Windows or compatible Mac computer
• Internet connection
• DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) installed
• Your DJI account login information

Step-by-Step Walk-Through

1. Download DJI Assistant 2
   Download and install DJI Assistant 2 (Consumer Drones Series) from DJI’s official download centre. Be sure you are using the Consumer Drones version—not an older DJI Assistant 2 version or the DJI FPV Series version.
2. Log in to Your DJI Account
   Open DJI Assistant 2 and sign in with your DJI account. Create an account first if you do not already have one.
3. Activate Your DJI Goggles
   Charge your goggles, then power them on. Connect the goggles to your computer using a USB-C data cable. DJI Assistant 2 should recognize the device and guide you through activation. Follow each on-screen step until activation is confirmed.
4. Activate Your DJI O4 Air Unit
   Remove the props from your drone before connecting a battery or powering the drone for setup. Plug in a fully charged flight battery to power the air unit, then connect the air unit’s USB-C port to your computer with a USB-C data cable. In DJI Assistant 2, select the detected O4 Air Unit and complete the activation prompts.
5. Check for Firmware Updates
   Once each device is activated, use DJI Assistant 2 to check for firmware updates. Keep your computer connected to the internet and do not disconnect or power off a device while an update is running.
6. Confirm Your Device Information
   After activation, you can use DJI’s Device Info Inquiry page to confirm the activation date, warranty period, and any eligible DJI Care coverage linked to your device.

WingSmith Safety Note

Always remove your props before powering your drone on a workbench or connecting it to a computer. Keep the O4 Air Unit well ventilated during setup—it can become warm while powered on, especially when sitting still.

Need help or something is not appearing in DJI Assistant 2? Take a photo or screenshot of what you are seeing and book your complimentary WingSmith repair/support consult before forcing an update or changing settings.

What You’ll Learn

LiPo batteries are what give your FPV drone its power, performance, and flight time—but they need to be handled with care. In this lesson, we’ll walk through the basics of understanding your batteries, safely charging and storing them, checking battery condition, and knowing what to do after a crash or if a battery looks damaged.

We’ll also cover how to connect your battery to your drone, use your charger and adapters correctly, recognize safe voltage ranges, and build simple habits that help protect both you and your equipment. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel confident preparing, charging, transporting, and caring for your batteries before and after every flight.

Important Reminder

Never charge a LiPo battery unattended, use a damaged or swollen battery, or leave batteries connected to your drone after flying. Always inspect batteries before and after use, and ask WingSmith for help if you are ever unsure about a battery’s condition or how to safely use your charging equipment.

Rules & Regulations for Canadian Drone Pilots

Welcome to Responsible Flight

Flying FPV is exciting, freeing, and incredibly rewarding — but every flight also comes with responsibility.

As a WingSmith pilot, you are responsible for understanding the rules that apply to your drone, your location, and the type of flight you are planning. This lesson is a practical overview of common Canadian requirements, but it is not legal advice and does not replace Transport Canada’s official guidance.

Before every flight, check the current rules, airspace, weather, site conditions, and any local restrictions.

Your Basic Responsibilities as a Pilot

No matter what size drone you fly, you are responsible for operating safely and respectfully.

Always:

• Fly in a way that does not endanger people, property, aircraft, or other airspace users.
• Avoid reckless or negligent flying.
• Complete a pre-flight check of your drone, batteries, props, controller, goggles, and flight area.
• Keep your drone within a distance where you can maintain a reliable control link.
• Watch for people, vehicles, animals, power lines, trees, buildings, and other hazards.
• Stay clear of all aircraft at all times.
• Stay away from emergency scenes, including fires, accidents, police activity, search-and-rescue operations, floods, and wildfires.
• Respect privacy, trespassing laws, property owners, and local bylaws.
• Avoid flying over or close to people who are not involved in your flight.
• Ask permission before flying on private property or at organized locations.
• Check for temporary airspace restrictions, local notices, and event-related restrictions before you fly.

Remember: a drone may be small, but it is still considered an aircraft under Canadian law.

Know Your Drone Weight

Canadian drone requirements are based on your drone’s operating weight.

Operating weight includes the drone itself plus anything attached to or carried by it, such as:

• Battery
• Camera
• Action camera mount
• Prop guards
• GPS unit
• Lights
• Payloads or accessories

This means a drone that is normally under 250 g can become a regulated drone if an accessory or larger battery brings its takeoff weight to 250 g or more.

