Flying Skydio 2/2+ when it’s hot outside

Skydio 2 and 2+ drones have been tested in a wide range of temperatures and have a recommended operating temperature range of -5°C to 40°C (23°F - 104°F).

Like most small electronics with embedded computer processing, using your Skydio drone outside when the air temperature is hot requires some extra care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best possible experience using your Skydio drone during hot days.

IMPORTANT: If you see a warning in the Skydio app (or on the Beacon) indicating it’s too hot to fly, safely land the drone as soon as possible and let it cool down.

• Don’t leave your Skydio drone or accessories sitting idle in direct sunlight for longer than is necessary.
• After a flight, allow some time before the next flight for Skydio drone to cool down. Your Skydio drone will stay hot until it is shut down, so when the drone is not in use in hot environments, it's best to power it down and keep it in the shade.
• Even if the ambient air temperature is below 40°C (104°F), pay attention to the environment that you’re operating your Skydio drone in, as many surfaces or nearby materials can radiate and intensify the heat, like roads, asphalt, metallic surfaces, roofs, etc. Try to avoid flying too close to anything that emits high heat.
• If you’re in an air-conditioned space and moving outside to launch, wait for a few minutes before take-off to allow your Skydio drone to acclimate to the ambient temperature. Exposure to rapid temperature shifts can cause condensation to form in the lenses and electronic components of your Skydio drone. As always, you’ll want to make sure the lenses are completely clean and clear before flying. Repeated exposure to condensation can lead to erratic flight behavior and even component failure.

NOTE: Your Skydio 2/2+ is capable of making consecutive flights by switching the battery after each 'segment' or flight on any given mission. If the Skydio drone is in the air and getting enough airflow on a hot day, it's generally OK to continue continuous missions, provided that you are not seeing consistent heat warnings in the Skydio app. Following the above guidelines and keeping the drone away from direct sunlight or hot surfaces when changing batteries can be especially helpful.

Most of the tips above apply to the device you are using to fly your Skydio drone as well. Excessive heat can result in smartphones and tablets throttling their processing, which can lead to unexpected errors on the mobile device, or adversely affect the device battery performance. If you’re noticing your mobile device is hot and/or displaying heat warnings, it’s recommended that you safely land the Skydio drone until the air temperature and flight environment have cooled down.

Understanding your Skydio drone’s limits and using common sense can ensure that you have the best possible experience when flying. Feel free to take a look at the related articles listed here, and don’t hesitate to contact our support team if you have any questions or concerns.