Can You Fly Your Drone in EXTREME Cold? 5 Tips!

[@robertchristino4152]

I believe you suggested that the colder it gets, the thinner the air. Actually, it's the other way around. The warmer or hotter the air gets, the thinner the air. I am a Part 107 pilot and also a Private Pilot. The science of thick and thin air is called density altitude. It is important to know how to calculate density altitude because it could kill you.

[@donthedroneguy56]

You have the same Refection RV I have.

[@donthedroneguy56]

My dropped out of the sky when the motors were too cold. A DJI

[@ThirstysURL]

That's worked out with logic by heat rising and air being thinner at higher altitudes.

[@Kiwi0Six]

Cold typically gives you thicker air (lower density altitude) not thinner, but they affect on the battery life is much greater, so that’s why you’ll see shorter run times. I like the idea of putting the drone in a plastic bag as it warms. The lower humidity inside a sealed bag, will minimize the condensation issue. This is probably a better solution than the slow warming. As always, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@kchappelle]

Russ is the dense one in this case.

[@jeremyscloset]

​@kchappelle no heart for your comment I see

[@kchappelle]

@@jeremyscloset life’s a bit-ch sometimes. Happens. :” Hahahaha Russ is a pretty sensitive guy I’m finding out. Can dish it out… but that’s about it.

[@adastraconstant]

ice fishing gloves work well too. most of them have the finger tips removable

[@donaldrobbins252]

My Mini 3 pro was attacked by a hawk, "line of sight" is my new credo.

[@gamma161]

Same thing happened to me first time I flew mine

[@Deweycox710]

That is one of my fears! Did it sustain any damage?

[@donaldrobbins252]

@@Deweycox710 No damage, I got lucky.

[@beverridge]

10:45 you seem to have misunderstand the meccanism of condensation. That's the exact opposite !

[@ElevatedVehicles]

​@@gamma161any damage?

[@adolfocruzjr.3989]

I watched the video about creating business, and it was great. I really enjoyed what you had to say about pounding the pavement. I have been in business for 2 years now, and though it is slow, I am enjoying my career path and have been able to make some great friends, memories and income. You have a new subscriber!

[@ramblinrick4u]

Thanks Russ. My favorite part was about allowing the drown to acclimate going from cold to warm. I'm putting that into the knowledge base to use.

[@n_ux]

For me about to try doing this its great to have someone to actually test this. Snow drone shots are always mesmerizing.

[@orentorngat713]

I live in Canada, so have done many sub-zero (Celsius) flights. One suggestion you missed is to avoid cold fingers, use a stylus for screen interactions (and keep your gloves on!).

[@FahimUniverse]

what is a stylus?

[@orentorngat713]

It's pen with a rubber tip that mimics a finger tip when pressed on a phone or tablet screen. Here they are widely sold in dollar stores.

[@FahimUniverse]

@@orentorngat713 great tool, thank you

[@Cammjk]

@orentorngat713 what would u suggest for a 12km radius at absolute max in -18 if not colder? Like what drone?

[@rbengraff]

I have been a subscriber and watching your content for years. I think you’re fantastic so, please take this with the upmost respect regarding warming up your gear and deadly condensation. You are 100% right about not warming your equipment up too quickly. As a professional, photographer, and drone pilot, who is very conscious of this, I only take exception to the comment you made about “don’t just leave it in its case and bring it inside.” To be very honest, keeping it in its case and bringing it inside and not opening it for a couple of hours is the most amazing way to slowly warm up your gear. With my drone I pop out the memory card so I can get right to looking at my footage, and while I’m still outside, put my drone, controller and batteries back in my case, close it tight and leave it inside for at least three hours before I open it up. With my camera gear and expensive lenses, I take my coat off outside, wrap my coat around my camera and lens and bring it inside and don’t look at it for a couple of hours. Anyway, just my two. Cents. Keep up the amazing content. I really enjoy your stuff.

[@morgantyree]

I watched this and your video on starting a drone business. With winter coming hard and fast here in Wyoming, I thought this video worked for me the most. Not that I learned a lot of new info, but the validation of my own cold-weather drone operation. Somewhat related to the business angle, I had an exhibit at the local library a few years back (Cody, Wyoming). I think that really put me on the map as a local “drone guy.”

[@1533ramsay]

Good idea... I'm starting myself in East Tennessee...

