Flying Drones in Cold Weather

flying-drones-in-cold-weather

Image credit: Pixabay

What we should know when we want to fly Flying Drones in Cold Weather conditions? Is it safe to do it? What are the risks?
In this article, we shall talk about the steps to follow to guarantee a safe drone flight.

Flying Drones in Cold Weather - need to know.

Yes, you can fly your drone in low temperatures, but you need to be careful about the following things:
Most important thing is that the batteries are less lasting in low temperatures. This means that the flight will be shorter than normal warm temperatures. The cold weather decreases the time of drone flight. That’s why you should predict all factors to avoid unwanted surprises. Most drones are using LiPo ( Lithium-Polymer) batteries. The chemical reactions in cold weather are making the batteries slow down. The battery capacity is decreased. Usually, the fully charged batteries can provide a 25-30 minutes flight. In Cold weather, this time is reduced to 10-15 minutes. You can observe unexpected drops in power level. And the worst you can see is a total failure ( that is a very rare case, but it exists).
Except this, the cold can impact the drone sensors. It can affect the ability to respond to control inputs. Your drone can start to drift or lose your commands. This situation can bring unwanted and risky crashes. In any case, you must be prepared if you will fly in cold weather conditions.

What you can do in advance?

To ensure stable and safe drone flight in cold temperatures, you need to:

Read your user manual. Usually, the drones can fly safely in temperatures – 0°C – 40°C ( 32°F – 104°F ). Keep in mind that flying at high altitude increases the possibility of reaching low temperatures. This may put your drone at risk. 

Keep the best practice about your batteries. This means to be careful about the way you carry them. If you intend to fly in cold weather, keep them warm as long as is possible. If your location of flight is long away and you need to drive long to reach it, make sure your batteries are stored in your cabin instead of the trunk at the most possible warm spot. Before placing them on the drone, keep them in your hand for a while. This will avoid the risk of unexpected temperature-related battery errors

Take off. Before taking off- keep your drone for 30-60 seconds on 30-40 centimeters above the ground. This will let the batteries get enough warm. Check your mobile app for temperature indicator and fly when you are sure the temperature is at least 15° C ( 59° F). Bringing the drone up to a low altitude and letting it hover after takeoff is a great practice regardless of weather conditions.

Battery charging level. Fly only with fully charged batteries. This is very important. And if you haven’t flown for a long time the batteries may be automatically discharged. Some drones have such an option. Make sure your batteries are fully charged before takeoff. 

Flight speed. When you fly in cold weather conditions with low temperatures avoid the high-speed manner of flying. Try to fly smooth and nice, at least in the first minutes. Making hard maneuvers and high-speed flying manner can cause a fast drop-down of batteries charge level. 

Flying Drones in Cold Weather - final taughts

In conclusion, we can advise you to be careful when you flying drones in cold weather conditions and low temperatures. Prepare with care your flight and drone, and always check your batteries before each flight. This is valid not only for cold weather but for all flights. Read more about Drone Batteries here. The correct storage and maintenance of the drone batteries can ensure long life and safe drone flights. 

 

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