Angle mode self-levels the drone and limits how far it can tilt, so it's the easiest FPV mode. Horizon mode self-levels near center stick but lets you flip at full stick. Acro (rate) mode never self-levels: the sticks set how fast the drone rotates, which gives full control for freestyle and racing. Air mode is not a flight mode at all; it's a setting that keeps stabilization working at zero throttle.
Angle mode
In angle mode, the stick position sets the drone's tilt angle. Let go of the stick and the drone levels itself. There's a maximum tilt, so the drone can't flip.
- Good for: first flights, smooth cruising, getting used to goggles.
- Limits: no flips or rolls, and the tilt limit caps top speed.
- Note: angle mode levels the drone but doesn't hold position. On most hobby FPV builds it will still drift with wind.
Horizon mode
Horizon mode behaves like angle mode near center stick, then switches to rate-style rotation as you push toward full deflection. Push the stick all the way and the drone flips or rolls, then levels itself when you release.
- Good for: learning flips without committing to acro.
- Limits: the switch between leveling and rotation can feel unpredictable. Many pilots skip it and go straight from angle to acro in a simulator.
Acro mode (rate mode)
In acro mode, stick position sets the rotation rate, not the angle. Center the stick and the drone holds whatever attitude it's in, even upside down. You control everything, including keeping it level.
- Good for: freestyle, racing, cinematic dives and orbits with natural motion.
- Limits: steep learning curve. Practice in a simulator first.
- Rates and expo: "rates" set how fast the drone spins at full stick. "Expo" softens the center of the stick for fine control while keeping fast rotation at the ends.
What is air mode?
Air mode is a flight controller feature, found in firmware such as Betaflight, that keeps the stabilization loop active when the throttle is at or near zero. Without it, the drone loses authority when you cut throttle mid-flip and can tumble. With it, you can do flips, dives and hang time with the throttle low and stay in control. It's used alongside acro mode, not instead of it. Because it keeps the motors responding at zero throttle, arm and disarm carefully on the ground.
How DJI's modes map to these
| DJI Avata 2 mode | Feels like | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (N) | Stabilized, holds position with GNSS and vision | 8 m/s |
| Sport (S) | Stabilized, faster and more responsive | 16 m/s |
| Manual (M) | Acro, no self-leveling or auto-brake | 27 m/s |
Manual mode on the Avata 2 needs the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 and is off by default. You enable it in the goggles and can tune Gain and Expo there. The RC Motion 3 doesn't support Manual mode, but it offers Easy ACRO, which performs flips, rolls and Power Loops with one push while the drone stays stabilized. More in best Avata 2 settings.
Which mode should you start with?
Start in a simulator in angle mode, move to acro as soon as hovering and turns feel natural, and fly real drones in stabilized modes until you're consistent. For a first FPV drone, see best FPV drone for beginners. Remember that FAA rules require a visual observer next to you when you fly in goggles; see how to fly a drone.
Related guides
- How to fly the DJI Avata 2 in manual mode (and Easy ACRO)
- DJI RS 4 modes explained: PF, PTF, FPV, 360 roll and push mode
- Is the DJI Avata 2 good for freestyle FPV?
- DJI Avata 2 vs Air 3S: FPV or camera drone?
- Drone flight modes explained: Cine, Normal, Sport, ATTI and headless
- Best FPV drone for beginners (2026)
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