Seasonal Guide: Winter Flying

     Surviving the Cold: A Step-by-Step Guide to Winter FPV

Flying in sub-zero temperatures is possible, but risky. Here is how to adapt.

• Phase 1: Pre-Flight Prep
• Battery Warming: Cold LiPos lose performance dramatically (voltage sag). Keep your batteries in your car with the heater on, or use a USB-powered hand warmer in your bag until the moment you plug in.
• Conformal Coating: Ensure your electronics are waterproofed. Snow creates water when it melts on hot electronics.
• Phase 2: In the Air
• Gentle Throttle: Don't do full-throttle punches immediately. Warm the battery up with gentle cruising for the first 30 seconds.
• Land Early: If you usually fly for 5 minutes, land at 3.5 minutes. The voltage drop at the end of the pack is sudden and sharp in the cold.
• Phase 3: Post-Flight
• The Condensation Bag Trick: When you bring a freezing cold drone into a warm house, moisture will instantly condense on the chips (like a cold soda can).
• Solution: Before entering the house, put the drone in a Ziploc bag and seal it. Let it sit inside for 30 minutes. The moisture will form on the outside of the bag, keeping your electronics dry.