It was chilly outside and starting to get a little windy. After looking at the drone's manual, I found that it can withstand moderate winds.
You'll often see wind resistance levels like level 5 or level 7 in product description categories.
What are they and why is it important to have some knowledge about them?
So, let’s look at this topic together. I promise that by the end of this topic, you will have a much better understanding of the wind resistance level of your drone and how it affects it.
What is the drone wind resistance level?
These days, drones have become more intelligent. From the moment of creating the first prototype to the present, each drone must have a classification for wind resistance.
This classification gives you an idea of how well your drone can technically fly in the wind up to that speed without affecting its performance, hovering stability and filming capabilities.
Anyway, at least not that much.
A drone's wind resistance level is only a guideline; most drones can fly in much stronger winds than advertised. However, that number is only there for safety reasons.
However, this does mean that you should not take your drone out and fly it during extreme hurricane weather or other storms.
This is so dangerous that you need to take a conscious approach when deciding when to fly your drone. This is especially true if it is windy outside.
On the Beaufort Wind Scale, wind levels range from 0 to 12, with 0 being the calmest winds and 12 reaching hurricane-force winds.
Drones now use this classification to indicate landing locations based on the limits of wind resistance.
This information was provided by the drone manufacturer.
As mentioned earlier, these drone wind resistance levels are just guidelines to follow and are not hard and fast rules.
” more: DJI Mini 3 using wind (a guide for beginners)
Drone Wind Resistance Scale Details
To better understand drone wind resistance levels, you need to understand the Beaufort Wind Scale and determine how strong the wind can be and how drone flight can be affected.
strength | speed (mph) | Speed (m/s) | explanation |
---|---|---|---|
level 0 | 0~1mph | 0 – 0.45 m/sec | very calm |
level 1 | 1 to 3 mph | 0.45~1.34m/sec | light air |
Step 2 | 4 to 7 miles per hour | 1.79~3.13m/sec | light wind |
level 3 | 8-12 mph | 3.58 – 5.36 m/sec | breeze |
level 4 | 13-18 mph | 5.81~8.05m/sec | moderate wind |
level 5 | 19-24 mph | 8.49~10.73m/sec | fresh wind |
level 6 | 25-31mph | 11.18 – 13.86 m/sec | strong wind |
level 7 | 32-38 mph | 14.31~16.99m/sec | near gale |
level 8 | 39-46 mph | 17.43 – 20.56 m/sec | gale |
level 9 | 47 to 54 miles per hour | 21.01 – 24.14 m/sec | strong winds |
level 10 | 55-63 mph | 24.59~28.16m/sec | storm |
level 11 | 64-72 mph | 28.61 – 32.19 m/sec | violent storm |
level 12 | 73 to 83 miles per hour | 32.63~37.10m/sec | Hurricane (Category 1) |
Note: The graphic elements below are licensed from Canva Pro, the image was created on Canva by Gabriel Mihalcea.
Wind speed scale explanation (in detail)
When the wind level is zero, the wind speed can essentially be between 0 and 1 mile per hour. In this case, the lake looks like a mirror and during hot weather there is no breeze to cool you down, which can be frustrating.
For drones, this is the perfect environment to ensure perfect hovering stability and fly without being affected.
Stage 1 winds are also called “light air” because even the lightest breeze is barely noticeable and is not strong enough to move a few leaves on a tree.
Wind speeds of 1 to 3 miles per hour have no effect on a flying drone and should not cause the drone to drift.
You can feel the leaves on the trees rustling and the wind on your face. You can see the direction of the wind through the smoke and feel it with your skin.
Wind speeds are approximately 4 to 7 miles per hour and should not affect drone flight except for the hovering ability of the slightly micro drone.
Wind speeds of about 8 to 12 miles per hour are now sufficient to expand light streamers. Leaves and branches move on the trees.
The drone will start to sense wind speed but will stabilize itself without any problems. Microdrones have difficulty flying in light winds, but experienced pilots can manage this.
Now the moderate wind has picked up and the waves are starting to get bigger. Wind speeds start to affect drone flight at 13 to 18 miles per hour.
Some drones only have a maximum wind resistance of level 4, but most drones can fly decently and can self-stabilize when hovering. However, long-distance flights are contraindicated.
Level 5 wind resistance, also known as ‘fresh wind’, is strong enough to limit the flight of some drones. Wind speeds will range between 19 and 24 mph.
Most drones on the market have a maximum wind resistance of level 5, and you will definitely see your drone having a hard time hovering stably.
However, a drone with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal should still provide smooth footage, despite the limitations of most drones.
Strong winds are powerful enough to form large waves, reaching speeds of 25 to 31 miles per hour. Drones can still fly at this level, but it exceeds the recommended values set by the manufacturer.
If you fly your drone in level 6 winds, you do so at your own risk. Please note that smaller drones cannot now fly.
