January 2, 2019
Drones have been a big hit over the past few years and have become a very popular gift given during the holiday season. Whether you received a drone for Christmas this year or have recently purchased one for yourself, it’s important to remember that winter brings adverse conditions that can be unsafe for your drone. Let’s take a look at some tips for flying your drone during the winter months!
Safety Tip #1
Be Mindful of Your Drone’s Battery. Most drones use Lithium Polymer batteries, and cold winter temperatures can slightly lower the chemical activity within the batteries. To ensure safe flights, always:
- Make sure your drone’s batteries are fully charged before every flight.
- Hover your drone just slightly off the ground for a minute or two so the batteries can warm up.
- Regularly monitor your drone’s battery status during longer flights.
Safety Tip #2
Be Aware of Your Environment. Snow and other winter weather conditions can reduce visibility and negatively affect your drone’s functionality. Take these precautions when flying your drone in winter:
- Check weather conditions before flying. Avoid flying your drone on days where strong wind, snow or rain are forecasted.
- Do not fly your drone in freezing temperatures – stick to flying on days above 32°F.
- Moisture can damage your drone’s motors, so try to avoid ever landing it in the snow.
Safety Tip #3
Store Your Drone Properly. If you live in a place that sees a lot of snow and other bad winter weather, you might think about putting your drone away until springtime. If the drone is going to be idle for a while, it should be stored properly to ensure optimal performance when you do take it out for a flight:
- Maintain battery health by fully charging and discharging the battery once every 3-4 months.
- Remove the propellers when storing, if possible.
- Store the drone in a dry place that is not prone to moisture and keep it away from anything magnetic.
- Make sure the storage area is not too hot and not too cold – the drone should be stored in a place that is consistently around 75°F.
Safety Tip #4
Consider Drone Insurance. There are a few different types of drone insurance coverages you can purchase to protect your drone, as well as yourself and your property in cases where another drone besides your own is involved:
- Liability Coverage – this policy protects you if your drone causes any bodily or property damage to others.
- Hull/Physical Damage Coverage – this policy covers your drone in case you damage it or it is stolen or destroyed.
- Non-Owned Coverage – this policy covers drones that you do not own, or drones that third parties operate on your property.
American Heritage is a local insurance group specializing in drone insurance in Carroll County, Maryland. We offer a wide variety of coverages and are here to answer all your insurance questions, whether you’re looking to insure your drone, home, personal, or commercial property. Contact us today for more information!
