A New Way to Fly: Combine Automatic Flight Paths with Manual Fine-tuning

A New Way to Fly: Combine Automatic Flight Paths with Manual Fine-tuning

CoPilot Mode Launched Release Date: May 30, 2025

Compatible Models: HOVERAir X1 PRO/PROMAX

Sometimes, automatic flight just isn’t enough—you want the camera to follow you, but also to move just the way you want. That’s where CoPilot comes in.


With CoPilot, you can take over the direction anytime during smart tracking. Just push the directional buttons on your Beacon, joystick or use manual control with your phone—forward, back, left, right, even turn it slightly—all while the camera stays focused on you - no flying skills are needed.

What is CoPilot mode?

CoPilot adds a new level of flexibility to automatic flight modes. It allows you to make real-time, manual adjustments to your camera’s position during intelligent tracking. Currently available in Follow, Side Track, and Dolly Track modes, CoPilot lets you push the flying camera in any direction:


  • Push up/down on the stick to fly the camera higher or lower.
  • Push forward/backward to move it closer or further from your subject.
  • Push left/right to orbit gently clockwise or counterclockwise while still tracking.
  • Meanwhile, one-handed motion control is also supported

With CoPilot mode, you can hold the Beacon, RC, or your phone to track yourself, all while taking control as the director of your family adventures or friends’ gatherings.

Why do you need CoPilot?

Because sometimes, you need more flexibility. 

Automatic flight modes are great for capturing smooth, professional-looking shots—but they often follow a fixed path. With CoPilot, you can inject your own creativity into each flight, making subtle adjustments that add flair, variety, and a more personal touch to your footage. 

Because you want the angle to be ideal. Ever started an auto-follow only to realize the angle isn’t quite right? Instead of restarting the flight, CoPilot lets you tweak the camera’s position on the fly—so you get the shot you want, faster and with less hassle. 

What is the Difference Between CoPilot and Manual Control?

CoPilot bridges the gap between full automation and full manual control—offering flexibility without the complexity.When flying manually, users are responsible for everything: piloting the device, framing the subject, maintaining stable movement, avoiding detecting, and keeping the subject in frame. This usually requires a good grasp of controls, spatial awareness, and even flight safety principles—like understanding braking distance, wind drift, and altitude management.


CoPilot, on the other hand, is built for users who want more control over their shots without needing expert flight skills.


In CoPilot mode, your camera continues to use intelligent subject tracking and active rear obstable detection. You don’t need to worry about steering to keep your subject in frame or manually dodging trees or buildings. All you do is make directional nudges—forward, backward, up, down, or gentle turns—to adjust its position mid-flight. The camera still knows who it’s following and how to fly safely.

How to use CoPilot mode?

Getting started with CoPilot is simple—and only takes a few steps:

  1. Update your firmware to the latest version to enable CoPilot support.
  2. Select one of the supported flight modes: Follow, Side Track, or Dolly Track.
  3. On the preview screen, open the Flight settings interface and toggle on the CoPilot switch.
  4. Once your intelligent flight begins, use the beacon, RC or the app’s stick to make real-time directional adjustments.
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8 comments

Thanks for your question!
Just to clarify — when you mention “RFI,” are you referring to Remote ID?

The HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX weigh under 250g including the battery and feature fully enclosed propellers, which means they meet the FAA’s criteria for Category 1 drones. Under U.S. FAA Part 107 regulations, Category 1 drones may be flown over people, but pilots must still exercise caution and avoid flying directly above crowds whenever possible.

⚠️ Please note: This classification applies only within the United States. Regulations vary significantly by country. Always check and follow your local drone laws and guidelines, including restrictions on flying over people.

Regarding “mounting”: the drone is not designed to be mounted on helmets, vehicles, or other equipment. It is an autonomous, self-flying device meant to launch from your palm or a flat surface.

HOVERAir

do these have RFI included? Is it possible to mount it? Is this considered a class1 drone that can be flown over people?

William Werfal

The beacon alone can also work. If you want to use the beacon for CoPilot mode:
Left stick (horizontal): orbit rotation
Left stick (vertical): adjust distance
Right stick (vertical): adjust height

HOVERAir

The instructions mentioned above appeared to be written for use with beacon + RC. Is it possible to use the beacon alone with Co-pilot? And if it's possible, how does one use the buttons on the beacon to adjust the flight path in Co-pilot mode?

Changren Yong

Thank you for your feedback and suggestions! We will gradually add CoPilot support to more flight modes.

HOVERAir

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