Flying FPV drones in the winter presents unique challenges for both the pilot and the aircraft. Cold temperatures can even lead to expletives such as “nice flying weather but it’s too cold outside”! As someone who has been flying in the winter for over a decade, I’d like to share some practical tips to help you and your RC models survive those frigid winter FPV sessions.
Further reading: Here is a list of useful tools and spare parts for building and repairing FPV drones.
Battery performance in cold weather
Low temperatures have a significant effect on battery performance. While they prevent components from overheating and make denser air more efficient for the propellers, they can cause poor battery performance. This is especially true for LiPo and Li-ion batteries, which work best at around 35°C (95°F). Below 18°C (64°F) you will experience a significant drop in performance and shorter flight time.
Keeping the batteries warm before and during the flight is essential. A practical solution is spare batteries in your pocket and used LiPos as hand warmers. During flight, constantly drawing the amplifier from the drone will help the battery maintain its temperature.
To confirm this theory, I conducted an experiment at a temperature of around 10°C. I flew around the race track with the drone several times and recorded the maximum output power of the battery. As can be seen from the graph, the maximum power output gradually increases, peaks mid-flight as the battery warms up, but then slowly decreases as the battery discharges.
In fact, the same principle applies to any battery commonly used in any electronic device, including those used in GoPro cameras. It doesn’t even last that long in the cold. You can normally get 10 flights out of the battery, but in the winter it can drop to just 7 flights before it shuts off. A useful trick is to have several spare batteries and rotate them for each flight. Placing them in a warm place (eg in your pocket) before inserting them into the GoPro can significantly increase run time. Special GoPro batteries designed for low temperatures are also available.
Gloves for the transmitter
Cold weather affects your dexterity, making your fingers stiff and numb, making it harder to control the drone smoothly. Radio gloves have been my go-to solution for keeping my fingers warm and nimble.
This transmitter glove that I have used for years covers the entire radio and your hands while allowing a clear view of the screen. Highly recommended! Get them here:
It fits a variety of full size transmitters including the Radiomaster TX16S, Boxer, Zorro, Pocket, Jumper T20S and T-Lite. Be careful though that the plastic cover doesn’t collapse and get in the way of your controls, I simply use some cardboard inserts to hold the cover in place.
There are also fingerless gloves that some prefer. Personally, I don’t find them warm enough – my fingers are still stiff and numb. However, if you live somewhere relatively warmer, this might be a better choice.
Disposable hand warmers
Get your disposable hand warmers here, Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VRawtP.
At just $0.50 per pack, with each pack lasting approximately 8 hours (tested and proven), they are probably the most cost-effective way to keep warm for non-frequent flyers. How warm are they? They are slightly warmer than LiPo after intense flight on a 5″ FPV drone, but not so hot that they burn your hands.
These disposable hand warmers resemble oversized tea bags and are incredibly easy to use. Simply take them out of the packaging and they start heating up within minutes.
Not only ideal for FPV, these hand warmers are also great for walking outside in the cold. I especially like placing the transmitter in my glove and pocket for exceptional warmth, a bit like a cup of Irish coffee but for your hands 😀
Rechargeable hand warmer
For frequent winter travelers, a rechargeable hand warmer can be a more cost-effective solution than disposable ones. Some models work as power banks, capable of recharging a GoPro and a smartphone in the field, which is quite convenient.
You can place these hand warmers in the palms of your fingerless gloves to prevent your fingertips from freezing. However, it is important to choose hand warmers that are thin enough to fit comfortably inside your gloves.
Flying from inside a car
One way to stay warm when flying FPV drones in the winter is to do it from inside a car with the heater on.
However, be aware that flying from inside a car can weaken the signal, as your car is essentially a metal cage. You might be able to do this if you stay in relatively close range. It is advisable to fly cautiously at first to assess the reduction in range and adjust accordingly.
If you like to fly with a decent range, the solution is to extend the antennas or use external receivers and place them on the roof of the car.
For example, you can use an SMA extension cable with a magnetic base for a radio transmitter. These cables are suitable for both 900 MHz (Crossfire & ExpressLRS) and 2.4 GHz (ExpressLRS, Ghost, Frsky) systems. However, keep in mind that a long coaxial cable can also lead to signal loss. Alternatively, consider mounting the transmitter module outside the car, although this may be more difficult.