Drones Under 250 g: Microdrones

A drone weighing less than 250 g at takeoff is considered a microdrone in Canada.

For most normal microdrone flights, you do not need:

• A Transport Canada drone pilot certificate
• Drone registration
• A registration number marked on the aircraft

However, under-250 g does not mean “no rules.”

You must still fly responsibly and avoid creating a risk to people, aircraft, or aviation safety.

Best practices for microdrone pilots

Transport Canada recommends that microdrone pilots:

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight whenever possible.
• Fly below 400 feet above ground level.
• Keep a safe distance from people.
• Stay far away from airports, heliports, water aerodromes, and aircraft.
• Avoid critical infrastructure such as utilities, communication towers, bridges, and similar sites.
• Inspect the drone before flying.
• Maintain a reliable controller connection.

Important restrictions still apply

Even with a sub-250 g drone, you must not fly:

• In restricted airspace without authorization.
• At or near emergency scenes.
• In a way that could interfere with aircraft.
• Recklessly or in a way that puts people at risk.
• At an advertised public event without the required authorization.

When You Need Drone Registration

You must register your drone with Transport Canada when it weighs 250 g or more at takeoff.

This includes:

• Custom-built FPV drones
• Drone kits you assemble yourself
• Ready-to-fly drones
• Drones that exceed 250 g once a battery, action camera, prop guards, lights, or other accessories are added

Once registered, your Transport Canada registration number must be clearly marked on the drone.

You can register drones through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal

When You Need a Pilot Certificate

You need a Transport Canada drone pilot certificate to fly a drone weighing 250 g or more.

The certificate required depends on the type of operation you are doing.

Basic Operations Certificate

A Basic Operations certificate is generally appropriate when you are flying a 250 g to 25 kg drone:

• Where you can always see the drone.
• In uncontrolled airspace.
• More than 30 m horizontally from people not involved in the flight.
• More than 5.6 km from a certified airport.
• More than 1.9 km from a certified heliport.

To earn a Basic Operations certificate, pilots must be at least 14 years old and pass Transport Canada’s online Small Basic Exam.

Advanced Operations Certificate

You may need an Advanced Operations certificate when your planned flight does not meet the conditions for Basic Operations.

Examples can include flights:

• In controlled airspace.
• Closer than 30 m to people not involved in the flight.
• Near certified airports or heliports where the proper authorization is required.
• Over people, when the drone and operation meet specific Transport Canada requirements.

Advanced operations may also require an appropriately declared drone, authorization, and a successful flight review.

Important Note for New FPV Pilots

For many typical FPV freestyle flights with a drone over 250 g, the practical starting point is to:

1. Register the drone.
2. Earn a Basic Operations certificate.
3. Fly only in suitable uncontrolled airspace.
4. Stay well away from bystanders, airports, heliports, emergency sites, and restricted areas.
5. Progress to Advanced certification before attempting more complex operations.

Flying Near Airports, Heliports, and Other Aircraft

Aircraft always have priority.

For Basic Operations, pilots must remain:

• More than 5.6 km from the centre of a certified airport.
• More than 1.9 km from the centre of a certified heliport.

Do not assume an area is safe simply because it looks open or rural. Small aerodromes, water aerodromes, helicopter activity, agricultural aviation, medevac flights, and temporary restrictions may not be obvious from the ground.

Before flying, use reliable tools and official resources to check your intended site.

Recommended tools include:

• NAV CANADA NAV Drone: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/flight-planning/drone-flight-planning.aspx
• NRC Drone Site Selection Tool: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/
• Transport Canada “Where to fly your drone” guidance:
  https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/where-fly-your-drone

Restricted Airspace and Emergency Sites

All drones, including sub-250 g drones, are prohibited from entering certain areas without authorization.

Never fly near:

• Wildfires
• Structure fires
• Traffic accidents
• Police operations
• Search-and-rescue scenes
• Floods or disaster areas
• Restricted airspace
• Areas with a temporary flight restriction or NOTAM
• Military operations or other protected aviation activity

Flying near an emergency response may delay aircraft, interfere with responders, and put lives at risk.

When in doubt, do not fly.

Flying at Markets, Festivals, Sporting Events, and Public Gatherings

Flying at an advertised public event has additional rules.