[@michaelortega5185]

@51 Drones, Thanks for this advice... For me you are my go to for anything and everything DJI. I finally purchased the DJI Mini 2 over 2 years ago and with all your advice and experience I have made only 1 mistake that almost costed me the drone but I was fortunate to be able to retrieve it after replacing it.

[@michaellongstreath2405]

thanks Russ, we just experienced a flash of winter here in Oklahoma and the tip on winter flying is timely for sure. I'm still flying the Mini 2 and looking to upgrade to the Mini 4 Pro so I watched your video on that drone following this video. Put me in your drawing if you please. I always appreciate how you do your videos, feels like you genuinely understand how to effectively communicate the things we novices need to know. Thanks again and keep up the fantastic work.

[@theodorem5942]

Nice video and good call on the moisture. One time about 10 seconds in and barely 50 ft up, I got an immediate critical warning. Came down right away to find the propellers encased in ice. I had no idea that would happen. Have flown many times in freezing weather. After a flight, I pack everything in the case while still outside. Since it's zipped cold, the case prevents it all from warming up too fast. Never had a condensation problem

[@dotted8-]

Thanks for the tips! As the proud new father of a 3 week old mini pro 4 and in WY, I was wondering about flying during frigid winter weather so now feel better about it. Now on to dealing with the regular 40+ mph winds…

[@Stealthman42]

Living in Fargo, I fly my drone inside my car all the time in Winter! 🙂 Great tips! Like the video!!!

[@uptowndisco2]

In the car is the way to go 🙂

[@mjwasapedo1351]

Not very much room in there. 😂

[@dwgreenberg]

Living in northern British Columbia, I really needed to hear your advice. Thanks!

[@skildpaddejan]

Tak!

[@alberttaylor644]

Nice presentation Russ. I like the information on flying in the cold temps. I flew my DJI in freezing temps in NM. Another point to emphasize in keeping the line of site is the surprising wind gust. White background, fog or low ceiling and a white drone will disapear quickly. Look forward to watching your dji mini 4 video. Thanks for all the videos.

[@pdtech4524]

Great info! My tips- 1. Wrap up warm including hat and gloves, wear multi layers. 2. Pre-warm your batteries, ie keep them in an inside coat pocket. Don't leave them out in the cold air. 3. I recommend gloves with finger tips that fold back, that way you can still use a touch screen and your control sticks. 4. Carefully monitor your battery temps, in the Fly app, it will warm up as it discharges. 5. Also monitor battery level as a Lipo generally discharges faster in cold temps. 6. Monitor ice build up on your props⚠️😲😳

[@rreiter]

Thanks for the video! Good tip regarding the condensation, I'm going to try the bags or ziplocs.

[@michaelpruss1745]

Your videos are the first I began watching when I became interested in drones. Learned a lot from watching. I will continue to do so.

[@davekallaway7248]

I am so loving your new word “in its photality”..super cool..photography-oriented videos in their totality!! Great cold weather tips. I do the bag trick in the car at events for regular cameras..and the batteries go in my parka when I leave the house..

[@peterjb49]

Thanks Russ! In upstate NY, it's very cold but no snow yet but there is no doubt it's coming!

[@Ron-0417]

Thanks Russ. I also watched - Your Greatest Fears as a Drone Pilot & How to Overcome Them

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

I'll try to remember these if they are needed some time in the future. Here in S Florida everything over heats most of the year. The addage here is we have summer year round with a few days of Fall just for the heck of it.

[@DrDuu_Technic]

Good winter tips. Related the gloves I bought Wind Pro Liner from the heatcompany, you can put warming pads inside the gloves, very effective and keeps your hand and fingers into warm condition. Last winter I had that issue with more or less suddenly frozen fingers and I was annoyed that I hadn't sat relaxed in the car. After that event I bought the new gloves. I think for the battery flight time you have to take 4k with 60fps instead of 1080p 24fps😉…

[@SEIDRONES]

Great tips, thanks for that, I especially appreciate the condensation tip going from cold to warm. I would bank most people would not even consider that.

[@1533ramsay]

Right... in sales, we call that a pearl...👍

[@denisdion6847]

Best video I’ve ever seen for flying in cold weather. Thanks.

[@Lowe635]

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone - The ONE Reason You Need to Buy It! great videos love all your videos.

[@everydaylifewiththebensons285]

hey, it WORKED !! Sorry about the 2 comments, but I used "embed" for one and "copy/paste" for the other !! Thanks again, Charlie in Central Ohio

[@skycam509]

Hey Russ! Thanks for the reminders. Sorry about your weather. We're just 3 states west of you and I hope it's not on its way here yet. Last winter was brutal! I've used the ziplock bag trick. It doesn't have so much to do with warming it up gradually, it's more about keeping the higher humidity away from the drone while it's still cold. I watched the Zing RID video - appropriate for this giveaway! Thanks for all your great content!

