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7 Things You Need To Know When Flying a Drone In Cold Conditions

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7 Things You Need To Know When Flying a Drone In Cold Conditions

Flying a drone is definitely a fun activity. But this is only true if you are using it on clear, sunny days. If you plan on flying the drone in cold climates, then it becomes an entirely different game. You will need more skill to move the drone without crashing it down or damaging it due to exposure to moisture. And below, we take a look at seven things you need to keep in mind when taking your drone for a flight in the colder regions.

Cold Conditions

Battery

One of the first factors you need to consider is the battery of the drone. After all, the battery discharges quickly in colder climates. Hence, it would help if you tried to keep them warm for as long as you can. In fact, you can also pre-heat the batteries to about 20 degrees Celsius before you use them in the drone. And when the drone takes off, hover it for about a minute so that the battery completely warms up. You must also remember to check the battery status more frequently as the cold climate will drain the battery life much faster than normal. Plus, only use fully charged batteries during the flight.

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Mind The Icing

Because of the cold climate, icing will inevitably begin to form on the drone. This can increase the drone’s weight, and it might start to move haphazardly due to the additional weight. You will also find it more difficult to maneuver the drone as you like since the extra weight can throw off your normal flying skills. So, always keep this in mind when flying the drone in environments where ice forms quickly on objects.

Atmospheric Moisture

Cold climates mean that there will be excess moisture in the atmosphere. And this is bad news for the components of the drone, especially the motors, lens, screen, and other susceptible parts. If you do not have much experience flying the drone in cold conditions, you should definitely stay away from venturing into foggy areas. The drone will inevitably become wet very fast in such conditions, making it very difficult to control it. Plus, ensure that there is not too much snow on the spot where you take off and land the drone since the propeller might accidentally kick some snow into the internal parts of the drone.

Keep Yourself Warm

It would help if you always kept yourself warm and comfortable. If you feel too cold and that your fingers are numb, you will have great difficulty controlling the drone. So, add as many layers of clothing as you want, but make sure that you never feel numb in your hands.

Visibility Issues

A big problem you will face in colder temperatures is the difficulty of invisibility. In normal conditions, you will have the luxury of a clear sight of the drone over long distances. However, in cold climates, you will only be able to see the drone for a few feet away from you. And if the fog is too dense, you will have to be very close to the drone to keep it in sight. This obviously can make it difficult for you to use the drone in cold conditions. One way around it will be to identify certain regions that are not covered by too much fog and then fly your drone there.

Camera Settings

Colder climates mean that you will also have to adjust your camera settings accordingly, especially the exposure and white balance. Otherwise, the snowy landscape will look rather unappealing in your aerial shots. Ideally, talk to someone who has shot in cold regions so that you know what settings are perfect for such places. For example, if you are planning to visit Norway to take some aerial videos, check for people who have already done Norway drone videos, contact them, and ask them for a few tips on how best to set up the drone camera.

Proper Storage

During winter, you might keep the drone idle for longer durations in between your flying bouts. As such, it is important to store it properly so that the cold climate does not affect it in any way. For example, when storing the drone, make sure to remove the gimbal clamp and the propellers. And to maintain good battery health, you must also completely charge and discharge the drone’s battery at least once every three months. Plus, it is recommended that you store the drone at a place that has a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius.

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