been flying my drone for about three weeks now and im getting more comfortable but im starting to wonder about distance. like i was at the park yesterday and i flew it out pretty far over the field, maybe 400 or 500 feet out and maybe 100 feet up, and i could still see it fine but it was getting small. at some point i lost track of which way it was facing and had to use the map on the app to figure it out.

is there a rule of thumb for this or is it just experience? i dont want to lose orientation and crash it into something or someone. also i think im supposed to keep it in visual line of sight but im not totally sure what that means legally speaking versus just like common sense wise

visual line of sight is actually a legal requirement in most countries, not just a suggestion. in the US under the recreational rules you're supposed to be able to see it with your own eyes at all times, unaided, which rules out binoculars as a workaround. the practical distance where most people start losing orientation is honestly closer than they think, probably around 300 feet depending on light conditions and background clutter.

the orientation confusion thing you described is super common. a lot of beginners dont realize the drone responds relative to its nose direction not yours, so if its pointing back at you left and right are reversed. some people put bright colored tape on the front arms to help tell which way it's facing at distance. sounds silly but it actually works.

honestly i wouldnt stress too much about the exact distance, just go by whether you can confidently tell which direction its pointed. once you cant answer that instantly its too far for where you are skill wise right now. that instinct develops pretty quick with practice. the map view in the app is a crutch that will slow down your actual spatial awareness if you rely on it too much imo