Flying in snow

Han Solo · Nov 21, 2015

I know flying solo in the rain and drizzle is a bad idea, but what about while it is actually snowing? I would think wet snow us as bad as rain, but what about a dry snow? Am I crazy to want to do this?

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Han Solo said:
I know flying solo in the rain and drizzle is a bad idea, but what about while it is actually snowing? I would think wet snow us as bad as rain, but what about a dry snow? Am I crazy to want to do this?

Han,

I don't think you're crazy to want to do this. I was thinking the same thing yesterday here in the snow-flying boonies. I quickly came to my senses when I had a vision of a big ole giant "dry" snowflake getting sucked into one of my motors at 200'.

Jerry

Han Solo · Nov 21, 2015

In other words... crazy stupid. That'd kind of what I was thinking. Wait it out

Chuck · Nov 21, 2015

I know how tempting that would be, but I don't think I would do it myself. After all, snow, whether dry or not is still made from moisture. Get some in our motors and that can't be good for them. Guys have done it, but I am too cautious, I guess.

pyrate · Nov 21, 2015

it is a return on investment question
footage would be awesome at the risk of losing $1800 in equipment

are you a risk taker?

Chuck · Nov 21, 2015

I can't afford risk I can prevent. I have been tempted on several occasions, but after thinking about it, I erred on the side of caution. Replacing my equipment would mean sleeping in the garage....

Del · Nov 21, 2015

Water is water...let it be little rain or little snow...it's not good for Solo!!
I would do what @Han Solo suggested ..wait it out.

I wouldn't risk on damaging my investment for that perfect shot !

Just my thought

Fly Safe
Fly Smart
Fly 3DR

Maddog · Nov 21, 2015

Touch one of your motors immediately after landing- that "dry" snow would melt in a heartbeat.

Also, I think snow would build up on the camera lens while flying forward. So, fly in reverse?

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Han Solo said:
In other words... crazy stupid. That'd kind of what I was thinking. Wait it out

Han,

No, I didn't say that. I'm sure there are folks that do so successfully. I'd just feel stupid if I lost my bird to a "dry" snowflake. I can pretty much guarantee that we'll know the answer to that question and many others soon enough though. After all of the brazen new pilots find that beautiful bird under the Christmas tree next month! Hell, we should have a pretty good test bed on the capabilities and limitations of just about everything Solo by March. This thread title is not beyond comprehension:

"My Solo got really cold today"...

Followed by...

"So I put it in the microwave to thaw it out, the microwave went nuts so I pulled it out really fast. Now my Solo and microwave don't work! I can't even get it to send a service ticket!"

Followed by (and here's the kicker)...

"What should I do now?"

Jerry

Han Solo · Nov 21, 2015

Jerry,
Love your sense of humor here. I am sure prediction is spot on.
So my brain appears to be right after all, NOT a good idea. Particularly for a somewhat risk averse person such as myself. But if $1800 was dangled in front of me to try it, I might be tempted.

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Han Solo said:
Jerry,
Love your sense of humor here. I am sure prediction is spot on.
So my brain appears to be right after all, NOT a good idea. Particularly for a somewhat risk averse person such as myself. But if $1800 was dangled in front of me to try it, I might be tempted.

Hans,

Just trying to be a bit funny this morning. I'm risk adverse as well and have done my fair share of things I certainly wouldn't let everyone here know about. I like to lick my own wounds rather then get ripped to shreds by a pack of wolves!

10 degrees and snow here, no flying for me today, damn!

Jerry

Han Solo · Nov 21, 2015

Solo is my first real drone. I wonder if other drones are as susseptibe to water because of the open-air motors. I know there is at least one water proof model out there. Maybe that would be a good option for all-weather flying, well maybe not ALL weather,

Mike Lanzetta · Nov 21, 2015

Similar issue with heavy fog. I flew in fog once and noticed the craft was pretty wet.

Han Solo · Nov 21, 2015

Makes sense. Water and open copper wires just don't mix well.

Jubalr · Nov 21, 2015

Well, Maybe it's not so bad after all...(not my footage)

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Jubalr said:
Well, Maybe it's not so bad after all...(not my footage)

Not fair! That's a Phantom, $1k less to lose!

Jerry

(Cool video though!)

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Oops, worse than that, looks like a P2, a lot less to lose!

Jerry

Jubalr · Nov 21, 2015

J R said:
Oops, worse than that, looks like a P2, a lot less to lose!

Jerry

Yes, but at least it shows that snow is not bothering the motors. That was my point of posting..

J R · Nov 21, 2015

Jubalr said:
Yes, but at least it shows that snow is not bothering the motors. That was my point of posting..

Jubalr,

I'm just goofing!

Jerry

Del · Nov 21, 2015

Jubalr said:
Well, Maybe it's not so bad after all...(not my footage)

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Nice video... But what it dosint show you in the video is the consequences of flying in that kinda conditions afterwards..!!
I wonder if he had problems with his Dron down the road?
I just don't think it's healthy for your Drone!
But never the less ...cool video

Cheers