Buy SMA Extender with Magnetic Base (3 meters):
For a video connection, you can mount an external receiver on top of the car and connect it to the glasses with a long AV cable. The FuriousFPV Dock-King was the preferred choice due to its built-in magnet that sticks to metal, but is no longer manufactured. Alternatively, you can make something like I did here and have it 3D printed.
Glasses fogging
FPV goggles may fog up in winter due to temperature differences. I found that we preheat them before using them, like putting them on your forehead or leaving them on for 10 minutes.
Flying at night
The days get shorter in the winter because people with 9:5 jobs may miss out on the opportunity to fly during the day. However, you can fly FPV at night with a good low light capable camera. Check out this article where I explain how to fly at night and compare some great FPV cameras for night flying. The cameras I’ve tested in this post are mostly analog, if you’re using a digital system, there are other options.
Caddx Polar and Runcam Wasp are the best for DJI:
Find Caddx Polar from these retailers:
Get Runcam Wasp here:
For Walksnail, Avatar Pro is the best:
For analog, a night camera is best Runcam Night Eagle:
If you need a Nano-sized camera for night flying, the Toothless 2 Nano starlight is a pretty good choice. Make sure you get the Starlight version for low light. Buy Foxeer Toothless 2 Nano Starlight:
Things break more easily
Cold temperatures make plastic parts such as propellers and TPU more brittle, tape and glue can also lose their stickiness, making breakage more likely. Spare parts are essential.
The nylon lock nut does not work well in the winter…
FPV simulators
Too cold outside? FPV simulators are great for indoor practice.
There are so many options now when it comes to FPV sims, with plenty of tracks and maps to practice on. They will entertain and motivate you for a long time before you get tired of it.
Check out our review of all the popular FPV simulator options.
Flying in the living room
You can scream and fly around the house, they’re tiny and fun (as long as you don’t get it in your wife’s hair)! If you’re wondering which Tiny Whoops to get, check out my Tiny Whoops Buyer’s Guide where I explain all the popular options and related accessories.
Conforming coating and waterproofing
Waterproofing your electronics is crucial not only for flying over water, but also for protection against excessive humidity and water droplets in the air and on the grass in winter. It is essential that your model is dry after each flight.
Best practice is to put everything in a bag before bringing it inside. Make sure the bag is sealed to keep the cool, dry air inside. This prevents moisture from condensing on the electronics from the warm, humid air in the room. Once everything is at room temperature, you can take them out of the bag.
In my opinion, the best way to prevent moisture is to waterproof the electronics via a conformal coating. This is not necessary for motors as they do not short out when wet. However, consider applying a conformal coating to your flight controller, ESC, video transmitter, receiver and possibly your FPV camera. Be careful when applying the paint; prevent it from getting on the camera’s buttons, USB connectors, barometers, and image sensors, as it may damage these components.
Here is my tutorial on waterproofing FPV components.
Remember that many electronic components can malfunction or even burn when exposed to water, especially salt water, which is more electrically conductive than fresh water. Waterproofing can protect your components when flying or crashing in a humid environment.
Bringing a landing pad can also be a simple but effective solution to keeping your drone clean and dry. Be careful where you land – avoid puddles, mud and snow as much as possible.
Get the download
LiPo battery care is essential even when you are not flying.
If you do not plan to fly for an extended period of time (eg a month or more), store all your batteries in a fireproof container and ensure they are discharged to around 3.8V and 3.85V (storage voltage) to maximize their life. .
If you have fully charged batteries left after your workout, use a charger to conveniently bring them back to their storage voltage.
How to discharge LiPo batteries?
Conclusion: Winter doesn’t mean taking a break from FPV!
Flying FPV drones in winter is an exciting experience that presents unique challenges. By preparing your equipment, understanding the effects of the environment, and adjusting your flying techniques, you can enjoy safe and memorable flights. Remember that winter flying can reduce the efficiency of your drone, but the scenic beauty and fresh air will make your flights incredibly rewarding. Stay warm, stay safe and take advantage of calmer skies during the winter season.
Edit history
- November 2015 – Article created
- December 2017 – Added information on LiPo performance, waterproofing, FPV simulator and thermal pack
- November 2018 – Added information on “flying from inside a car”, updated article
- January 2020 – updated
- January 2021 – updated
- December 2022 – Updated, shortened URL
- December 2023 – Updated article and product links
- November 2024 – Updated product links