6 Expert Tips for Flying Your Drone in Winter

Hey there, fellow drone pilots and creators! Winter’s in full swing, and I’m busy editing photos from my recent trips to Scandinavia and the Italian Alps. Seeing all these stunning frosty landscapes got me thinking-it’s the perfect time to chat about a topic many of you ask about: flying your drone in winter. How’s it different from other seasons, you wonder?

Imagine a world blanketed in snow, every view transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland. That’s the beauty you capture with your drone during these cold months. For beginners in drone piloting, it’s a dream come true. You can catch the soft hues of dawn and dusk, snow-covered trees, and frozen rivers-all from an incredible bird’s eye perspective. Honestly, winter scenes are some of my favourites to shoot!

But-and isn’t there always a ‘but’?-let’s face it, winter drone flying isn’t just about capturing peaceful snowfall and tranquil landscapes. You’ll face biting cold and brisk winds that can be tough on both you and your drone. The trick to mastering winter flights is preparation-keep your gear (and yourself!) protected to capture the winter wonderland before you.

With several winters of flying a drone under my belt and a mix of great and not-so-great experiences, I’ve got some top tips to share. These are handy for beginners and seasoned drone pilots, ensuring safe and successful flights in the chilly season.

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

1. Keeping Drone Batteries Warm for Winter Flying

When you’re out flying your drone in the chill of winter, it’s VERY important to keep a close eye on the batteries. Simply put, always make sure your drone batteries remain warm and dry. It’s a make-or-break factor that determines whether you enjoy a full, uninterrupted aerial photography session or end up with a flight cut short by power loss. Which of course no one wants.

An easy and practical drone tip? Just use your own body heat. Stash the batteries in an inner pocket near your chest to keep them warm. This method is simple and cost effective, though it’s only as good as the heat you’re giving off.

Another route is to consider investing in a battery heater. These specialised devices are designed to maintain optimal temperature for your LiPo batteries, crucial for consistent performance in aerial videography. While this adds an extra expense and item to your gear, it’s a worthwhile investment for reliable battery performance in frigid conditions.

Personally, I only resort to using battery heaters if I’m planning to spend a considerable amount of time outside in extreme cold, like -30°C. Normally, I simply place the batteries in the inner pockets of my jacket, keeping them close to my body heat, and leave them there until I reach the filming location. Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you. If you anticipate spending extended periods outdoors in harsh, frosty conditions, investing in a battery heater might be a wise decision.

No matter what you choose, you should always keep an eye on your battery temperature to maintain flight safety!

2. Protecting Your Hands

Taking your drone out in winter? Here’s a tip you can’t ignore: take care of your hands. It might not seem like a big deal, so many beginner drone pilots overlook this aspect, but trust me, it is! The problem with regular gloves is they’re too stiff. Sure, they keep you warm, but good luck trying to delicately manoeuvre your drone controls with them. This can lead to your footage being jittery, or even worse, you might not react fast enough and end up with your drone in a tree (yes, that too happened to a colleague of mine-not a nice experience!)

You might think flying without gloves is the solution, but that’s not great either. In freezing temps, your fingers will go numb in no time, and good luck trying to operate your drone or a touchscreen with numb fingers.

Here’s my tip: consider getting some gloves that are specifically designed for drone flying in cold weather. They’ll keep your hands warm without messing with your finger mobility. With these, you won’t have to worry about numb, frostbitten fingers that can’t do their job. You’ll stay comfortable, and your winter flight will be as smooth as ever. And that’s what we all want, don’t we?!

Personally, I frequently turn to hand warmers for a bit of extra warmth. These small, air-activated thermal pads are incredibly handy. You can tuck them into various places like jacket pockets, around your neck in a scarf, or in your gloves. It’s like a portable power station. I often place them in my jacket or gloves, to make sure my hands and fingers stay warm. This way, even without drone-specific gloves, I can briefly remove my regular ones to launch the drone and capture the scene I want. Very convenient!

