Land on ground 99% of the time. Usually a park or in my street or backyard patio (live next to an open field). I don't get the hand catch thing...not really necessary and I don't like having only one hand on the RC to control it.
FYI, when you hand catch you're not controlling it during the catch. It's best to let it hover on it's own and let it settle in to about 6' or 7' off the ground, above eye level. When the bird is rock solid in a hover with no RC input, cautiously and slowly approach to grab the landing gear with your right hand while holding the RC with the left hand. DO NOT move the craft, firmly hold it in place while the motors are running. At the same time, with one hand, push the throttle stick down with your left thumb while holding the RC with only the left hand (it's easy if you practice). You should throttle down with your left thumb/hand because the throttle stick is on the left side of the RC, presumably. It takes about 3 seconds for the motors to go off after full down throttle is applied. Before the motors shut down during that 3 seconds they will slightly increase in speed in an attempt to maintain it's position as you firmly hold the craft. After the motors are off then you can bring the bird down by hand. Don't forget to turn off the video recorder and shut off the craft battery (which I have a bad habit of forgetting one or the other
).
So this above is my process. If find it the safest way. Others may differ. If you've never done a hand catch I recommend you learn for those unexpected times you'll need the option, depending on your environment. I'm not suggesting you always hand catch if you prefer landing. I'm only suggesting that you be prepared to know how to hand catch so you know what you're doing in the time of need or emergency. The time will come when you
need to hand catch.
Scenarios you may prefer to hand catch:
1. When a loose dog shows interest in potentially fetching the craft during landing.
2. When little kids come by unattended and they're excited to see it fly and you have to land. During landing you're unsure if they'll run and try to grab it.
3. When it's too winding to land without risking tipping and ruining props (always approach from the windward side, not leeward).
4. If you use follow me mode on a trail, then at the end of the battery you have walked away from areas that are level enough to land.
5. When you want to impress your friends, cause it just looks cool.
Do you get it now?
200 flights later, all over saltwater, and I have managed to handcatch ever since!
