Did you know there are over 420,000 commercial drone pilots in the United States? Add to that over 1 million registered drones, and you have solid proof that this industry is here to stay.
With growth in the industry looking positive for many years to come, now is the time to hone your skills as a pilot.
While most people think that means getting more flight hours added to your logbook or landing more gigs, they often forget about a major part of being a pilot—maintaining your gear. If you don’t keep your gear in tip-top condition, it is likely to fail you when you need it most. I’ve met many pilots with horror stories of showing up to a job with cracked propellers, missing batteries, and broken gimbals, all because they did not take care of their gear.
Here are FLYING’s best tips for maintaining your gear and keeping you in the sky. We’ll cover what to do before and after each flight, along with tips for battery storage, transportation, and more.
Note on Maintenance Procedures
Some types of drone maintenance are easy to handle, such as replacing propellers, while others require a deeper understanding of the drone’s hardware and software.
The best practice is to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when performing any type of maintenance. You never want to perform work you haven’t been trained to do, or that could void the warranty. When in doubt, send your drone and other equipment to a certified repair shop. It’s always best to protect your investment.
I have used DJI’s repair service several times and always found it to be responsive and fair. Most manufacturers will do the same if they stand behind their product.
Now that that’s out of the way, our list will cover the following aspects of drone maintenance:
- Preflight checks and preparation
- Postflight procedures
- Battery care and storage
- Cleaning and physical maintenance
- Firmware, software, and app updates
- Safe storage and transportation
- When to seek professional maintenance or repairs
Preflight Checks and Preparation
Many of the technical issues experienced by pilots while flying drones can be easily avoided with thorough preflight checks.
Modern drones, such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, can go from storage to ready-to-fly status in just a few minutes. That kind of setup speed makes it easy to want to unfold, power on, and take off without a preflight check. Don’t fall into this trap.
Preflight checks include a visual inspection of your drone and other equipment to ensure everything is in working order. Good checklists include inspecting the propellers for cracks and warping, verifying the battery is fully charged and installed properly, performing all firmware updates and calibrations, and ensuring the drone has a strong GPS signal.
One way to make preflight checks easier is by using a logbook. I have used one made by DronePrep for many years. It’s $10 on Amazon, and each logbook entry section has a preflight checklist. You can find additional resources at trusted online stores, such as Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
Postflight Procedures
After a long day of flying, like most people, I’m ready to pack up my gear and head home for dinner quickly.
But even though you, too, might already be dreaming of pizza as the drone lands, you must remember to perform a postflight inspection. There are many things that can damage your drone in flight, including wind, birds, and weather changes. Checking your drone as soon as it lands is the best time to detect damage and deal with it.
Postflight procedures should include a proper shutdown, looking for any physical damage, checking for dust, sand, and other debris, and logging your flight hours. It’s a good idea to always carry a camera cleaning kit to ensure it’s clean before storage. If you encounter any issues during your inspection, address them promptly.
Battery Care and Storage
Most prosumer-level drone batteries are intelligent, robust, and primarily lithium polymer.
These types of batteries degrade over time due to chemical wear and environmental stress. Each charge and discharge cycle slightly reduces the battery’s capacity, and improper handling can accelerate this decline.
When it comes to maintaining your batteries, never overcharge them or fully discharge them, as both can cause permanent damage. Store your batteries at around a 50 percent charge.
Use fireproof bags or a case rated as fire safe to store and transport batteries when they are not in use. The best place to store them is in a cool, dry location where they will not be exposed to extreme temperatures. If you notice anything unusual, such as cracks, swelling, or an unusual odor, coming from a battery, you should safely dispose of and replace it immediately.
Cleaning and Physical Maintenance
Like many electronic devices, drones attract dust, aren’t fond of water, and can collect debris from the air, like bugs.
Keeping your drone clean is essential if you want it to perform as intended and have a longer lifespan. While new drone models are constantly emerging, with proper care, you can get many years of use out of your drone without the need to upgrade when new models are released. One of my drones, the Parrot Anafi Thermal, which was released in May 2019, is still useful on some of my gigs because I’ve taken proper care of it.
When cleaning your drone, you can use compressed air to remove dust and debris, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the drone. If there is stubborn grime, such as dead bugs, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the cloth. Never use harsh chemicals.
Pay special attention to the camera and gimbal. Make sure to clean the lens as even a small smudge can ruin the perfect shot. Lens-safe wipes are the best thing to use.
Regularly inspect the motors for dirt buildup, unusual resistance, or abnormal sounds. Any of these anomalies could be a sign that there is internal wear or some kind of obstruction that may lead to failure if left unchecked. Check the propellers and hull for any signs of damage. If you find any, replace the damaged parts.
Firmware, Software, and App Updates
One of the worst things you can do related to this type of maintenance is waiting to update your firmware once you arrive at the gig.
If you plan to update on the job, don’t be surprised when you run into issues. Ensuring your drone’s firmware is up to date is crucial for flight safety, system stability, and maximizing battery performance.
When manufacturers release updates to their firmware, software, and apps, they can include new features, fix bugs, improve your drone’s ability to fly autonomously, or enhance battery efficiency. Ignoring the updates is dangerous and could prevent you from accessing new features, which could make your operation more profitable.
As you prepare your drone for a gig the following day, take the time to check the firmware, software, and app to ensure your drone is ready to work when needed. This is especially important if you are working in remote areas where you may not have access to an internet connection.
Safe Storage and Transportation
Once everything has been checked and cleaned, it’s time to properly store your drone and related gear.
Proper storage and transportation play a major role in preventing damage from occurring. Always use a protective case designed to shield your equipment from impacts, dust, and moisture. If you travel frequently or operate in rugged environments, this is a must.
Try not to leave your drone in direct sunlight, in a car for an extended period, or in areas where temperatures can reach extremes. While on the go, ensure the drone is securely stored. The gimbal is very sensitive to vibrations and falls, so make sure you lock it in place with the gimbal lock.
It may not seem like a lot, but incorporating these small practices into how you handle your drone will make them last for many years to come.
When to Seek Professional Maintenance or Repairs
Everyone will have their comfort level with the type of maintenance they are willing to perform.
With my drones, I feel confident handling most mechanical aspects of maintenance, but when something starts to go awry with the software or firmware, I consult an expert. I also make it a point never to do anything that may affect the warranty.
While minor repairs can usually be handled without support, more complex issues should be handled by certified technicians. When in doubt, consult the drone manufacturer’s service center or an authorized repair provider, particularly if your drone is still under warranty.
When it comes to keeping your drone flying, small habits can significantly extend its lifespan. By utilizing preflight and postflight checks, along with standard maintenance best practices, you can avoid downtime and keep your drone airborne, ultimately earning you more money.
Remember, when in doubt, always consult an expert.
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FAQ
How often should I replace my drone’s propellers?
Replace propellers every 50 to 100 flights or immediately if damaged.
Can I clean my drone with household cleaning products?
No, only use microfiber cloths, isopropyl alcohol, and compressed air.
How do I know if my drone needs professional repairs?
Seek help if you notice vibration, drift, or unresolved software issues.
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