An advertised event can include an outdoor event promoted to the public, such as:

• Markets
• Festivals
• Concerts
• Sporting events
• Public demonstrations
• Community celebrations
• Public drone demonstrations

To fly a drone at, over, or within the relevant perimeter of an advertised public event, pilots may require a Special Flight Operations Certificate for RPAS (SFOC-RPAS).

This requirement can apply even to drones weighing less than 250 g.

Do not plan to fly at an event simply because your drone is a microdrone. Contact Transport Canada and the event organizer well in advance to confirm the requirements.

Learn more here:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/get-permission-special-drone-operations/flying-your-drone-advertised-event

Respecting Privacy, Property, and People

Transport Canada rules are not the only rules that may apply to your flight.

Pilots must also respect:

• Privacy laws
• Trespassing laws
• Local bylaws
• Provincial and municipal park rules
• Landowner rules
• Event organizer rules
• Indigenous land and community requirements
• Conservation-area restrictions
• Rules set by schools, businesses, trails, or recreation sites

Avoid filming people closely without their knowledge or consent. Do not fly where your presence could make others feel unsafe, watched, or intimidated.

A respectful pilot protects the future of the hobby.

Pre-Flight Pilot Checklist

Before every flight, ask yourself:

• Is my drone under or over 250 g with the battery and all accessories installed?
• Do I need to register this drone?
• Do I need a Basic or Advanced pilot certificate for this flight?
• Is my registration number clearly marked on the aircraft?
• Is my pilot certificate available on my phone or in print, if required?
• Is this area safe, legal, and appropriate for flight?
• Am I clear of airports, heliports, aerodromes, emergency scenes, and restricted airspace?
• Are there people, animals, vehicles, or property that could be affected by my flight?
• Do I have permission to fly at this location?
• Are my batteries, props, electronics, radio link, goggles, and failsafe settings ready?
• Do I have a safe takeoff area and a safe plan for landing?
• Would I feel comfortable explaining this flight to a property owner, bystander, or Transport Canada inspector?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no” or “I’m not sure,” pause and verify before flying.

Official Transport Canada Resources

For the latest requirements, always refer to Transport Canada directly.

Drone Safety Overview
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety

Flying Your Drone Safely and Legally
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally

Drone Categories and Pilot Certificates
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/drone-operation-categories-pilot-certificates

Microdrone Rules: Less Than 250 g
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/drone-operation-categories-pilot-certificates/microdrones

Basic Operations
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/drone-operation-categories-pilot-certificates/basic-operations

Advanced Operations
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/drone-operation-categories-pilot-certificates/advanced-operations

Register Your Drone
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/registering-your-drone

Drone Management Portal
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal

Where to Fly Your Drone
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/where-fly-your-drone

Flying at an Advertised Event
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/get-permission-special-drone-operations/flying-your-drone-advertised-event

Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IX — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-96-433/page-119.html

Final Reminder

WingSmith Academy is here to help you become a safer, more confident pilot — but you are ultimately responsible for every flight you make.

Rules can change. Locations can have unique restrictions. Conditions can change quickly.

Fly smart. Fly respectfully. Protect people, property, and the future of FPV.

Setting Up Your Simulator: LiftOff

Before your first real flight, we strongly recommend spending time in a simulator.

Simulator practice is one of the best ways to build muscle memory, get comfortable with your controller, and learn how FPV drones respond — without risking your drone, props, batteries, or confidence. Crashes are part of learning, and LiftOff gives you a safe place to make those mistakes first.

Your Included LiftOff Access

Every complete WingSmith drone kit purchase includes access to the LiftOff FPV Simulator.

After your order is placed, you will receive an email from WingSmith with a unique Steam access code. This code is yours to redeem on your own Steam account.

Please keep your code private and do not share it with anyone else. Once a Steam code has been redeemed, it is permanently connected to that Steam account and cannot be transferred to another account.

If you do not see your code shortly after placing your complete kit order, please check your junk or promotions folder first. If it still is not there, contact us and we will help.

What You Need

To get started with LiftOff, you will need:

• A computer that can run Steam and LiftOff
• A free Steam account
• Your unique WingSmith LiftOff access code
• Your FPV radio/controller
• A USB data cable that fits your controller
• Internet access for downloading and activating the game

Your controller should be connected directly to your computer using a data-capable USB cable. Some USB cables only charge devices and will not allow your computer to recognize the controller, so use the cable that came with your radio where possible.

