A lot of people think that drones are waterproof, but they are absolutely not. So, in today’s blog post, I’m sharing with you how to safely fly your drone in the rain.
For those new to the site, welcome! I’m Richard, a long-time drone reviewer, providing in-depth reviews and comparisons to enhance your drone experience.
Table Of Contents
The challenges of flying in rain
Let’s start by going over some of the potential issues you may face when flying in inclement conditions:
Decreased visibility
Rain can obstruct your view, making it much harder to orient yourself. Without clear sight lines, it’s easier to lose track of your quad’s position and orientation. Sudden loss of visuals when flying FPV can lead to crashes.
Signal interference
Precipitation and humidity interfere with radio signals, causing issues with video transmission and control link connectivity. Moisture in the air scatters the signals, leading to static, breakups, and even complete transmission loss.
Reduced battery performance
Cold temperatures cause lithium polymer batteries to discharge faster. You’ll experience noticeably reduced flight times in very cold conditions.
Motor issues
Rain has the potential to be drawn into the motors, resulting in premature burnout. Water conducts electricity, which can lead to short circuits when it gets on electronic components.
Unstable flight conditions
Wind and turbulence make it much harder to fly smoothly and maintain control. Strong winds can cause your drone to tip over or even get swept away.
Decreased component lifespan
Exposing components to moisture reduces their lifespan by corroding connections and encouraging oxidation. Motors and ESCs are especially prone to wear and tear from water exposure.
The key is being prepared with the right gear and taking precautions to mitigate these risks.
Tips for flying in rain
Here are some tips to help you safely fly and get decent footage when the weather takes a turn for the worse:
1. Shooting a top-down shot
Let’s talk about tip number one: before taking off in the rain, consider adjusting your drone’s gimbal to point directly down, capturing what is known as a “top-down shot.” This positioning helps protect the lens from raindrops during flight, ensuring that your footage remains clear and free from obstructive rain spots.
Additionally, if it’s raining a lot, consider flying backward. Once you have rain on your lens, your shot will inevitably show that, so you want to avoid it as much as possible. Why fly in the rain if your shot’s going to be poor? That would be a waste.
2. Assessing rain tolerance
Next, you’re probably asking, “How much rain can I fly this drone in?” Personally, I have flown in light drizzles and steady-ish rain, but not in pouring rain. If you have, please tell me in the comments below.
Determining how much rain your drone can handle is crucial to ensuring a safe flight. Some drones are designed to withstand light drizzles or steady rain, while others might not be as durable. Assess your drone’s specifications and manufacturer guidelines to understand its rain tolerance.
Always exercise caution and avoid flying in heavy downpours or pouring rain, as it can lead to potential water damage and loss of control.
3. Using weather apps
Stay informed about your flying area’s weather conditions by using apps like “MyRadar.” These apps provide real-time updates on rain patterns and can help you plan your flight accordingly. Knowing when rain is approaching or if there’s a chance of heavy rainfall will allow you to make an informed decision about whether it’s safe to fly your drone at a given time.
4. Planing ahead
Always plan your shots ahead of time. Don’t waste your battery.
Planning your drone flight before takeoff is crucial, especially when considering flying in challenging weather conditions like rain.
Identify the shots you want to capture and ensure you have a clear idea of your drone’s flight path. This way, you can maximize your battery life and minimize the time spent in the rain. Use tools like Google Maps to scout the location beforehand to ensure a smooth and productive flight.
5. Flying fast and staying close
When flying your drone in the rain, consider using sport mode to fly at higher speeds. This will allow you to get your shots quickly and reduce the exposure time to rain.
Additionally, try to keep the drone relatively close to your location to maintain visual contact and promptly bring it back in case the weather worsens. Avoid flying your drone far away, where you might lose sight of it, as this could lead to hazardous situations.
Maintenance and waterproofing tips
To keep your quad in top shape for flying in poor conditions, proper maintenance and waterproofing is a must. Here are some useful tips:
- Dry out your quad thoroughly with compressed air after wet flights and before storage. Look for signs of corrosion.
- Frequently apply conformal coating to exposed electronics to prevent water damage and short circuits.
- Check motors for grit, rust, and damaged windings. Replace bearings and stators proactively.
- Periodically open up and re-grease sealed motors if water may have entered.
