ok so i bought a DJI mini 3 like two weeks ago and i've been too scared to actually fly it outside yet. i did the little simulator thing on the app a few times but it feels way different from what i imagine real flying is like. my main question is just... where do i even start? like do i just go to a park and try it or is there stuff i need to do first. i live in the US if that matters. also i read something about registering it with the FAA but then someone else said you dont have to for the mini 3 and now im confused about that too. sorry if this is a dumb question

not a dumb question at all, everyone starts here. so the mini 3 is under 250g which means you dont need to register it with the FAA for recreational flying, but you still technically need to pass the TRUST test which is free and takes like 20 minutes online. just google TRUST drone test and youll find it. for actually flying, id say find a big open field away from people first, not a crowded park. your first few flights are gonna feel really weird because you'll be fighting the urge to overcorrect everything. just take off, hover for a while and get comfortable with how it responds before you try moving around. the mini 3 is honestly pretty forgiving so you picked a good first drone.

yeah what he said about the field. i made the mistake of trying to fly my first one in my backyard and clipped a tree branch on my third flight. grass is your friend. also turn on beginner mode in the app if you havent already, it limits the speed and the distance it'll go from you which honestly saved me a few times when i panicked and hit the wrong stick