Getting Started Flying Fixed Wing Drones
Here is how First Class Drones learned to fly fixed wing aircraft.
When we started flying fixed wing drones at First Class Drones, we already had experience flying FPV drones. The controls felt familiar, but learning to manage an aircraft that depends on forward airflow introduced a new set of skills.
We approached the transition with two starter aircraft, at least 25 hours on the RealFlight RC Flight Simulator before flying the real planes, and instruction from a pilot who also built and configured our drones. Here is how we got started.
What changes when you fly a Fixed Wing Drone
A conventional fixed wing drone generates lift as air flows over its wings. You need room to launch, space to turn, and a planned approach to landing. You also need to understand how pitch, power and airspeed work together.
For pilots coming from multirotors, judging the space and energy an aircraft needs for a turn or an approach takes practice. Learning on small, repairable aircraft made sense for us.
The fixed wing drones we started with
We hired Luciano Di Blasi, Partner and Chief Pilot at AeroPrecision Drones, to build our aircraft and train us. His initial recommendation was a small aircraft intended for a lightweight setup, paired with a larger model that would give us something more challenging to learn on.
Our choice reflected our FPV experience and interest in learning ArduPilot. If you are starting with no RC flying experience, ask an instructor about a purpose-built trainer. Horizon Hobby's trainer guide describes the high-wing layouts commonly used for stability in beginner aircraft. Choose a model that fits your experience and available flying space, with replacement parts you can obtain.
ZOHD Talon 250G Fixed Wing Drone
Our smaller aircraft was the ZOHD Talon 250G, which has a 620 mm wingspan. We bought the PNP version, supplied with its motor, electronic speed controller and servos. This gave us a compact platform for getting familiar with fixed wing handling.
One practical benefit of these foam aircraft is that damaged airframe parts can often be replaced while retaining serviceable electronics, subject to inspection after an impact.
XFly X1300 FPV Fixed Wing Drone
Our larger aircraft was the XFly X1300 FPV, a high-wing model with a 1,300 mm wingspan and a rear-mounted pusher propeller. We also purchased it in PNP form. It gave us a second platform to practise on and introduced a more demanding hand launch.
During training, the larger aircraft's three supplied batteries were tested at approximately 15 to 20 minutes of flight time each. That gave us useful time for repeated launches and landings. Flight time will vary with the setup and conditions.
The X1300's manufacturer also provides downloadable files for printing plastic replacement parts. That is a useful feature when choosing an aircraft you intend to maintain and repair as you learn.
The electronics and batteries behind the builds
Across the two builds, our equipment invoice included:
· TBS Crossfire Nano receivers for the radio control links.
· DJI O4 Air Unit for digital FPV video.
· A Foxeer M10 G180 V2 GPS and a Matek flight controller.
· A LIONPACK 18650 2S1P 3500 mAh lithium-ion battery and three 4S lithium-ion packs for the larger aircraft.
· An X1300 replacement tail section, plus cables, connectors and other build supplies.
We discussed reusing equipment we already owned and worked through compatibility with our builder. PNP means plug-and-play; the aircraft still needs the remaining equipment and setup required for its intended operation.
Getting the setup right before the first flight
An experienced builder can help with more than assembly. Fixed wing handling depends on how the aircraft is balanced and how its controls are configured.
ArduPilot's centre of gravity guide explains that the centre of gravity is the aircraft's balance point. Moving a battery or changing equipment can shift it. Check the balance with the actual flight battery and payload installed, and use the model's instructions and an experienced pilot's guidance to establish the correct position.
Its first flight calibration guide also calls for checking control-surface direction and the direction of the autopilot's stabilising corrections. Those are separate checks: the surfaces must respond correctly to pilot commands and to the flight controller. Ask your builder to demonstrate the checks and explain the switches you will use. Follow the manufacturer's procedure for making ground tests safely.
Our first 25 hours were in RealFlight
Before flying the actual aircraft, we downloaded the RealFlight RC Flight Simulator and spent at least 25 hours practising. Being able to repeat an approach, try a different aircraft and reset after a mistake made it a useful place to build familiarity.
Our FPV experience and time playing video games gave us a head start with the controls. With our controller setup, pulling back on the right stick pitched the plane's nose up. That movement already felt natural to us, which helped when we started flying simulated planes.
The next step was understanding what those inputs did to the aircraft's flight path and airspeed. Raising the nose has to be balanced with available power and the wing's angle of attack. It does not guarantee that the aircraft will keep climbing.
Luciano supplied exercises for simulator practice covering stall recovery, stalls in a landing attitude, stalls during more aggressive manoeuvres, and slow flight. Those exercises gave us specific situations to work on as we prepared for field training.
Give simulator sessions a clear purpose
The RealFlight help guide describes training lessons, different camera views, and adjustable wind and turbulence. Those features let you add difficulty gradually. Useful goals for a session include:
· Maintain level flight and repeat gentle turns in both directions.