[@spiralfirst6488]

I watched this video in fulltality. Initially I thought many points made were obvious, but of course they are all relevant and not everyone has the common sense to fly safely and responsibly. Nicely done.

[@tonyholmes-k6o]

I live in Chicago and I have the air 3 and the temperatures is cold here also!the air 3 performs very well so far at 35 degrees.so far so good !

[@ronaldmiller352]

Thanks Russ for the winter tips. 1st winter as a drone operator.

[@BlaiseDuff-g2z]

Very informative about battery depletion during cold weather. Pretty obvious but sometimes we need a reminder.

[@RockyPatrol]

I living in mountains and winter is my primary time to fly drones for catching the winter snow views. Most time I have no problem with my Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 Pro. But once when the temperature was around single digit F, the battery in iPad mini that on the controller froze very quickly, just in a few minutes the battery in iPad dropped from 90% to 0, and shutdown the iPad. Fortunately the controller was still function well, I got the drone landed back home.

[@Kusoka1]

Just got my mini pro 3, great info! Can’t wait to get out and fly

[@PNWmtnBKR]

Great tips, especially the rewarming to avoid condensation.

[@kcg795]

I flew my Mavic 2 Pro in Fairbanks 5 years ago when it was around -17° F out. It seemed to do ok. Only problem with flying a drone that close to the polar region is the GPS accuracy is not nearly as good. Some days were better than others. Some days I would fly, the drone would drift all over the place. Other days, it flew just fine. I'm still flying my Mavic 2 Pro with that same battery and haven't had any issues with it.

[@kchappelle]

Just one thing Russ, air doesn't get thinner in cold. It gets more dense. I've flown ultralites for years as well as paragliders and the best flying conditions is in cold air. When air gets hot it expands making it thinner. The air is very thin in hot temps.

[@blackbird351mag]

Excellent video it’s - 35 degree windchill in Chicago I appreciate your insight

[@mattalford3932]

Cold weather doesn't harm the battery. Not in the short or long term. It only reduces range. 1:41

[@DaveKingMusic]

What launch mat is that? Looks great! Thanks. I asked too soon. Got it!

[@badGamr]

Even with precision landing features I find I need a landing pad larger than what you recommend here. To that end I went to my local Target and bought a black outdoor welcome mat, a super cheap paint brush and a bottle of red RIT dye. I poured the dye into a disposable tray (from a TV dinner). I painted a nice big red H on the mat. It works perfectly. It has enough weight that the wind rarely moves it and the drone's precision landing system can clearly see the H on it. It's about 3x the size of that little landing pad in the video so you get great protection for landing and takeoff. Total cost was $13.00 USD.

[@L3001USPSA]

Thanks for the weather report. I need to come up to Minot soon.

[@JoeRaaymakers]

Thanks Russ, watched and learned a lot from the waypoints video.

[@lazybones1746]

Ahh Here we go. This helped with my condensation question from earlier. Thank you.

[@trailermaster2001]

Possible to get some tips on dew point and some general rules to avoid frost? Amazing video, thank you!

[@hudster80]

I will take my Pennsylvania Weather with snow maybe in a month. Crazy man!

[@Michiana_Aerial_Solutions]

Interesting video! As a new pilot, you answered my questions regarding flying in cold climates. I live in Northern Indiana. Thanks again!

[@Mattstg9]

I’m getting the mini 4 pro in a couple weeks. I’m from Minnesota so this definitely helps

[@richardhykes6939]

Thanks for the tips on cold flying. I'm here in Virginia it's pretty dang cold here now. Trying to get get some color shots with my fimi x8 mini pro v1. Thanks again an keep on flying

[@davidfillmore6661]

I also just watched your flying over private property video, and it was very informative! But I do like this one a little better for the great cold weather advice. I am on my phone and can't figure out how to share the link, but id like to be considered for your giveaway of the RID module. Great content by the way!!!

[@nathanielerskine1875]

We got our first snow here in Colorado. I'll be spending time in Alaska this winter as well. I store my equipment in a warm location until I'm going to use it and have not had any significant issues. Sometimes moisture buildup on the perimeter sensors. I'm and Alaskan fisherman, but I can get chilly some times, when I'm posted up flying my drone around.

