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Lesson 2: Capturing Video

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the VEX AIR Drone Controller to record video during flights with the VEX AIR Drone. You will learn how to view videos on the controller, access them with a computer, and consider how recording video can help you improve your piloting skills.

Watch the video below to learn about:

  • Using the controller to capture a video during flight.
  • Viewing your video recordings on the controller.
  • Accessing video recordings on a computer.

Mission: Lights, Flight, Action!

In this mission, you will fly over three locations while recording a video of your flight. You will watch the video after the flight and document what you learned in your Mission Log. 

Follow these steps to complete your mission:

  1. Mark three numbered locations in your flight area to the right of the takeoff zone, in the lower left corner of the field.

    1. Marker 1 should be near the lower right corner. Marker 1 should be 7 ft (2.13 m) apart from marker 2.
    2. Marker 2 should be near the center. Marker 2 should be 8 ft (2.44 m) apart from the drone.
    3. Marker 3 should be near the upper right corner. Marker 3 should be 7 ft (2.13 m) apart from marker 2.
    4. Refer to the image below for the correct positioning.

    A sample Mission setup with the drone in one corner facing out. Three numbered red diamonds are arranged as follows: 1 is near the bottom right corner of the field. 2 is near the center of the field. 3 is near the top right corner of the field.

  2. Ensure all flight team members are clear on their roles, then use the pre-flight checklist in the Mission Log (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf) to ensure you, your flight environment, and the drone itself are ready and safe for flight.
    1. See this article for pre-flight safety reminders and guidance on getting your drone ready for flight.
  3. Take off and fly the drone to the marked locations in number order. 
    1. Start recording video when you reach Marker 1. 
    2. Stop recording when you reach Marker 3.
  4. Together with your flight team, view your video recording. 
    1. For more information about recording and accessing videos, see this article.
  5. Document your flight in the Mission Log.

Real-World Connections

Professional drone pilots do not rely only on what they see during flight. They often review photos and recorded video afterward to analyze their performance.

An older gentleman sits against a rock outcropping overlooking the ocean, holding a drone in one hand, and viewing video footage on a controller in the other hand.

By watching recordings, they can see if the drone stayed steady, responded quickly, or moved too sharply. In the same way, when you review your own photos and videos, you may notice small details you missed during flight, like being slightly off target or not landing as smoothly as you thought. Visual feedback helps turn practice into real improvement.

Check Your Understanding

Before moving on, ensure that you understand the concepts in this lesson by answering the questions here (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf).

Select < Return to Units to move on to the next unit.

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