What’s the single most important factor to help facilitate a successful fixed-wing UAV flight? It’s a question we get a lot from UAV (drone) operators across the world. And while it would be great to point to just one thing you could do to ensure every flight is a success, the reality is that there are many factors that contribute to a successful flight.
Even when a flight plan is virtually perfect and flown by a capable operator, external factors, such as the effects of altitude, humidity and the local environment, including wildlife, can ruin a successful flight very quickly.
To help overcome these challenges, here are a variety of tips to increase your chance of success in different environments and flight scenarios.
- Avoid flying in high winds, rain or snow. While models such as the eBee X are built to withstand such harsh environments, it’s never a bad idea to wait for ideal conditions when possible.
- Be aware of meteorological phenomena such as thermal winds (i.e. high uplift streams). In the event of being caught in such a “thermal,” call the drone home or move a waypoint further away to force the drone to escape the problem region.
- Watch out for updrafts on cliff edges; these can affect a UAV’s landing accuracy.
- Always try to download background maps, required for flight planning, before heading into the field.
- Ensure that all batteries—your computer, drone, cameras, backup remote control etc.—are fully charged before beginning a mission.
Click here to read the full guide and more in-depth discussion – lots of great tips here.
This article was written by SenseFly and posted on Geo-matching. Image credit: SenseFly.
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