I've been flying for about 2 months now and mostly rely on GPS positioning and auto features. My friend who's been flying longer says I should practice in manual/ATTI mode to become a better pilot. But honestly, why make it harder when the GPS mode works so well?

Question: Is it really necessary for recreational pilots to learn manual flying, or is this just gatekeeping? What are your thoughts?

Yes, drones today are smart. They can take off, land, follow people, and fly perfect circles?all by themselves. But here's the thing: if something goes wrong, you need to know how to fly without all that help. Sole reliance on GPS can be dangerous if the signal drops or malfunctions. Learn how to fly in ATTI (Attitude) mode or manual mode for basic control without GPS assistance.

I used to think the same way until my drone lost GPS signal over water and started drifting towards rocks. Knowing manual controls literally saved my $800 investment. It's not gatekeeping - it's insurance against equipment failure.

Expecting instant mastery can lead to frustration and risky flying. Set realistic goals and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. You don't need to be an expert in manual mode, but having basic skills gives you confidence when GPS acts up. Start with 5-10 minutes per flight session in ATTI mode in a safe area.