Weather Conditions: When to Fly and When to Stay Grounded

Understanding Weather Impact

Weather is the single most important factor affecting drone safety and performance. Knowing when to fly requires careful assessment.

Wind Speed Guidelines

FLYQ drones handle winds up to 10-12 m/s (22-27 mph), but we recommend staying below 8 m/s (18 mph) for stable footage and safe control.

Rain and Moisture

Never fly in rain. Even light drizzle can damage electronics. High humidity (above 80%) requires extra caution. Water ingress voids warranties.

Temperature Ranges

Safe operating range: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F). Below 0°C: batteries drain faster, plastics become brittle. Above 40°C: overheating risk increases.

Visibility Requirements

Maintain visual line of sight at all times. Fog, mist, or heavy haze can cause disorientation. Minimum visibility should be 3 miles (5 km).

Cloud Height Considerations

Never fly into clouds. Maintain at least 500 feet (150m) clearance below cloud base to comply with regulations and ensure visibility.

Lightning Safety

If thunderstorms are within 10 miles or forecast, do not fly. Lightning can strike without warning, and metallic drones attract electrical discharge.

Using Weather Apps

UAV Forecast, Hover, and Windy are excellent apps for drone-specific weather data including wind speed at altitude, KP index, and visibility forecasts.

Creating a Pre-Flight Checklist

Check: wind speed/gusts, precipitation forecast, temperature, visibility, cloud ceiling, nearby storm systems, and magnetic interference (KP index below 4).