Tips on how to pilot a drone over water?

We all know that water surfaces can be extremely interesting to film. However, they pose many risks even for experienced pilots. So how do you ensure safety and confidence when flying over water? In the following lines, we will present you with some tips and steps to follow in order to pilot your drone over water safely and successfully.

Tips on how to pilot a drone over water

Plan carefully

As with any flying adventure, planning is essential. Know your surroundings and research what factors may affect your flight over water. To do this, it's important to familiarize yourself with the following:

● Learn what the inhabitants of the environment are, such as birds and other wildlife that may pose a threat to your drone.

● Check to see if there are areas where it is prohibited to fly a drone.

● Inform yourself if there are submarines, ships, planes or helicopters in the vicinity.

If you are going to a completely unknown new area, it is advisable to plan your flight in advance. There are several ways to do this:

● Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to familiarize yourself with the area and view the topographic map.

● Use specialized drone apps that provide airspace information and warnings.

Perform pre-flight checks

Before flying your drone, it's important to perform pre-flight checks. This is recommended whether you are flying over water or land. Carefully check the following essential items:

The battery

Make sure the drone's battery is fully charged and that it shows no signs of damage or wear. It is always a good idea to carry extra batteries in case of need.

Propellers

Check the drone's propellers and make sure they are in good health and properly placed. If there are damaged propellers, replace them before flight.

The camera

If you are using your drone for filming, make sure that the camera is properly inserted and working without problems. Also check the capacity of your SD card.

GPS signal

Make sure you have a stable GPS signal before your flight as this will help you keep control of the drone, especially if you are over water.

Learn to control the drone in different conditions

Piloting a drone over water can create additional challenges. So it's important to practice and learn to control your drone in different conditions beforehand.

Here are some recommendations:

● Start by practicing over an open space, away from people and obstacles.

● Use practice modes that simulate conditions over water, such as wind or higher humidity.

● Practice controlling the drone in different flying modes.

● Practice performing emergency procedures over water, such as automatic return if signal is lost or battery level is low.

Check weather conditions

Weather conditions play an important role when piloting a drone in open spaces. Before your flight, check the weather forecast and monitor the following factors:

Wind

High winds can make it difficult to control the drone, especially over water. Make sure the wind speed is within the recommended range for your drone.

Rain and humidity

Intense rain can negatively impact drones’ electronics and camera. Do not pilot in heavy precipitation or high humidity conditions.

Visibility

Make sure you have sufficient visibility over the water to be able to track the drone's movement and avoid obstacles.

Prepare for emergency situations

Even with all precautions, there is always a risk of emergency situations when piloting a drone over water. That's why it's important to be prepared and know how to react.

Here are some tips:

· Learn the automatic return and emergency landing features of your drone. Learn how to activate them in case of an emergency.

· Carry spare propellers and batteries with you so you can change them if needed.

· If the drone falls into the water, do not attempt to lift it or remove it from the water while it is on. Turn it off and remove it from the water, remove the battery and then let it dry completely. After that, take it to a service center for a detailed inspection.

These tips will help you pilot your drone over water safely and successfully and avoid accidents. Always remember that safety should be your priority. Before you start using your drone over water, make sure you are familiar with local legal requirements and regulations related to drone flying.

And most importantly, practice and gain experience piloting your drone in a variety of conditions. Only with practice and experience will you become a better and more confident pilot.

And if you are looking to buy your new drone, be sure to check out our offers on COPTER.BG. If you need a consultation, contact our team.