· Fly from a fixed ground viewpoint to practise judging the aircraft's orientation.
· Repeat approaches and landings, including a go-around when the approach is poor.
· Once the basics are repeatable, introduce light simulated wind and observe how it changes the approach.
Repeat an exercise until you can recognise a mistake and make a controlled correction. Field instruction then adds the behaviour of your actual aircraft and the practical work of launching and landing it.
How much training we had before flying independently
Alongside our simulator practice, our instructor-led training consisted of:
· Three hours of remote training.
· One full day of flight training in the field.
· A further four hours of flight training in the field.
That was seven hours of instruction plus a full field day, in addition to the 25 or more simulator hours. The programme introduced fixed wing theory and ArduPilot, then gave us practical time with the aircraft.
In his follow-up, Luciano said we had a good handle on the smaller aircraft and that Josh was handling the larger one well. His assessment was that we were ready to continue flying the two planes ourselves, while noting a few remaining controller setup items and further work on launching the larger model.
That was our progression with previous FPV experience. A complete beginner may need more instruction and practice. Readiness also depends on the aircraft, conditions and completed setup.
Launching and landing deserve dedicated practice
Hand-launching the larger aircraft was the main skill our instructor identified for improvement. The technique and power setting should come from the aircraft's instructions and someone familiar with the actual build.
On landing, you are managing your approach, descent and airspeed as the aircraft gets closer to the ground. Repeated practice helps you recognize an approach that is becoming unstable early enough to respond.
Stall awareness was a central part of our training. As the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook explains, a wing stalls when it exceeds its critical angle of attack. That can happen at high airspeed as well as low airspeed. Pulling harder during a steep turn can create a stall even when the aircraft appears to be moving quickly. Recognizing the situation and learning the aircraft's recovery procedure with an instructor deserve dedicated practice.
Learning ArduPilot and automatic flight
Our training also included an introduction to Auto mode and building a mission in ArduPilot on the larger aircraft.
ArduPilot's flight mode guide helps explain what the pilot controls and what the autopilot handles. Four useful modes to understand are:
Flight mode | What it does |
MANUAL | The pilot directly commands the control surfaces. |
FBWA | Roll and pitch follow pilot input within configured limits, with stabilisation. The pilot controls throttle. |
AUTO | The autopilot follows the programmed mission. |
RTL | The aircraft returns to and circles home or a configured rally point. |
The exact behaviour depends on configuration, so work through your own setup with an instructor before relying on a mode. Fixed wing RTL needs room for an orbit. Mission planning must also allow for turns and a suitable landing area.
Getting started with fixed wing drones in Canada
Transport Canada's microdrone category applies to aircraft weighing less than 250 grams in operation. Added electronics or a different battery can change the category. Check the current requirements for your completed aircraft and planned operation, including registration, pilot certification and airspace permissions where applicable. Microdrones must also be flown responsibly and need permission to enter restricted airspace.
What we would recommend to a new fixed wing drone pilot
Start with an aircraft suited to your experience and a flying location that gives you enough room. Put time into a simulator, then work with an instructor who understands your model and can help with both setup and flying.
Our FPV and gaming experience helped with stick movements. Simulator practice and field instruction helped us learn how to use them well and identify what to keep working on.
At First Class Drones, we continue developing our skills across different types of aircraft. You can contact our team to discuss the planning and preparation for your drone project.
Frequently asked questions
Are fixed wing drones suitable for beginners?
Yes, with a suitable aircraft and an instructor. Simulator practice helps you prepare, while field training teaches airspeed management, stall awareness, launches and landings.
Which fixed wing drones did First Class Drones start with?
We started with the ZOHD Talon 250G and XFly X1300 FPV. We bought PNP versions and hired an experienced pilot to build, configure and train us on both aircraft.
How much training did you have before flying?
We spent at least 25 hours in RealFlight, alongside three hours of remote training, a full day of field training and another four hours in the field. We already had FPV experience, so a complete beginner may need more practice.
Can RealFlight help me learn to fly fixed wing drones?
Yes. It lets you practise turns, approaches, landings and recovery exercises before risking a real aircraft. Use simulator practice alongside instruction on your actual model.
Do I need a licence to fly a fixed wing drone in Canada?
For typical starter aircraft weighing 250 g or more, you generally need registration and an appropriate Transport Canada pilot certificate. Aircraft under 250 g do not require either, but microdrone rules and airspace restrictions still apply. Weigh the complete aircraft, including its battery and accessories.
This blog was written by:
Misha Herschorn
Owner and Head Pilot at First Class Drones
Bio:
Since 2016, Misha has been operating drones professionally, delivering drone services for large television productions, residential and commercial developments, energy and utilities and many more! His work combines technical precision with a strong creative eye, always prioritizing safety, legality, and quality.
Misha has extensive experience in aerial cinematography, drone mapping and custom drone design helping First Class Drones delivers professional results tailored to each project.
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