It’s worth mentioning though, that this approach is great for short, planned flights. If you’re out in the cold intending to fly for a longer period (which generally isn’t advised, but that’s beside the point), you might find special gloves more effective.

There’s a wide range of hand warmers available, from affordable single-use types to eco-friendly rechargeable models. Choosing the right one comes down to personal preference-each type effectively provides warmth. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what suits your needs and budget best.

Pro Tip:
One thing to note, if you’re thinking about using hand warmers to keep your drone batteries warm, be cautious! They’re a bit too enthusiastic in their heating. Simply put, these warmers can sometimes generate intense heat, more than you might expect. So, if you use them, protect your batteries with a layer of fabric to prevent overheating!

3. Taking Care of Yourself While Flying Your Drone in Winter

As exciting as winter drone flying is, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Staying warm and alert is just as important for you as it is for your drone!

Before you head out into the cold, pack a thermos full of something hot to drink. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate-whatever you prefer. And don’t forget some snacks-like energy bars, sandwiches or something sweet if you have a sweet tooth like me! (Let’s be honest, who can resist a delicious chocolate bar? If you can, I’d love to hear your strategy because, when it comes to chocolate, my willpower is non-existent🤭!)

In all seriousness, a sip of something warm and a quick bite can be the difference between a fuzzy brain and laser-sharp focus. These little things keep you warm, fend off the distracting rumbles in your stomach, and help you stay concentrated. With a clear head and quick reflexes, you’ll be better equipped to fly safely and make smart decisions-the ultimate goal. So, while you’re packing up your drone and gear, don’t forget to throw in some self-care items too!

4. Hand Launching and Landing Tips

When I began my drone flying journey, the idea of hand launching and landing initially seemed intimidating. It’s a common concern-after all, getting close to those swiftly spinning propellers is a bit nerve-wracking. But, one of the best tips I’ve learned and can offer to beginner pilots is the importance of this skill. It might seem challenging at first, but hand launching and landing your drone quickly becomes a practical and invaluable technique. So, here’s my top tip: don’t shy away from practicing this skill early on! Getting a grip on this will significantly improve your confidence in handling the drone and make your flying sessions much smoother.

While using a landing pad for takeoff can be helpful, it’s not always the most practical solution in snowy or uneven terrains. Hand launching, in contrast, is a highly useful and practical technique in these situations. It allows you to lift your drone clear of any potential snow or ice on the ground, preventing possible damage to the motors or camera. Likewise, hand landing keeps your drone from touching the snowy ground. As is well-known, drone batteries are quite sensitive to moisture, snow, and ice. That’s why it’s really important to keep your drone away from these elements to ensure its longevity and proper functioning.

Just be sure to practice hand launching and landing with care to prevent any accidents with the propellers, and get comfortable with your drone’s controls first. There are a bunch of great YouTube videos out there where experienced pilots show you how it’s done, step by step. Watch these videos, take in the tips, and then try it out for yourself in a wide-open space, away from people and obstacles. Your first few attempts might be wobbly, but that’s absolutely okay-practice is key! Think of it like learning to ride a bike; once you’ve got the hang of it, it’ll feel natural.

4.1 Pro Tip #01: Did You Know?

Hand launching and landing your drone isn’t just for snow-covered landscapes. It’s incredibly useful in various challenging environments like sandy beaches, moist and leaf-covered grounds in autumn, and even when launching or landing from boats. These situations often make hand launching a more practical choice than using a landing pad. Plus, it’s worth noting that a landing pad is one more item to carry, which can be a bit of a hassle when you’re already loaded with gear.

4.2 Pro Tip #02: Winter Camera Gear

While we’re discussing gear, let me take a brief detour:

This isn’t about drone equipment but rather traditional camera gear. Since we’re on the subject of winter photography, I think it’s relevant to mention this. If you’re into aerial photography, it’s likely that you also have a passion for traditional photography, equipped with DSLR or mirrorless cameras and various lenses. One accessory I’ve found incredibly helpful, especially for shooting in winter or in light rain, is a special protective sleeve for the lens. The market offers many choices, but they typically feature a stretchy, waterproof fabric to shield your camera and lens from snow and rain.

