Winter is still here! I’m sorry, but it just is; and it doesn’t seem to be that interested in giving way to spring right now!

If you’re spending your days worrying about what the cold conditions will do to your drone, and if you should even take it out at all, then fear not - here’s some helpful tips to ensure your bird can get some fresh air without the need for a warranty claim afterwards.

Tip Number 1 - Don’t fly in the rain

Just don’t do it.

Ever.

This has been the single biggest problem for me this winter. It’s been rarely cold, no snow, no ice on the streets. But rain…my word! It has rained almost every day FOR MONTHS now! It’s becoming more than annoying to be honest. Worse still, when there has been a break in the weather, it’s been so windy that airplanes are unable to fly - let alone drones!

How ever tempting it may be to get a quick flight in because it’s ‘only a bit of drizzle’; please, just don’t take the chance. Electronics and water have never mixed particularly well together, and unless you’re flying a weather-proofed commercial drone, your eye in the sky is no different.

Tip Number 2 - Keep batteries warm

Sounds an odd one right?

Well, it’s not as crazy as you think. LiPo batteries work by a chemical reaction within the battery cell. Imagine stirring a bowl of hot jelly - easy, yeah? Now try stirring a bowl of frozen jelly… It’s a weird example, but you know what i mean!

Battery performance is significantly reduced in cold temperatures. A cold drone battery could prevent you aircraft from starting up correctly, failing to take off, or worse - coming down soon after!

There are several solutions available online, such as battery warmers that plug in to your cars 12v supply. Personally, i’ve used pocket warmers inside a sock. Works just as well.

When flying, keep a close eye on your battery meter. If you’re used to getting 30 minutes of flight-time from a battery, expect to get significantly less in cold conditions. Stay aware of your distance, and make sure you have enough juice in the tank to bring your drone safely back to it’s starting point (or at least land it somewhere safely).

Always try to ensure that your batteries are at least 20 degrees Celsius before using them. You can check the battery temperature in the battery menu of the DJI app (providing you’re using a DJI drone of course).

EDIT YOUR PHOTOS IN ONE CLICK WITH LIGHTROOM PRESETS - ALSO FOR LIGHTROOM MOBILE

Tip Number 3 - Keep your eyes open

More specifically - keep your eyes on your drone.

We all know that the law in most countries states that you should always keep your bird in line of sight - but, hey, sometimes we like to bend the rules a little for the right shot!

Visibility in winter is often much less than at other times of the year. So be careful not to lose sight of your drone against low sun, or snow covered areas

Tip Number 4 - Avoid fog, mist and snow

Well, this tip isn’t dissimilar to number one.

Much like rain; fog and mist is also wet! Not in such high volumes of course, but in any case, flying your drone through low cloud, mist and fog will result in it coming back to you wet!

Try not to get too carried away with the light fluffy snow flakes coming down either! Your drone will thank you for not sending it out in the white stuff!

Tip Number 5 - Avoid really low temperatures

Most manufacturers will advise against flying in temperatures lower than 0 degrees Celsius. There are many reasons for this, the major ones we’ve covered already: higher levels of moisture in the air, and lower than usual battery performance.

Be sensible, check the weather, plan your flight, and know where you can land safely if things get a bit hairy.

Tip Number 6 - Keep your phone warm

Your drone batteries aren’t the only ones effected by cold weather. Have you ever noticed your smartphone slowing down a bit when you’re outside in freezing temperatures? Yup, that’s right, your phone (or tablet) doesn’t like the cold either.

Be sure to keep the device you’re controlling your flight with fully charged and warm before take-off. The easiest solution here, if you’re flying your drone using your smartphone is simply to keep it tucked away in your trouser pockets - including in the car on the way to your starting position.

In summary

It’s not really a dark art, flying in the winter.

Like driving your car in the winter, you just need to be a bit more pro-active in your planning.

• Check the weather forecast - i really like UAV Forecast for checking the weather prior to flying

• Check your flight-path on google maps, note start/landing positions, and anywhere you can land if needed.

• Keep the batteries full and warm for your drone, controller and smartphone/tablet

• Take a cloth to dry off anything that gets wet

• HAVE FUN!