The flight time is a crucial feature in every drone. A good quality drone can stay in the air for about 30 minutes. Cheap drones will operate for about 5 to 15 minutes. Visit ddcountermeasures.com’s best drone flying time list to take a glimpse at the top quality drones on the market. Manufacturers are still trying to extend the flying time, but until then, you can only look for ways to reach the flight time. Here are seven tips to know how long drones fly.
- Battery Life. Different drone models use different sizes of batteries. A durable battery should keep your drone in the air for an extended period. You need to maintain your cells properly to prevent them from degrading. A battery that is in condition will charge efficiently and provide longer flying time. Drones that use lithium batteries tend to last longer than others. Lithium batteries can store more energy and take long before they degrade.
- The Weight of the Drone: The work done by the cells depends on the number of motors that the drone carries, the weight, and the surface area of the machine. A large drone requires large batteries if you want it to achieve an extended flying time. Naturally, lightweight drones will spend more time in the air than heavy machines.
- Add-Ons: The weight of the drone depends on both its weight and the weight of any other additional gadget. You will rarely send a drone to fly on its own except if you are a flight hobbyist. Most people will attach a camera, recorder, sensor, or other devices. The more or more burdensome the add-ons, the less time the drone will stay in the air.
- Weather Condition: Weather conditions affect your battery life and hence the flight time. In cold conditions, your lithium battery becomes less efficient. As a result, your flight time will drop. When the weather is hot, the drone works harder to generate a lift. The extra work demands more battery power resulting in reduced flight time. Additionally, batteries take long to cool down before recharging in hot weather. As such, you will have long periods between flights.
- Controller Inputs: If you fly at full throttle ad high speed, you will require more power. Fly at moderate speed and gently use the controller inputs to extend the flight time. You will also notice that a slow speed produces high-quality video footage if you use drones for professional purposes.
- Propeller Guards: Prop guards protest your drone during flights. However, they add weight to your machine. If you are a skilled pilot, you can remove the guards to lengthen your flight time. If you are flying in a challenging area, you have to consider the safety of your drone.
- Read the Manual: The manufacturer’s manual is a vital guide of how your drone operates. Most people avoid reading the manual. The manual will help you know how long you expect the drone to stay in the air.
Every pilot wants a long flying time. The tips above will help you know how long your drone stays in the air.