Over the last few years, I’ve been using one from Peak Design. It’s one of those accessories that makes you wonder, “How did I ever manage without it?” Before I had this, whenever it was drizzling or snowing and I couldn’t just stash my camera in the bag-for fear of missing the perfect shot-I used to awkwardly cover it with my jacket, a scarf, or even a beanie. It was a makeshift solution, far from ideal. So, if you want to protect your camera and save yourself some hassle, consider investing in a dedicated camera sleeve!

P.S. I’m not sponsored by Peak Design. I’ve purchased all their products myself. I genuinely admire the brand because their products are crafted with a photographer’s needs at the forefront. Chances are, you’re already familiar with the Peak Design brand, particularly their innovative Capture Clip. If you’re curious to learn more, you can read about their inspiring story and how they started out here

5. Getting Your Drone Ready for a Winter Flight

A key pre-flight tip to ensure a safe flight during winter months-let it hover for a bit before you send it up into the cold sky. Just like warming up your car on a chilly morning, giving your drone a bit of time to adjust acts like a system check, and you get a moment to make sure everything’s working just right.

DJI actually recommends to hover your drone for about a minute before engaging in full flight. This procedure allows the battery to warm up, optimising its performance under cold conditions and ensuring the normal functioning of the drone’s various sensors. Additionally, it can help dissipate any water vapour on the lens. This tip is particularly relevant for drones using Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, as their chemical activity can decrease in cold temperatures.

While this hovering practice is advised by DJI, it’s important to note that different drone manufacturers may have specific recommendations for their models. Therefore, if you’re flying a drone from another manufacturer, it’s advisable to consult their guidelines to ensure you’re following the best practices for winter flying. Checking the recommendations from your specific drone manufacturer will help you stay on the safe side and maintain the efficiency and safety of your drone during winter flight.

6. Mountain Flying Tips for Drone Pilots

Aah, those beautiful alpine sceneries-who can say no to them? Not only are these sceneries absolutely mind-blowing from the ground, they are truly incredible from the bird eye perspective as well. Just look at the photo below:

Gorgeous, isn’t it?

There are a few nuances to consider though. One of them is the altitude. If you’re planning to pilot your drone in these high-altitude spots, you’ve got to stay sharp to keep things steady and under control. Higher up in the alpine regions, you’re looking at colder temps and gustier winds, which can really test your drone’s limits.

6.1 Weather Check

Before you set out for your mountain adventure, do your homework on the day’s weather. It’s super important to check out the wind conditions at different heights. The air is thinner up there, so your drone might need some extra TLC in handling. Even if you’re a pro at lower altitudes, mountain flying can quickly become a new challenge. 

6.2 GPS and Visibility Challenges

Let’s talk about one the important key aspects you should be mindful of when flying your drone up in the mountains, no matter the season-GPS signal. 

Right off the bat, mountains can be tricky for your drone’s GPS. But why?

GPS signals are essentially line-of-sight. This means they travel straight from the satellite to your drone. Now, imagine your drone is on one side of a mountain, and the satellite sending the signal is on the other side. The mountain acts like a giant wall, blocking the signal from reaching your drone. This is especially true in rugged terrain with lots of ups and downs, where the drone can frequently find itself in ‘signal shadows’ created by the terrain.

In areas with dense mountainous terrain, this issue is compounded. The GPS system relies on signals from multiple satellites to triangulate a precise location. If some of these signals are blocked by mountains, the GPS receiver in your drone might struggle to calculate its exact position.

That’s a great physics talk you might say. But why should I care? In other words, why is GPS so important for drones? 

Well, modern drones use GPS for several key functions but most importantly:

• Stabilization and Navigation
  
  GPS helps your drone know where it is and stay stable while flying. Without a strong GPS signal, the drone might drift or not follow its intended path correctly
  
• Safety Features
  
  Many drones have safety features like ‘Return to Home’, which automatically brings the drone back to its starting point if there’s a problem, like low battery or loss of signal. This feature relies heavily on GPS to work properly!

