Operating in Winter Conditions

This resource provides an overview of the most common high-risk conditions for winter sUAS operations, along with risk-mitigating strategies that can be integrated into organizational standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

While planning Dock-based (Remote Flight Deck) operations or Controller-flown flights, consider how the flight system will perform in the environment by evaluating system limitations against environmental data. Situational awareness must be maintained at all times to ensure safe, reliable operations, including while autonomous features are engaged. 

Always defer to your organization’s policies for winter operations and your local weather authority for up-to-date readings and hourly METARs (Meteorological Aerodome Reports) for local conditions.

For questions or concerns related to system performance, please contact support@skydio.com. 

[warning] Heed all local weather reporting and do not pilot the aircraft in conditions that are known to be hazardous. Attempting to operate the aircraft in conditions that exceed system limitations may lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and subsequent loss of equipment, property damage, or serious bodily injury. [/warning]

[note] The following guidelines apply to Skydio X10 and Dock for X10 Flight Systems. [/note]

Dock for X10 Flight System Limitations

Key Terms

• Operational Limitations: Refers to conditions in which the flight system may be operated. 
• Standby Limitations: Refers to conditions in which the flight system maintains limited operational capacity.

Environmental Limitations

Cold Temperatures

200-240V (20A) power supply must be run to the Dock for X10 in environments that experience freezing or sub-freezing temperatures ( ≤ 32°F / 0°C). 

System limitations apply only when adequate power supply is provided. 

• Operational Limit: -4°F (-20°C)
• Standby Limit: -40°F (-40°C) 

Wind

• Operational Wind-bearing Limit of the X10 Drone: 28 mph (45 km/h)
• Wind-bearing Limit of the Dock for X10 when anchored to a permanent structure: 160 mph (257 km/h) 
• Wind-bearing Limit of the Dock for X10 when mounted on Skydio Dock Feet: 80 mph (128 km/h) 
• Wind-bearing Limit of the Dock for X10 mounted on included Stand: 40 mph (64 km/h)

Skydio X10 Controller-Based System Limitations

Environmental Limitations

Temperature

When operating in freezing or sub-freezing temperatures (32°F / 0°C), battery temperature of must be maintained during transport and prior to launching the aircraft. Ideal storage and transport temperature for lithium ion batteries is standard room temperature (59°F to 77°F / 15°C to 25°C). 

Prior to operating the aircraft in conditions  ≤ 32°F,  pre-warm the lithium ion batteries in accordance with the guidance in the Best Practices section below. 

• Operational limit: -4°F (-20°C); when pre-warming procedures are conducted 

Wind

• Operational Limit (including gusts): 28 mph (45 km/h)

Precipitation

• Skydio X10 (IP55) supports light to moderate precipitation
• Avoid heavy rain, snow, or mixed precipitation
• Be aware of residual environmental moisture after precipitation. Flying near wet vegetation, dripping trees, or surfaces can introduce water droplets onto cameras and sensors, even when active precipitation has stopped.
• Launching or piloting the drone in icing conditions is not advised. Before flight, review local weather forecasts and trends for temperatures near or below freezing and indications of moisture such as rain, fog, low cloud cover, freezing drizzle, or snow. Use Dock weather data and cameras to confirm on-site conditions before launching.

Low Visibility

• Maintain 3 statute miles (4.8 km) visibility or greater

Conditions can change quickly in winter; reassess if visibility, moisture, or temperatures shift during operations. Moisture on cameras or sensors, weather from active precipitation or residual environmental moisture, can degrade visual performance and affect flight behavior.

Best Practices for Dock-Based Remote Operations

• Keep the Dock powered continuously during winter to maintain heating, battery warming, and system readiness. Extended power loss in cold conditions can reduce thermal protection and require additional time to restore normal operations.
• Clear snow and ice from roof, hinge, and landing zone
• Avoid opening Dock in winds above 40 mph (64.4 km/h)
• Monitor Dock weather data and watch for gusts near terrain or structures

If Dock power is lost for an extended period in cold weather (such as during freezing or near-freezing conditions where heating is required), remove the drone and battery and allow at least 60 minutes of warm-up after power is restored. This warm-up period allows the Dock, aircraft, and battery to return to stable operating temperatures. Skipping this step may result in delayed flight readiness or reduced system performance until thermal conditions are fully restored.

Icing Detection Alerts

The Dock for X10 Flight System monitors inflight performance for signs of reduced lift or increased drag that may indicate ice forming on the drone. If icing is detected, Remote Pilots will receive an alert, enabling early corrective action before flight performance degrades.

• Icing alerts may appear in temperatures up to 46°F (8°C)
• When this alert appears, Remote Pilots should safely and promptly land the aircraft and discontinue flight operations until conditions improve
   

Winter Preflight Checklist (Recommended)

Many of the key considerations for successful winter flying are captured in this checklist. We recommend using it as a primary decision aid before each flight, alongside your organization’s operational guidelines and situational judgment.

• Check local weather forecasts to assess expected wind speeds and gusts, temperatures near or below freezing, precipitation type and intensity, and the potential for icing conditions, then review Dock weather station data and cameras to confirm on-site conditions and visibility at the launch location.
• Confirm launch and landing areas are clear using Dock cameras
• Inspect aircraft (verify there is no ice, snow, or frost visible on the aircraft pre-launch;  cameras and sensors are clean and not obscured by moisture, or debris)
• Verify battery is fully charged and pre‑warmed if below 32°F (0°C)
• Confirm system health (GPS, Remote ID, ADS‑B if applicable)

Best Practices for Skydio X10 Controller-Based Operations

Battery Warming

Cold temperatures can reduce available flight time. Skydio X10 batteries include a built‑in self‑warming feature to support operations down to ‑4°F (‑20°C).

• Required below 32°F (0°C)
• Battery must be ≥30% charged to self‑warm
• Fully charged batteries are recommended

How to warm:

• Outside the drone: Triple‑tap battery power button
• Inside the drone: Insert battery and power on (automatic warming)

Icing

Icing can occur when moisture contacts the aircraft at 32°F (0°C) or colder.

• If ice buildup, degraded video, or reduced performance is observed, land promptly
• Fine powder snow may reduce visibility—return to Dock if conditions degrade

Moisture-related sensor occlusion can also occur outside of icing conditions and may degrade visual performance or flight behavior if cameras or sensors become obstructed.

Postflight

After winter flights:

• Inspect for ice, frost, or damage
• Drain and dry aircraft if flown in precipitation
• Check propellers, cameras, and battery condition

When to Pause Operations

Use the following scenarios as indicators to reassess conditions and determine whether proceeding aligns with your mission objectives and operating standards.

Pausing or delaying a flight in the following conditions helps protect mission success and system reliability:

• Temperatures outside the recommended range
• Winds above 28 mph (45 km/h)
• Heavy precipitation or poor visibility
• Icing conditions
• Active system warnings or alerts

Additional Resources

• Skydio X10 Operator Manual
• Dock for X10 Operator Manual
• Skydio Dock for X10: Operational readiness overview

Questions? Skydio Support is available to help you plan safe and successful winter operations.

Skydio Inc., A0620