This thesis explores alternative control modalities for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to reduce the steep learning curve faced by inexperienced users. The research proposes a gesture-based control interface using motion sensing input devices, specifically a Leap Motion controller, to enhance the piloting experience and efficiency of quadcopters. The findings indicate that while users generally find the gesture-based approach more intuitive, challenges such as variability in sensor performance and training data quality need to be addressed in future work.