Near-gale winds are now reaching 32 to 38 mph. The wind is so strong that most drones cannot fly. A few cans, such as some Autel drones that have max level 7 wind resistance.
Most drones fly erratically and pose a risk of collision. Heavier drones can still fly at this wind speed, but it is not recommended.
“High winds” will bring strong winds of 39 to 46 miles per hour. Moderately high waves form and are powerful enough to break branches and dead branches of trees.
Drones cannot fly in this wind and most likely will crash. Large FPV drones can still fly, but they are harder to control. Some very heavy drones may face strong winds and are still not recommended to be flown.
Strong winds reaching 47 to 54 miles per hour are too strong for almost any drone to fly. There are almost no drones that can fly in such strong winds.
These wind speeds create high waves that are strong enough to withstand even minor structural damage.
No drone can fly in a 55 to 63 mph storm without risking a serious collision.
The waves formed are very high and the winds are strong enough to cause significant structural damage.
Weak trees can be uprooted.
Level 11 winds, with winds of 64 to 72 miles per hour, are classified as a violent storm and are strong enough to impede navigation for small to medium-sized vessels.
Airplanes have difficulty flying and landing. No drone can fly during a violent storm and they face imminent collision.
Level 12 winds between 72 and 83 mph are classified as Cat at this point. 1 Hurricanes are so powerful that they can cause significant structural damage and uproot trees.
Aircraft, ships and transport were severely disrupted. Walking in hurricane-force winds can put your life at risk. No drones will be able to fly during this time and visibility will be severely affected.
Note: We've created a simple tool that you can use to convert wind speed from m/s to mph and vice versa.
wind speed conversion
” more: DJI Mini 2 SE Wind Resistance (Description)
Can a drone fly in strong winds?
Most drones are smart enough to fly in moderately strong winds, which can also affect other environmental factors.
Looking at the wind resistance of most drones, I think it is recommended to fly with a maximum level 5 wind resistance.
Personally, I have flown in winds higher than this at level 7 using a drone classified as level 5, and there were no problems with smooth shooting.
However, drones have been observed overbalancing their motors and applying excessive force to stabilize and hover without drifting.
Poorly built drones (aka cheap drones) will not be able to handle these winds as they will start drifting at much lower levels. Drone technology is not enough.
However, if you are flying an FPV drone, the story is different.
” more: Can a drone fly in strong winds? (Includes flight tips)
How to Know Wind Speed Before Flying Your Drone
One of the best ways to predict wind speed levels is to use a dedicated weather app, but even these can be relatively limited.
My personal favorite is to use a drone weather app like UAV Forecast. This app is more than just a weather app, it gives you enough information to plan your drone flight.
One of the pieces of information included is a complex wind pattern with graphics, wind speed, gusts, and direction. The app also provides information on how strong the wind is at 400 feet above the ground, as well as wind speeds at higher altitudes if you plan to fly your drone at the legal maximum height.
However, this is only a way to know the wind speed and calculate it with a Beaufort anemometer.
We recommend using the tool above to convert miles per hour to meters per second and compare to drone wind resistance (see tools and table below).
Now, before you take off your drone, use an anemometer to get the most accurate data to observe the wind speed in the field. This is a simple device that calculates and provides accurate wind speed levels through precise measurements to know whether it is safe to fly your drone.
Portable Anemometer, Digital Wind Speed CFM Meter
BTMETER BT-100 Portable Anemometer, Digital Wind Speed CFM Meter Gauge HVAC Shooting Drone, Wind Chill, Air Flow Velocity Tester for 14°F-113°Wind Temperature
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February 8, 2024 11:22 PM |
Drone's wind resistance level
If you're considering purchasing a particular drone and wondering whether it will fly well in windy environments, see our extensive list of wind resistance levels for various drones as specified by their manufacturers.
drone | wind resistance level | Wind speed (m/s) |
---|---|---|
DJI Mini 2 | level 5 | 8.5 – 10.5 m/sec |
DJI Mini 2 SE | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI Mini 3 | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI Mini 3 Pro | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI Mini 4 Pro | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI Air 2S | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI Air 3 | level 6 | 12 m/sec |
DJI Mavic 2 | Level 4~5 | 8.05 – 10.55 m/sec |
DJI Mavic 3 (Line) | level 6 | 12 m/sec |
DJI Open | level 5 | 10.7 m/sec |
DJI FPV | level 6 | 11.18 – 13.86 m/sec |
DJI Inspire 2 | level 5 | 10 m/sec |
DJI Inspire 3 | level 6 | 14 m/s (in flight) |
Otel EVO Nano+ | level 5 | 8.5 – 10.5 m/sec |
Autel EVO Lite+ | level 7 | 14 – 16.5 m/sec |
Autel EVO 2 Pro (V3) | Level 6 (takeoff and landing) Level 8 in flight |
12 m/sec No additional data |
” more: Flight times for all DJI drones (explained)