[@kurtcarlson3569]

Great info!. I've had my DJI mini 2 for almost a year and I haven't flown in Winter yet.. and I live in Idaho where it get's cold and snowy. just watched the Z RID Module video. also great info.

[@bogordon729]

Just watched your video on DJI mini 4 drone ! Excellent

[@fredmunson8952]

I hand launch anytime there is snow on the ground. Hand catch also.

[@1533ramsay]

I can't believe you have all that snow already where you live. I'm buying myself a mini 4 pro for Christmas. I love your videos. You seem like a person I'd be friends with. I'm in East Tennessee on a lake over looking the smokes. Every day offers a different spectacular view. I can't wait to learn through your video series. Happy Thanksgiving...👍

[@joselitozabala7054]

Hi Russ, I just watch another informative video of yours. Z-Rid broadcast module. Always learned a lot from watching your videos. Thanks

[@EZapar]

Thanks for the tips.

[@carlose6010]

When I was flying in -15c, I added masking tape to the front vent of my mini 3P. I wasn't sure if it would stick well (surface area/cold tape), It worked perfectly. It was a dry climate, so no issues with condensation.

[@deltaleader71]

I watched the Zing Remote ID Broadcast Module video. Since I have an older Mavic Pro drone, I will be needing one of these.

[@AlaskanFreedom]

Don't need the remote ID mod, I'll wait for something I might need :) but a great video. I'm a new drone pilot here in Alaska and just got my Part 107. This was the advice I needed, thank you. Very happy to learn about the condensation, seems obvious now but I never thought of that. I'm sure you saved me from many headaches that could have come without that advice.

[@Shauny_D]

I just did an all day gig at a farm in the 20's. I put all my batteries in a little cooler with a couple hand warmers and they stayed warm all day.

[@JosephLewisJr-e9w]

Hi Russ I watch all your videos and I will say What happens if you shoot down a drone is really good . Have a few people around town that said they would like to shoot them down . I hope you pick me for the Remote ID Module. Thanks for the Great videos

[@timothycolvin4671]

this video and the one on the mini 4 was very interesting .trying to find your video on drone video editing

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

What is the best drone and self heating battery Option for cold weather? Which drone can drop to the coldest temp?

[@PrestonJensen]

It is so much nicer running a drone business in the summer! I’m not quite ready for all of the extra steps for winter drone flights!

[@thomaslink3975]

Love the tips THANK YOU ! AND THE I.D. WILL HELP!,! cool videos . Just finished the other cold flying video. It snowed here in Rochester, NY yesterday!,,

[@Ritchel001]

Freezing cold is the smoothest air I've ever flown my Piper Arrow in and think it would be the same for a drone. Cold air thick air, hot air thin air.

[@tonyholmes-k6o]

in 35 degree weather in Chicago the battery not really affected yet1its very high winds and the air 3 performs and handles the wind like its nothing!

[@rtml_aerial]

Great video! Greetings from Omaha. I need to head up to Minot one day. Thanks for all your great videos

[@WitchidWitchid]

I fly mostly traditional RC. I actually prefer flying in the cold winter than in the summer heat. No mosquitos in winter for starters. Of course most of the time I am using fuel (nitro or gasoline) to fly so I am not worried about frozen batteries. I have flown a few electrics in cold weather and I haven't noticed any degradation of battery performance. One of these days (maybe next week) I will try running my drone in the cold and see if I notice anything unusual.

[@abobbybaby4]

Just watched your DJI waypoint tutorial! Great info on all of your videos. Keep it up bro.💪🏻

[@Dew411]

I have the DJI air 3 👍 I just watched your video on the zing air module. Would love to have one of those for my Air 3 , thank you very much for all your videos. They’re very helpful. Have a great day. Dennis

[@Davidmwalter]

I watched the Zing remote I’d module video. That would go great with my old Phantom 3 Standard. Yes.. I have had this drone now for over 6 years. I would love to keep flying this drone legally if possible. Thank you.😀

[@af2808]

Good information thank you

[@cherij8136]

Great tips for flying in cold weather. I watched your video on Fears of Flying. I am new at flying a drone and I can certainly relate to some of those fears. Please enter me into your contest for the RID.

[@MstrRo1]

I am wondering if, perhaps, another thing to remember to help prolong batteries lifespan, it to be sure to not only keep the drone warm before loading into the drone but also to charge the batteries, only when the batteries are warm, and charger is warm.

