What happens when you have planned a drone flight, and it starts to rain? Can you still fly your drone in the rain?
The answer is not always clear-cut. Some drones, like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK or DJI Matrice 350 RTK, are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, which means they can withstand some rain without being damaged. However, it is essential to note that even water-resistant drones should not be flown in heavy rain or for extended periods. If you’re unsure whether your drone is water-resistant, keeping it home and dry when the weather does not play along is best.
Even waterproof is not always safe
Many drones are designed to withstand a bit of rain. However, it might be that even if the case of the drone does not let water in, the sensors and cameras might be more sensible. And even if your drone is water-resistant, there are still some things to remember when flying in the rain.
1) Avoid extreme weather
Always check the weather forecast first to see what to expect that day. Avoid flying in heavy rain or thunderstorms. Even most water-resistant drones are not made for pouring rain. It can cause the electronics in your drone to short out, damaging it. On the other hand, strong winds can make it difficult to control your drone.
2) Keep a safe distance
Make sure to be at a safe distance from people and property. Flying in bad weather is unpredictable. And if your drone does crash, you don’t want it to hit anyone or anything. So avoid unnecessary risks and fly where you don’t get too close to anyone or anything.
3) Monitor the battery level
If you decide to fly during rain, constantly monitor the battery level. As soon as you see it get low, land your drone immediately.
4) Be aware of your surroundings
Better stay away from water or other hazards. It can always be that the weather changes quickly, and you lose control of your drone. So, rather keep flying in an area that does not provide too many hazards for the drone to get stuck or lost.
5) Bring a towel
Finally, dry your drone thoroughly after flying in the rain. Moisture can cause corrosion, which can damage your drone over time.
Following these tips, you can safely fly your waterproof drone in the rain.
By following these precautions, you can help to protect your drone from water damage and extend its lifespan. However, we at Drone-Rental.com highly recommend avoiding flights during bad weather. Even for experienced drone pilots, flying under bad conditions can be risky.
Flying in the rain with autonomous drones
You might, however, wonder how you are supposed to evaluate the weather when you book one of our autonomous docked drones. Those drones are controlled remotely and might be located literally on the other side of the world from where you are. So, how can you know if it is safe to fly?
There is good news! First of all, all our docked drones are DJI Matrice 300, which can fly in the rain. Secondly, the DJI Dock has its very own weather station. That allows it to evaluate the weather conditions such as rain intensity and wind. If the weather is not suitable, the Matrice 300 will postpone its mission and wait for better conditions.
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