Travelling overseas with an FPV drone and batteries might be an thrilling but difficult, however with slightly preparation it’s actually simpler than it appears. Drawing from my expertise, I’ll share some ideas and insights on the way to journey with FPV drones and LiPo batteries on an airplane easily.
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Nation-Particular Drone Restrictions
Some international locations prohibit drones fully (or have a restrict on drone weight). Earlier than touring, examine the native necessities for drones to keep away from unwelcome surprises at customs. Don’t assume you’ll have the ability to deliver your drone with out prior analysis.
Separate Your FPV Drone Associated Stuff
Maintain your FPV stuff separate from different necessities.
Place objects prone to be checked or confiscated, like batteries, in a single bag. This minimizes the chance of shedding essential belongings. Batteries have to be in carry-on baggage, whereas sharp instruments must be in checked baggage.
When you’re carrying the drone in carry-on, take away the props to forestall harm. I usually journey with the drone in my stick with it, however I’ve additionally been requested particularly to place the drone in my checked baggage earlier than, so ready for that (depart sufficient room within the suitcase for the drone).
Tools with batteries, like radios, must also be in carry-on until the battery is eliminated.
How Many LiPo Are Allowed On Aircraft?
Airline and airport laws on LiPo batteries differ. Giant and effectively outfitted airports appear to be superb often (in all probability as a result of they cope with it all of the instances), however smaller airports might be extra nervous about LiPo’s. Examine each the airline and airport’s web sites or contact them straight for readability.
For instance, the FAA calculates battery allowance by watt-hours:
Watt hours (Wh) = 3.7V (Nominal Voltage) x Cell Rely x Capability (Amp hours Ah)
FPV drone batteries are usually measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), the place 1000mAh is equal to 1Ah. As an example, a 6S 1000mAh battery calculation can be:
3.7V x 6 x 1000mAh/1000 = 22.2 Wh (Watt hours)
In line with FAA guidelines, there’s no restrict on the variety of batteries so long as no single battery exceeds 100Wh, making this 6S 1000mAh LiPo permissible for journey.
Usually, FPV drone LiPo batteries are effectively beneath this watt-hour restrict, so there shouldn’t be a restriction on the amount you possibly can carry. Nonetheless, be aware that safety might turn into apprehensive when you have an extreme quantity, so train discretion!
Battery Preparation and Safety Earlier than Travelling
Batteries are solely allowed as carry-on baggage.
Personally, I at all times cowl the battery terminals (XT30/XT60 and stability connectors) with caps to forestall shorting throughout transportation. Though the design of the XT60 connector inherently protects in opposition to short-circuiting, it’s at all times higher to be ready.
Get XT60 caps right here:
Get XT30 caps right here:
Place batteries in as many separate “LiPo protected” baggage as you see vital. Get some LiPo Protected baggage from right here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/#LiPo-Protected-Luggage
Guarantee all of your batteries are labeled clearly, exhibiting their nominal voltage, capability, and watt-hours. That is essential, as safety would possibly examine the labels to confirm they meet the necessities.
It’s additionally good observe to retailer your LiPo batteries at storage voltage (3.80V – 3.85V per cell). Whereas I’ve by no means had my batteries checked for storage cost, erring on the facet of warning is advisable.
Print out the airline’s laws concerning LiPo batteries and hold it together with your batteries. In case of any points, you possibly can then current the documentation for clarification.
When you’ve boarded the aircraft, you possibly can place your FPV drone and batteries within the overhead locker.
Be Clear and Affected person
Think about this tip a cardinal rule for drone journey: the phrases you employ to explain your FPV drone to journey officers have the facility to wreck your journey.
Personally, I keep away from insider phrases like “5-inch”, “quadcopter”, “multirotor”, “mini quad”, or the rest which may sound cool. It’s, in the course of your journey, a “digital camera drone” or a “remote-controlled toy helicopter”. This may save a variety of explaining.
If utilizing a LiPo bag, think about eradicating or overlaying phrases like “explosion” and “hearth” to keep away from drawing pointless consideration at checkpoints.
With every part you do, you need to give the impression that you don’t have anything to cover (in spite of everything, you don’t!). For instance, for those who plan to pack your FPV drone as carry-on, proactively take it out and place it within the tray on the Airport safety checkpoint.
The bottom line is to convey transparency. As an example, for those who’re carrying your mini quad in your carry-on, proactively take it out and place it within the tray on the airport safety checkpoint.
Count on some suspicion – it’s a part of safety brokers’ job. Ensure your quadcopter is well accessible in case brokers want to examine it.
If you end up in a scenario the place somebody has the facility to make the decision whether or not or to not confiscate your drone for good, your form phrases and pleasant demeanor would possibly imply the distinction between holding or shedding it. Count on and be ready that you’ll seemingly be hassled on the airport for touring with a drone and particularly a number of LiPo batteries. And do not forget that these hassles serve the aim of holding us all safer within the skies.
Coping with Safety Points
Even with all precautions, you would possibly encounter safety personnel who should not accustomed to the laws. I had a good friend who as soon as needed to discard all his batteries when getting back from a international nation regardless of having the laws printed out. Generally, you would possibly face somebody decided to make your day difficult, and there’s little that may be completed in such conditions.
Conclusion
Touring overseas with FPV drones and batteries requires preparation and understanding of each worldwide and country-specific laws. All the time carry documentation concerning battery laws, be ready for safety checks, and analysis drone legal guidelines in your vacation spot nation. Whereas most experiences must be hassle-free, at all times be ready for the sudden and stay adaptable. With the following tips, you possibly can take pleasure in your FPV drone adventures around the globe with out main setbacks.
Lastly, whereas the following tips have been serving me effectively personally, it is best to at all times examine together with your specific airline and airport to ensure you’re conscious of any particular guidelines they could have.
Edit Historical past
- Jul 2016 – Article created
- Mar 2019 – Article re-written
- Dec 2022 – Shortened URL
- Dec 2023 – Up to date article