- Replace corroded plugs, wires, and connectors. Check solder points for oxidation.
- Use dielectric grease on connections to prevent corrosion. Avoid acid core solder.
- Sand down carbon fiber to re-expose the bare weave if it appears sealed or painted over. This maintains proper adhesion when conformal coating.
- Consider rubber gaskets for your GoPro or FPV camera to prevent moisture ingress.
- Use lens wipes and anti-fog spray on your camera lenses before flights.
Best FPV drones for bad weather
Now, let’s go over some of the top pre-built FPV drones that can handle poor conditions. Here are the main features to look for:
- Waterproofing/conformal coating
- Durable prop guards
- High-power video transmission system
- GPS for positioning hold and return to home
- Large propellers optimized for wind and stability
Based on these criteria, here are my top picks:
DJI Avata
DJI’s new cinewhoop-styled Avata is built for freestyle FPV flying in all conditions. It’s fully waterproof and can be safely submerged in water. The ducted prop design prevents props from sucking in moisture while providing extra protection. Smooth 4K video is transmitted using DJI’s robust O3 transmission tech. For precision flying, it has GPS as well as obstacle sensors. Available for $629, this is the ultimate wet-weather FPV drone.
iFlight Protek25 Pusher
The Protek25 from iFlight lives up to its name using a fully waterproof design featuring seam sealing and comprehensive conformal coating. The propellers are protected by curled guards. It has an HD digital FPV system, GPS positioning, and a powerful long-range control link. The rear prop pusher design aims to reduce moisture intake. Priced around $500, it’s a great waterproof cinewhoop option.
GEPRC Rocket Plus
GEPRC’s Rocket Plus takes its popular Rocket frame and makes it capable of handling poor conditions. It has full waterproofing, GPS, a top-notch DJI FPV system, and better resistance to wind with its lightweight and stiff structure. Large low-pitch propellers optimize it for wind penetration and stability. It’s available for $830, ready to fly with an HD system.
Diatone Roma F5 V2
The Roma F5 V2 from Diatone is a rugged and durable 5″ freestyle FPV quad. It’s designed to withstand crashes and keep flying in rain or shine. TPU side guards keep the electronics protected in wet grass or puddles. A waterproof conformal coating is applied to the PCBs. The powerful TBS Fusion module provides a penetration boost for long-range video transmission. Pricing starts at $415.
DJI FPV Drone
While not fully waterproof, the DJI FPV drone is well-equipped to fly in sub-optimal conditions. It has a hydrophobic nano coating on the camera and downward vision sensors to repel water. The low-latency O3 video transmission is reliable even in bad weather. GPS and obstacle sensors provide flight stabilization and precision control. It’s an excellent choice for safer and more cinematic bad weather flying, available for $1299.
For more recommendations, check out my full guide on waterproof FPV drones.
Building a custom bad weather quadcopter
For ultimate customization, you can build your own racing drone optimized for wet and windy conditions. Here are the key components to select:
Frame – Choose a sturdy frame with ducted props or prop guards. Materials like carbon fiber and G10 hold up better to moisture. Avoid 3D-printed frames. Add conformal coating.
Flight Controller – Get an F7 or H7 board with airflow shielding like the Holybro Kakute or T-Motor F7. They handle vibration well in the wind.
Motors – Select sealed waterproof motors rated high kv to counteract performance loss in dense air. Brother Hobby Tornado T2 2207-1750kVs are a top choice.
Propellers – Go for 5-inch or 6-inch props with low pitch for efficiency in strong winds. DAL Prop Cyclones are great performers. Add propeller guards for puddles.
FPV System – Use an HD digital system like DJI or SharkByte for better penetration through moisture. Get circular polarized or helical antennas.
Receiver – For the radio control link, use something with excellent range like TBS Crossfire or ELRS. Make sure your receiver has conformal coating.
Battery – Choose high-voltage 6S packs with low internal resistance. Consider getting bags with waterproofing.
These building tips will give you an FPV racing drone ready to shred through all the ugly weather mother nature wants to throw its way!
FAQ
Final thoughts
Hopefully, you’ve got the tips and tricks to fly the drone in the light rain.
Should you have any drone-related problems, don’t hesitate to drop a comment.
Enjoy your flight!