6.3 Mountains and RTH (‘Return to Home’) Function

In mountainous areas, the challenges with GPS signals mean that these functions might not work as reliably as they do in flatter, more open areas. Meaning, that losing GPS can disable automatic functions like the ‘Return to Home’ (RTH) feature. In such cases, maintaining a visual line of sight with your drone is critical. If the GPS signal drops and the RTH function can’t engage, you’ll need to rely on your visual observation to guide the drone back manually. 

With the addition of typical winter challenges like reduced visibility, unpredictable wind gusts, and the cold’s impact on battery life, what starts as a dreamy winter drone flight can quickly become problematic. These elements can transform an initially glorious adventure into a challenging, and perhaps not-so-dreamy, experience.

7. Key Takeaways from ‘6 Expert Tips for Flying Drones in Winter Weather’

For those of us passionate about aerial photography and videography, winter offers a breathtakingly unique landscape! So, let’s pause for a moment to appreciate our fortune as drone pilots, being able to experience and savor these fascinating, frosty sceneries from a bird’s-eye view. Sometimes, I can’t help but feel a bit envious of our feathered friends, effortlessly enjoying these incredible views whenever they wish! 

However, this privilege also brings significant responsibilities. As drone pilots, it’s important to always be aware of the different challenges each flight might bring, regardless of the season. This includes being prepared for changing weather conditions, respecting essential safety and privacy laws, and flying in a way that protects the natural environment. With these responsibilities in mind, let’s go over the key takeaways that every drone pilot, no matter their skill level, should keep at the forefront of their mind. 

7.1 Battery Management is Key

One of the fundamental winter drone flying tips is to keep your batteries warm. In cold conditions, drone batteries can lose power faster, affecting your flight time. Simple methods like keeping batteries close to your body or using a battery heater can make a significant difference in maintaining optimal battery temperature 

In cold weather, drone battery performance can be significantly impacted. Keeping batteries warm is essential for uninterrupted drone flights. Simple tricks like using body heat or investing in battery heaters can be effective in maintaining optimal battery temperature.

7.2 Your Comfort Matters Too

Don’t overlook your own comfort and safety while focusing on drone operation. Dressing warmly, protecting your hands with the right gloves, and keeping warm with a hot drink can make a world of difference. Trust me, it’s much easier to focus on getting that perfect shot when you’re not shivering and starving! Small comforts like warm gloves and hot drinks can significantly enhance your winter flying experience. 

7.3 Pre-Flight Checks in the Cold

Just like a car needs to warm up on a cold morning, so does your drone. Allowing it to hover and adjust to the cold air is an important step in ensuring your drone is ready to capture those breathtaking winter scenes. 

7.4 Hand Launching and Landing the Drone

In winter, traditional takeoff and landing may not always be feasible due to snow and uneven terrain. Mastering hand launching and landing becomes a necessary skill, especially to protect your drone from damp or snowy conditions. 

Adopting a ritual of pre-flight checks, such as allowing the drone to hover and acclimate to the cold, is akin to warming up a vehicle on a frosty morning. 

7.5 GPS Awareness in Mountain Terrain

Flying in mountainous areas during winter demands an understanding of how terrain can affect GPS signals. As drone pilots, we need to be prepared for manual control, especially when automated features like ‘Return to Home’ might be unreliable due to GPS signal loss.

8. The End

Phew, that was quite a bit of information to digest, wasn’t it? But I hope it’s been as enjoyable as it is informative. Thanks for sticking with me through this wintry drone adventure! May your flights be spectacular and the weather always in your favor. And remember, the drone community is richer when we share our experiences and tips. So, if you’ve got any stories or advice of your own, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we continue to learn and explore the amazing world of drone flying. 

Happy flying, and here’s to clear skies ahead! Cheers!🥂 

Related Articles to Read

Craving more insights on drone flying? I’ve got just the read for you! Grab another drink and have a look at my latest article for more handy tips and aerial adventures:

• Beginner Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Drone Flying