What can hurt you, and what do you do when it does?

Most accidents come from the person holding the sticks: rushing, not checking, not paying attention. Only a few come from the drone or the radio link.

That’s good news: it’s in your hands. This guide is everything we do at HOBIzone to keep each other safe.

On the bench or in the pits a drone can start by itself: a bump on the switch, a wrong setting, a stuck radio. Spinning props cut. So: props off, then battery.

Never on the bench, never in the pits.

Fix it, set it up, test the motors. Always without props. Props go on only at the flying area, just before you fly.

A drone can spin up again even when it looks off. Before you pick it up, carry it or touch a prop: disarm, then unplug the battery.

Arm switch off. Wait for the props to stop.

Battery out before you touch the drone.

Now you can pick it up, carry it, or change a prop.

Hear a beep or see a light? It’s live. Hands away from the props.

Hotter than a pizza oven: it burns in less than a second. If it happens, don’t panic. Do this:

Cool running water for 20 minutes. Yes, really 20.

Take off rings and watches before it swells.

After cooling: burn gel or spray from the first-aid kit, then cling film.

Every time, even if it seems tiny. You won’t be in trouble.

Know where they are before you switch the iron on.

Bigger than your palm, on the face or hands, or big blisters.

ice, butter or toothpaste · popping blisters · catching a falling iron, let it fall

The tip is hotter than any kitchen oven: around 350–400 °C. Do this first, every time.

Solder and flux can spit.

The smoke is flux. Don’t breathe it.

Every time you let go. Hold the handle, never the metal.

After soldering. No food or drinks at the bench.

And let it cool before you pack it away.

No LiPo plugged in while you solder.

A LiPo battery holds a lot of energy. Treat it well and it’s safe. Damage it and it can burn. We’ll have a whole guide about batteries. Until then, these rules:

Someone always watches while batteries charge.

On stone or metal, never on a carpet, bed or wooden table.

A swollen, dented or cut battery: don’t charge it, don’t fly it. Give it to your trainer.

Never leave a battery in the charger or plugged into the drone.

Next two slides: why a battery burns, and what to do.

Old or dead batteries never go in the bin. They go to a battery collection box.

A LiPo isn’t like wood or paper. Once one cell overheats, it feeds its own fire. That’s called thermal runaway.

A crash, a puncture, overcharging, a short circuit, or a puffy old pack.

Inside it, the chemicals start to break down and make more heat.

The heat spreads to the next cell, and the next. It gets hotter and hotter by itself.

It hisses, puffs up, pours out thick toxic smoke, then can burst into jets of flame.

Why it’s hard to stop: it makes its own heat, the smoke is poisonous, and it can flare up again hours later. Fire services say you can’t really put it out. You can only cool it and keep it from spreading.

Move back. Get everyone away. Don’t breathe the smoke.

“Battery fire!”. Loud, so everyone hears.

Not to throw it, not to move it. It can be 500 °C+.

Only if it’s safe. Otherwise just get out and call 112.

At the wall socket, not by grabbing the battery.

Fire blanket, sand bucket or the LiPo bag/box. Keep it from spreading.

Fire services say water is best: it cools. Powder and CO₂ don’t cool it.

Shovel or metal tongs into a bucket of sand or water. Never by hand.

It can flare up again. Leave it outside in sand or water.

Big fire, lots of smoke, or it spreads? Get out and call 112. At the club: know where the fire blanket, the sand bucket and the exit are.

A drone in the air is fast and has sharp props. Everyone around you needs to know what you’re doing.

On the reservation screen, before you plug in. Someone on your channel? Wait your turn.

Video power never higher, in practice and in races.

“Plugging in!” “Taking off!” “Landing!” “Crash!”

Stay in the pilot area. Never fly over or towards anyone.

More in the guide Know your channel.

Flying outside our training hall? Drones follow EU rules. In Estonia they are run by Transpordiamet.

If your drone weighs 250 g or more, or has a camera. Your operator ID goes on the drone.

The free A1/A3 course and test, about an hour. Needed from 250 g. A good idea for everyone.

And keep away from people, roads and buildings.

Airports and no-fly zones: utm.eans.ee

A spotter stands next to you and watches the drone. Always, even under 250 g.

Rules change. Always check the latest at transpordiamet.ee.

You have to be 16 to take the A1/A3 test. Younger pilots fly bigger drones only under the direct supervision of a pilot who has it.

Outdoor training and official races happen in a designated area, under a coach’s supervision. The coach is the responsible pilot.

Under 16 you can’t get certified yet. Only toys and home-built drones under 250 g have no age limit. Anything bigger needs a certified pilot in charge.

No certificate? Don’t fly alone. Take a licensed adult with you. They are the responsible pilot. Flying FPV? You still need a spotter.

Frame, motors and props: no cracks

Props tight and on the right motors

Battery charged, not puffy

Channel booked, 25 mW

Safe spot, no people in the way

Tell everyone: “Plugging in!”

Keep it where you or your spotter can see it

Stay away from people and animals

Watch the battery: land in time

Something wrong? Land, then fix

Say it out loud: taking off, landing, crash

Disarm, then battery out

Check props and frame

Let the battery cool before charging

Not flying for days? Storage charge (3.8 V)

Clean up your spot

What went well? What next time?

Almost every accident is the pilot, not the drone, so the safety is in your hands: props off on the bench, batteries watched, and everyone around you knowing what you're doing.

Props off on the bench. Battery out before you touch the drone.

Never charge alone. Puffy, dented or hot? Stop.

Battery fire: get away, shout, never touch it.

Burn: cool it under running water for 20 minutes, tell your trainer.

Under 16? The coach is the pilot.

Big burn or big fire: call 112.