Weather and Environmental Considerations for Drone Pilots

[@JoeBidermann-w8e]

Thank you Don, and for everything you have done for this community!

[@DonJoyce]

Kind words....appreciated! Thank you Joe!

[@DavidSMA]

Just wanted to say that I luckily came across Dons videos when researching drone licensing in Canada. After watching many of the videos I purchased the study guide AND the iPad app. What I can easily attest to is that these resources are phenomenally well done and expertly prepared and thought out. Incredible value and worth every loonie spent! A big shout out and a hearty thanks to the creators!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much for the kind and enthusiastic endorsement, David!

[@FrogandFlangeVideo]

Once again, thank you Don.

[@DonJoyce]

You are welcome!

[@franciscoherrera5154]

Fantastic info video! Thanks Don

[@DonJoyce]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mustaphabaltaji4611]

Hi Don, I just to thank you for putting this course together, I would've considered ground school or a much more expensive option if it wasn't for you. Love your passion!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks Mustapha! Glad you like!

[@davestredulinsky]

Well done done. An excellent video with great advice and information concerning weather and environmental considerations for drone pilots.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Dave! May all your days be warm, dry, and low wind!

[@LucianoStabel]

Thank you so much, Don. What you do is super important for the drone community.

[@DonJoyce]

Wow! Thank you, Luciano!

[@razoraerialproductions2959]

Don this is amazing and I use your videos to support anything I teach for first responders. Great Content !!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Darren! Your support is very much appreciated!

[@PinetreeLine]

Solid and informative as always Don. Thanks brother!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Doug!

[@BrantAerials]

Thanks Don. Sensible advice as always!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks Gary! Stay dry!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Weather here in Northern Ireland in the uk Don holds me back a lot very changeable from one area to another 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Rod! Yeah, the weather here is also a major variable when flying. And even the heat we've had this summer has been an issue...tough to fly when you are baking hot!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Don It’s tough here when you’re soaking wet lol

[@bhupendrakumarbutani8080]

thank you

[@DonJoyce]

May all your weather be sunny!

[@debmil5529]

I found your course very informative and concise. You would m🎉ake a good instructor for a ground school.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Deb! But it's so much more fun making videos out in the pouring rain! LOL

[@HowToGuyChannel]

Great video.. Never thought about it.. But makes good sense to fly back with the wind so you battery has an easier job

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, HTG! And no green screens used at all! Natural rain and wind! (Julie is getting tired of me pointing out cloud types though...)

[@HowToGuyChannel]

@@DonJoyce i loved the rain shot your did ☔

[@flightographist]

All good stuff on your app. I already have all the docs in a directory on my phone, I use the unregistered version of the nav can app- it's good enough for maps. I'm old school with the flight record- use a spare logbook I had collecting dust. Typing into a little screen isn't my thing- phat fingered I am.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for sharing! I find Drone Pilot Canada keeps everything neat and tidy in one place, and covers you for checklists and emergency numbers (Nav Drone doesn't give you those...).

[@shaunthedrone]

Thumbs up ere' Don, good sound advice for flying our drones - many thanks for sharing the info on safe flying :)

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Shaun!

[@the1andonly]

Another great video. I learned that I basically broke the law on a few recent flights when it was cold outside. The Mini 2 is rated for 0º, but it works fine in colder temps and the river ice makes for fantastic footage. What to do? I'm in the market for a little bigger drone than is rated for -10 or so. Can you get in trouble for flying the Mini in colder weather? I've been really careful about keeping batteries warm and not depleting them below 40%.

[@DonJoyce]

The 'flying within temperature spec' formally applies only to drones over 250g. As long as you are taking appropriate precautions (warm batter, keeping plenty of reserve, watching levels carefully...), you are good to go with a Mini 2. Here is a video explaining what rules DO apply: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWirY4eperSfg9k

[@the1andonly]

@@DonJoyce Thanks for clarifying that.

[@davburrows]

Great education. Thx again Don!

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@cecewang6936]

Excellent information! Were you really in the rain?

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, CeCe! Yep...totally soaked!

[@DimmyV]

Great informative video 🙏🏼

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Dimmy!

[@JackPr1ce]

Hello, I’m kinda troubled in either getting the mavic mini or the mavic air 2. The only thing that is scaring me away from the mavic air 2 is the exam. I think I will like the hobby, but I don’t know if I should take my chances. What do you think?

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Jack! Personally, I love the drone hobby...it is a combination of having a flying camera and flying like a bird! The bigger question for your drone choice isn't so much the exam (the Basic exam is extremely doable, and only $10 per attempt. My videos will give you all the prep you need), but where you intend to fly. If you are in an urban environment with large amounts of controlled airspace and airports, then you will be very limited in where you can fly the Mavic Air 2 (or any drone over 250g). The Mavic Mini is legal to fly in most of these areas as long as you don't do anything stupid. The other consideration is wind. The mini is much more vulnerable to even moderate winds, while the Mavic Air 2 is much more robust. Finally, video quality. The mini is very good, but the air has a better camera.

[@JackPr1ce]

Don Joyce thanks for your response! I will be getting the mavic air 2!

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Howdy Don, thank you for this excellent education tutorial that all drone pilots should remember. Nicely Done, Sir, and sure hope you didn't get too... soaked in the rain, LOL!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Steve! Yeah, I was totally soaked...I did about 6 takes just in the hope the GoPro lens wasn't completely splattered with rain drops!

[@goose2588]

Thanks for the video Don! I know this is a bit off topic, but do you have any tips on passing a flight review on the first try? Thanks!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks Benjamin! Regarding Flight Reviews, I have a video providing a description of what to expect and tips for being prepared: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opLMpaZvapyLfZI

[@JayMcGowan]

Hi Don. Great information for us novice drone pilots. One Canadian Aviation tool that may help with weather-related decisions. This site provides a "big picture" of the weather situation for those flying in Canada. Though there are still some codes involved, most are fairly obvious. The site: flightplanning.navcanada.ca/cgi-bin/CreePage.pl?Langue=anglais&NoSession=NS_Inconnu&Page=Fore-obs%2Fgfacn-map&TypeDoc=html or search for AWWS - Graphical Forecast Area.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for the additional resource, John. The GFAs are indeed 'big picture' weather maps...all we need is a Percy-the-Weatherman with his chalk and it would be much more clear!

[@botcitizen]

Ridiculous rules. Canada has gone overboard. Basically you need to be a pilot of a Boeing 737 to fly a drone. Thank goodness I don’t like there.