[@avid.venture]

This is great timing. My mini 2 did an auto shutdown across the field from me. Landed it near a landmark ( gate ) but wasn’t happy about the situation.. especially since I had my batteries in my warm pockets

[@WindWalkerDrones]

Silica or desiccant packs are great for getting rid of the moisture. I through a few in my case after winter flights. Put some under the batteries and the drone.

[@markkempton4579]

Good reminder. I have a bunch in my camera cases. Need to move them to my drone bags!

[@WindWalkerDrones]

@@markkempton4579 that's one tip I try to give people. They're cheap to buy or free in clothing or your pill bottles. Lol

[@robertkreb9307]

Cool videos I always learn something from the viedo

[@mbucklesnak]

I flew my mini 2 and mini at -30⁰F. Flew just fine and didn't not notice any reduction in the battery

[@timcolton4680]

Lived in "COLD" like you now I hang my hat in Texas. Good advice !

[@randallmcclurg6303]

I watched the drone video where you crashed your drone into the tree your mini for pro but I really don't know how to save contents . And of course I watched this video and you said you're giving away free stuff so I'm trying to apply for the free stuff, thanks. Your videos are very helpful

[@toastrecon]

I legit got mild frostbite on my thumbs a few years ago flying in the cold. I didn't think it was that cold out, but the aluminum sticks on my Mavic controller poked with those little pointy ends into my skin and were heat sinks. My gloves were too thick to run my iPhone, and so I just took them off. I didn't think that much of it, but I realized that I needed to get my drone back as the wind was picking up. I didn't trust the auto-RTH because I had flown up a hill, and the winds were pretty high and I needed to be able to hug the terrain on the way back down. My thumbs hurt SO bad by the time I got it back, and they actually were sensitive for a few days after that. I think if I do any flying this winter, I might figure out a way to make an insulated shield around the controller, in addition to gloves.

[@nsylvester]

Thanks for the tips Russ, you’ve helped me a lot recently when getting used to my Air 3

[@masonsdronefilms]

great video that goes with the season!

[@darrylstamey413]

Thank you for your advice on getting a Mavic air 3 or the mini 4 pro, Getting the 3. Also I just watched your video on the Zing RID. Thanks again for the help!

[@northwoodmediaworks]

Great video Russ. Take care.

[@GreggRoberts]

Batteries don't last long Minneapolis. Their electric busses can't be used when it gets butt cold. Awesome video!

[@FH-jk3kf]

Nice video. I watched DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone - The ONE Reason You Need to Buy It!

[@OverTheMountainDrones]

Thanks for sharing!

[@studio218mn]

I fly my drone all year in Minnesota. Just not as long as of a battery life. All weather flights 🤘🏻 -35 was the threshold for a not happy drone.

[@jeffyoung2878]

Russ great video. Can't find the link for the gloves in the comments. Love your insight as a beginner. Very helpfL

[@sureresource9150]

I just watched your KZbin on How to Edit Drone Footage | A Beginner's Guide | The Basics. It was really good. I'm not a beginner at editing but I wanted to see how you do it. I have used some of the same products you have. I was having trouble editing my old Mavic 2 Zoom footage. I was getting shaking when I imported the video. I started using Wondershare Filmora and it resolved my problem. I'm using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro now and I love it. I was up in Fairbanks last year and had problems with the cold. I quickly learned about the batteries but what I didn't expect was the lens fogging up. So, after the problems with the first flight, I started gradually cooling my drone temperature so that when I needed to use it it was cool enough that it didn't fog up my lens anymore. I haven't seen all your videos yet, but I am looking for one if you have a video that explains the use of the filters for the DJI Mavic Pro 3. I just got the set and I'm going to start using it and I'd like a little more advice. I've also just ordered the wide-angle lens for it too. I use a UV filter on my drone all the time to cut out UV light and as a way to protect my lens in case of a crash of some kind. Thanks for all your great information!

[@penguin5905]

Hi Russ you do a great job reviewing. I'm looking forward to the mini 4 pro. Thanks for your review. I like your content no B's just great info....

[@PVPnb]

i live i florida but still loved this vid

[@flightographist]

Everyone should have a 5v fan on their charging station, it helps with downloads, updates, and for condensation- pull the battery and blow from behind into the cavity. We got the same dusting, that doesn't look like 12 inches...

[@jsrides2065]

Hi just watched a short on the start up of the mini vs the mavic but I’ve just bought the dji mini 3 with the rc remote that has a screen I’m new to dji so novice again 😱