JT Hammer

I am new to quadcopters. Just received my new Hubsan 501s-s yesterday. Unpacked everything and charged the batteries. This 2017 version has a lithium battery for the transmitter, as well. I did the compass calibration (several times) successfully. This was in the house, basement in fact. Held the sticks to the bottom outside corners, and released. Motors would not start. the transmitter was in 'altitude hold' Finally tried switching to 'gps' mode. Finally after the transmitter acquired a few satellites, the motors started. Question: Does it have to be in 'gps' mode to start? And does it require satellite aquisition to start Even in gps mode it was fussy about starting. Took it outside in spite of the cold. It calibrated fine and motors started in 'gps' mode. Videos on line seem to show this quad starting in 'altitiude hold' mode? Mine does not. Any comments would be appreciated!.......JT