Feb 18, 2022 2:06:10 PM 4 min read
For drone pilots who enjoy flying in lower temperatures, winter is a great opportunity to create breathtaking content – there’s no doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year. However, flying drones in cold weather has its own challenges, so before going out in the wild, take the time to understand some factors that can impact your drone’s performance. This will help you make the best out of your experience and prevent permanent damage to your aircraft.
Here are the most common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when flying a drone in low temperatures.
1. Underestimating how cold it can get
You shouldn’t fly drones like the DJI Mavic 3 in places where the temperature is below 14°F (or -10°C) –temperatures lower than that would require a much more robust aircraft such as the Matrice 300 RTK, a popular commercial drone. Each drone has a recommended temperature range, so read your drone’s user manual prior to launching. Check the weather forecast and decide on the best place to fly your drone while taking these factors into consideration.
Also, be wary of how high you fly your drone, as the temperature decreases in higher altitudes. Excessively low temperatures will affect the battery’s performance and can lead to an accidental power failure. Moreover, it can be risky to fly your drone when it is snowing – moisture and ice can get into the motors and damage your aircraft. Keep these limitations in mind and plan accordingly.
2. Not pre-warming your battery
If you want to photograph winter landscapes, hold off on your excitement and avoid rushing to fly your drone. Take a few extra minutes to preheat your battery to over 59°F (or 15°C). You can use a battery preheater or power on the battery prior to flying.
Ensure your batteries are fully charged and take a few batteries in case you need them. It would be wise to carry extra batteries, as low temperatures exhaust battery power much faster than regular temperatures.
3. Taking off at full speed
Remember to turn on your drone and hover it in place for a couple of minutes to ensure the unit is functioning properly. This also helps keep the drone’s sensors at optimal performance. A common mistake a lot of UAV pilots make is exploring winter landscapes without the right preparation. If the drone malfunctions, chances of a crash increase significantly.
Keep in mind that you can’t go too far – it is mandatory that the recreational flyer or the visual observer always has eyes on the drone. And if you start to experience heavy winds or snow, bring your drone back and choose a better day to fly.
4. Ignoring warning signs
It’s important to pay close attention to your drone’s warning signs, especially when you decide to fly on a very cold day. Watch out for temperature or battery warning messages, and if anything doesn’t seem right, bring your drone back right away. Being extra cautious when the weather is cold will help you maintain your drone in perfect condition.
5. Not planning ahead
Take the time to plan ahead as there are many factors to consider when flying a drone on cold winter days. If you know that your drone’s battery will run out faster in lower temperatures, you can either plan for a shorter flight and or carry backup batteries.
Keep an eye out on weather forecasts; confirm that there won’t be drastic temperature changes or that snow or heavy winds are imminent. Make a checklist and pack everything that you’ll need for your trip, including proper clothes and gloves. This way, you’ll enjoy your winter day to the fullest and will be able to capture beautiful images and videos for a lifetime.
Pick the Right Drone for Your Mission
Drone Nerds provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private, and recreational needs. The company helps customers find the right UAV solution for their unique needs. Whether you require drones for aerial filming, videography, surveying, or anything else, we have the drones available to suit your needs.
Interested in learning more about the best drone for your mission? Contact a drone expert today.