How to fly Skydio X10 in cold weather

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  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X10
  3. Flying Skydio X10

When flying in icing conditions, ice accumulates on the leading edge of propeller blades, where even a small amount of ice will severely reduce lift and increase drag. This loss of propeller efficiency leads to degraded control and higher power draw required for flight, eventually resulting in loss of controlled flight. Ice on propeller blades also increases propeller mass and inertia, reducing control and may induce abnormal vibrations that degrade stability. Ice on the navigation cameras may also degrade your drone’s ability to navigate and avoid obstacles.

Recognizing icing conditions

[caution] Flight in icing and/or lightning conditions is not supported and may result in the loss of your drone. [/caution]

Icing may occur at air temperatures near or below 0°C (32°F) wherever visible moisture is present. Note that temperatures at higher altitudes may be lower than temperatures on the ground. At freezing temperatures, air with very high humidity can contain enough moisture to cause icing on your drone.

Recognizing the presence of ice on your drone

When flying in freezing temperatures, inspect your drone carefully after every flight, even if there is no visible moisture in the air. Inspect the leading edges of your propellers for any evidence of ice; it may appear as a thin line of frost or snow (rime ice), a glossy glaze of ice (clear ice), or a combination of the two. If any evidence of ice is present, stop flying until the weather improves, and ensure that all ice is removed from the propellers and airframe before the next flight.

Quick Steps

  • Keep your batteries warm before flying
  • Only operate your drone within the published operational temperature range
  • Avoid bare branches and thin objects, such as icicles
  • Use caution when flying above areas covered with smooth snow wider than 30 ft (9 m)

Read the Safety and Operating Guide before flying and How to charge and maintain Skydio X10 batteries  for more information about battery maintenance and storage.

Cold weather guidelines

Visual Navigation

Do not fly around objects less than 0.5 in (1.27 cm) in diameter, such as thin branches, utility lines, ropes, and netting.

[caution] Cold weather usually means fewer leaves and bare branches—use extra caution when flying in these environments.[/caution]

Ensure the flight environment has good visibility.
Use caution when flying in areas with bright, reflective snow. Reflective surfaces impair visual navigation.
Weather

Do not fly in snow-covered environments that lack textures and shadows. Fully white conditions may impair visual navigation.

Do not fly in extremely cold temperatures below -4°F / -20°C

Avoid windy weather conditions or gusts above 28 mph / 45 km/h.

[caution]Use caution when flying in bright, smooth, and reflective snow and ice areas wider than 30 ft (9 m). Reflective surfaces impair visual navigation.[/caution]

Battery Warming in Cold Environments

If the X10 battery temperature is below 32°F (0°C), Skydio X10 will be prevented from launching. You will need to pre-warm your batteries before you can launch. The Skydio X10 battery features self-warming technology for extremely cold environments to enable flight within 5 minutes.

  • Battery self-warming is supported down to -4°F (-20°C).
  • Skydio X10 will allow launching in limited performance mode while operating the self-warmer until full performance is restored.
  • A battery must have at least 30% charge to self-warm.
  • A fully charged battery is strongly recommended when flying in cold weather.
  • Flight time will be reduced in cold temperatures.
  • Minimize aggressive maneuvering in extremely cold environments.

CS_App3_media_UI_battery_too_cold.png

Pre-warming Skydio X10 Batteries

If a battery is too cold to launch, self-warming will begin automatically. Launch will become unblocked when the battery is sufficiently warmed for the given state of charge.

You also have the option to prewarm a battery before inserting it into the drone:  

Step 1 - Triple-tap the battery button to begin the self-warming process

  • The lights on the battery will turn orange during the self-warming process
  • Triple tapping again will end the self-warming process

Step 2 - If the battery is below the temperature threshold, it will begin self-warming

  • When self-warming is complete, the lights on the battery will briefly turn blue and then power off

Step 3 - Insert the battery into the drone and power on

  • If the self-warming was still in progress prior to inserting, it will continue while the battery is in the drone
  • Launch will become unblocked when the battery is sufficiently warmed for the given state of charge

Resetting the Battery

To reset the battery, hold the power button for 15 seconds.  CS_X10_power_on.png

 

Explore More

Skydio Battery Warranty Information

Skydio Software and Operator Manuals

Skydio X10D Manuals, Guides, and Resources

 

 

Skydio, Inc. A0552

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