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your Steam Account

Steam is the platform used to download and launch LiftOff.

1. Visit Steam and create a free account, or log in to your existing account.
2. Download and install the Steam desktop application on your computer.
3. Open Steam and sign in.

You will need to redeem your WingSmith code through Steam before LiftOff will appear in your game library.

Step 2: Redeem Your WingSmith LiftOff Code

Once you are signed into Steam:

1. Open the Steam desktop application.
2. Select Games in the top menu.
3. Click Activate a Product on Steam.
4. Follow the prompts and enter your unique WingSmith access code exactly as provided.
5. Once accepted, LiftOff will be added to your Steam Library.

You can also activate a Steam product code through the “+ Add a Game” button in the bottom-left corner of the Steam client, then choose Activate a Product on Steam.

After activation, your code is attached to your Steam account. You will not need to enter it again.

Step 3: Download and Install LiftOff

1. In Steam, open your Library.
2. Search for LiftOff: FPV Drone Racing.
3. Select the game and click Install.
4. Choose where you would like Steam to install the game.
5. Let the download complete.
6. Click Play to launch LiftOff.

The first launch may take a little longer while the game completes its setup or downloads updates.

Step 4: Connect Your Controller

Your real FPV controller is the most important part of simulator practice. Using your actual radio helps you develop the same stick movements and muscle memory you will use when flying your WingSmith drone.

1. Turn on your controller.
2. Connect it to your computer using a USB data cable.
3. If your controller asks which USB mode to use, choose the option that allows it to function as a controller or joystick. On many radios, this may be called USB Joystick, HID, or Simulator mode.
4. Open LiftOff.
5. Go to the controller or input settings menu.
6. Select your controller and begin calibration.

During calibration, move each stick fully in every direction when prompted. Make sure LiftOff correctly recognizes throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll.

Important: Do not practice with props installed

You are connecting only your controller to the computer — not your drone. Your drone should remain powered off, with no battery connected, while setting up your simulator.

Step 5: Set Up Your Controls

LiftOff should detect many common FPV radios automatically, but you may still need to confirm your channel mapping and switch assignments.

Your basic controls should be:

• Throttle: Left stick up and down
• Yaw: Left stick left and right
• Pitch: Right stick up and down
• Roll: Right stick left and right

Most new FPV pilots use Mode 2, which places throttle and yaw on the left stick and pitch and roll on the right stick. This is the standard setup for most FPV pilots in North America.

Before flying, make sure the sticks move in a way that feels intuitive to you. It is much easier to correct control mapping in the simulator than after your first real flight.

Step 6: Start with the Basics

Do not worry about racing, tricks, speed, or fancy maps right away.

Your first goal is simply to develop smooth, controlled movement.

Start by practicing:

1. Taking off gently.
2. Hovering without overcorrecting.
3. Flying slowly in a straight line.
4. Making wide, smooth turns.
5. Flying through open areas before attempting gates or obstacles.
6. Landing gently and consistently.

At first, your flying may feel awkward, twitchy, or completely out of control. That is normal. FPV uses a different control style than camera drones, and it takes time for your hands to build the right muscle memory.

Small, regular practice sessions are more helpful than one long, frustrating session.

A great starting goal is 15 to 30 minutes at a time, several days per week.

Recommended Early Practice Settings

When you are brand new, keep your setup simple:

• Choose a large, open environment.
• Avoid race tracks or tight obstacle courses at first.
• Use a beginner-friendly drone preset if available.
• Keep camera angle low until you are comfortable.
• Focus on smooth stick movements rather than speed.
• Give yourself permission to crash — simulator crashes are free.

Once you can take off, turn, recover, and land with confidence, begin working on wider turns, simple figure eights, gentle dives, and flying through larger gates.

When Are You Ready for Your First Real Flight?

You do not need to be perfect before flying your real WingSmith drone.

However, you should feel reasonably comfortable with:

• Taking off without instantly crashing.
• Keeping your drone roughly under control.
• Turning without panicking.
• Recovering after drifting off course.
• Landing or disarming safely.
• Understanding the difference between throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll.

Simulator time will not make your first real flight effortless, but it will make the experience much less intimidating and much more enjoyable.

Troubleshooting

My controller is not showing up in LiftOff

Try these steps:

• Confirm your controller is powered on.
• Try a different USB cable. Some cables only provide charging and do not transfer data.
• Try another USB port on your computer.
• Make sure your radio is in USB Joystick, HID, or Simulator mode if prompted.
• Close and reopen LiftOff after connecting the controller.
• Restart your controller and computer if needed.

My sticks are moving the wrong way

Open LiftOff’s controller settings and run the calibration process again. Confirm that each stick movement is assigned to the correct control before flying.

My LiftOff code says it has already been redeemed

Steam codes can only be redeemed once. First, check whether LiftOff is already in your Steam Library under your account. If it is not, contact WingSmith with your order number and the exact error message you received.

I cannot find my LiftOff code

Check your order email, spam folder, promotions folder, and any secondary email address you may have used at checkout. If you still cannot find it, contact WingSmith and we will help verify your purchase and resend your code where applicable.

Helpful Resources

Learn to Fly: Learn to fly an FPV drone TODAY (for total beginners)

Steam: Activate a Product on Steam
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/2A12-9D79-C3D7-F870

LiftOff Support Centre
https://www.liftoff-game.com/support

Final Reminder

Simulator time is not a replacement for safe real-world flying — but it is one of the best ways to prepare for it.

Take your time, keep your practice sessions positive, and celebrate the small wins. Every smooth turn, controlled recovery, and clean landing is building the confidence you will carry into your first real FPV flight.

Practice first. Fly with confidence.

Ongoing Support: When to Send It In

FPV drones are built to fly hard, learn from, and occasionally crash. A damaged prop, loose antenna, scraped frame, or bent motor bell does not mean your drone is finished — it is simply part of the hobby.

At WingSmith, we want you to feel supported long after your drone arrives. You never need to feel embarrassed about a crash, unsure of a repair, or worried that you have “done something wrong.” We are here to help you get back in the air safely.

Some issues can be handled at home with a quick check or a simple part replacement. Others are better handled by our team. This lesson will help you decide which is which.

Start With a Quick Safety Check

After any hard crash, impact, unusual sound, or loss of control, stop and inspect your drone before plugging in another battery.

Do not continue flying if you notice:

• A cracked or badly bent prop
• A loose motor, arm, camera, antenna, or battery strap
• Exposed wires or damaged solder joints
• A damaged battery lead or connector
• A hot smell, smoke, sparking, or unusual heat
• A swollen, punctured, damaged, or overheated LiPo battery
• A drone that flips, twitches, spins, or behaves unpredictably on takeoff
• Video signal loss, a loose antenna, or a damaged camera
• A frame crack, broken arm, or hardware that will not stay tight

When in doubt, unplug the battery and pause. It is always better to inspect first than to turn a small repair into a larger one.

Repairs You May Feel Comfortable Doing Yourself

Many common FPV maintenance tasks are beginner-friendly once you have the right tools and feel confident.

You may choose to handle these yourself:

• Replacing damaged props
• Tightening loose screws
• Replacing battery straps
• Cleaning grass, dirt, or debris from motors and electronics
• Replacing a simple TPU mount or accessory
• Inspecting for loose hardware after a crash
• Replacing a compatible antenna, when you understand how it is mounted and connected

WingSmith Academy is here to help you learn these skills at your own pace. You are never required to do repairs yourself, though. Some pilots love learning to maintain their drone; others would rather send it in and get back to flying. Both are completely okay.

When to Contact WingSmith First

Please reach out before flying again when you are experiencing an issue you cannot confidently identify or repair.

Contact us if:

• The drone will not power on.
• The drone powers on but does not connect properly to the controller, goggles, or video feed.
• It will not arm, or it arms but immediately behaves unexpectedly.
• It flips, spins, or launches uncontrollably on takeoff.
• A motor feels rough, seized, loose, excessively hot, or makes an unusual sound.
• You have a damaged wire, connector, solder joint, flight controller, ESC, camera, GPS, receiver, or video system.
• You see smoke, smell burning electronics, or notice signs of an electrical short.
• You are unsure whether a crash caused hidden damage.
• You have adjusted settings and now need help returning the drone to a safe, reliable setup.
• You would simply prefer professional help.

A quick message and a few photos or a short video can often help us identify the likely problem before you ship anything.

Book a Free Repair Consult

Every WingSmith customer can book a free 15-minute repair consult with us.

This is a great first step when you are unsure what happened, want help deciding whether you can repair it yourself, or need guidance on whether the drone should be sent in.

Before your consult, it helps to have:

• Your order number, if available
• A clear photo of the whole drone
• Close-up photos of the suspected damage
• A short video showing the issue, such as a motor sound, video problem, startup sequence, or unusual behaviour
• A brief explanation of what happened before the issue started
• The battery and accessories you were using, if relevant

Please remove props before recording any powered troubleshooting video unless we specifically instruct you otherwise.

[BOOK YOUR FREE 15-MINUTE REPAIR CONSULT]

When You Should Send Your Drone In

We recommend sending your WingSmith drone in when the repair involves electrical work, structural damage, software troubleshooting you are not comfortable with, or any issue where safety is uncertain.

Send it in when you have:

• A broken frame, arm, standoff, or other structural damage
• Damaged or lifted solder pads
• Cut, torn, or disconnected wiring
• A damaged flight controller, ESC, receiver, camera, GPS unit, or video transmitter
• Repeated desyncs, black-screen video, unexplained failsafes, or persistent connection issues
• A motor or ESC that gets unusually hot
• Water damage or contamination that may have reached electronics
• A drone that will not arm, repeatedly resets, or behaves unpredictably after a crash
• A repair you do not feel comfortable completing yourself

You do not need to diagnose the exact issue before contacting us. That is what we are here for.

What Happens When You Send It In

Our repair process is designed to be straightforward.

1. Contact us or book a consult

Start by sending us photos, a short video, and a description of the issue. We will help determine whether the drone needs to come in and provide the next steps.

2. Receive shipping instructions

If an in-house repair is the right option, we will provide instructions for safely packing and shipping your drone to us.

Unless otherwise discussed, please do not send LiPo batteries with your drone. Damaged or used LiPo batteries have specific shipping requirements and should never be mailed casually.

3. Inspection and repair assessment

Once your drone arrives, we will inspect it and identify what needs attention. We will let you know what we found, what repairs are recommended, and any estimated costs for parts or repair work before proceeding with non-warranty repairs.

4. Repair, testing, and return

Once approved, we complete the repair, check the build, and test the drone to help ensure it is ready for safe flight again. We then package it carefully and arrange return shipping.

Repair Costs and Crash Damage

Normal crash damage, wear and tear, water damage, improper setup, unauthorized modifications, and damage caused by misuse are not generally covered as warranty repairs.

However, WingSmith customers are never left on their own. We are happy to offer repair support and help you find the most practical path forward.

For customer-caused crash damage, customers are generally responsible for:

• Replacement parts
• Repair labour, where applicable
• Shipping to and from WingSmith

We will always aim to explain the repair options clearly before work begins, so there are no surprises.

Want to Repair It Yourself?

You are welcome to repair your own WingSmith drone.

For pilots who want to learn, we can help identify compatible parts, provide guidance where possible, and support your repair journey through WingSmith Academy and repair consultations.

If you would like to complete the repair yourself, we may be able to supply replacement parts at cost plus shipping, depending on availability.

Please remember that self-repairs are done at your own discretion. If you ever feel unsure, stop and reach out before powering the drone.

How to Pack Your Drone for Repair

When sending your drone to WingSmith:

• Remove all LiPo batteries.
• Remove loose accessories unless we ask you to include them.
• Use a sturdy box with enough padding to prevent movement.
• Protect antennas, camera lenses, and exposed electronics.
• Include your name, return address, contact details, order number if available, and a short description of the issue.
• Use the shipping method and address provided in our repair instructions.

Do not send a battery that is swollen, punctured, damaged, or otherwise unsafe.

Your Repair Checklist

Before booking a consult or sending your drone in, ask yourself:

• Have I removed the battery and inspected the drone?
• Are the props removed for any powered bench testing?
• Can I take clear photos or a short video of the issue?
• Have I checked for obvious loose screws, damaged props, loose connectors, or broken wires?
• Do I know what happened immediately before the problem started?
• Am I comfortable doing this repair safely, or would I rather have help?

There is no prize for forcing a repair you do not feel ready for. A safe, well-supported pilot is a better pilot.

Final Reminder

FPV is a hands-on hobby, and crashes happen to everyone — including experienced pilots.

The goal is not to avoid every repair. The goal is to learn, fly safely, and know when to ask for help.

Whether you are replacing your first prop, diagnosing a strange motor sound, or sending in a more complex repair, WingSmith is here to help keep you flying.

Crash. Learn. Repair. Fly again.