Travelling overseas with an FPV drone and batteries could be thrilling but difficult, however with just a little preparation it’s actually simpler than it appears. Drawing from my expertise, I’ll share some ideas and insights on the best way to journey with FPV drones and LiPo batteries on an airplane easily.
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Right here’s my moveable setup for travelling: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-travel-setup/
Nation-Particular Drone Restrictions
Some nations prohibit drones completely (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 be capable to carry your drone with out prior analysis.
Separate Your FPV Drone Associated Stuff
Preserve your FPV stuff separate from different necessities.
Place gadgets prone to be checked or confiscated, like batteries, in a single bag. This minimizes the danger of shedding vital belongings. Batteries should be in carry-on baggage, whereas sharp instruments ought to be in checked baggage.
For those who’re carrying the drone in carry-on, take away the props to stop injury. 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 by airline workers when checking in, so ready for that (depart sufficient room within the suitcase for the drone).
Gear with batteries, like radios, also needs to be in carry-on except the battery is eliminated.
How Many LiPo Are Allowed On Aircraft?
Airline and airport rules on LiPo batteries fluctuate. Giant and nicely geared up airports appear to be wonderful often (most likely as a result of they take care of it all of the occasions), however smaller airports could be extra nervous about LiPo’s. Test each the airline and airport’s web sites or contact them immediately for readability.
For instance, the FAA calculates battery allowance by watt-hours:
Watt hours (Wh) = 3.7V (Nominal Voltage) x Cell Depend x Capability (Amp hours Ah)
FPV drone batteries are usually measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), the place 1000mAh is equal to 1Ah. For example, a 6S 1000mAh battery calculation could be:
3.7V x 6 x 1000mAh/1000 = 22.2 Wh (Watt hours)
In response to FAA guidelines, there’s no restrict on the variety of batteries so long as no single battery exceeds 100Wh, making this 6S 1000mAh LiPo in our instance permissible for journey.
Usually, FPV drone LiPo batteries are nicely under this watt-hour restrict, so there shouldn’t be a restriction on the amount you possibly can carry. Nevertheless, be aware that safety might turn out to be apprehensive when you have an extreme quantity, so train discretion!
Battery Preparation Earlier than Travelling
LiPo and Li-ion batteries are solely allowed as carry-on baggage.
Personally, I all the time cowl the battery terminals (e.g. XT30/XT60 and stability connectors) with caps to stop short-circuiting throughout transportation. Though the design of the XT60 connector inherently protects in opposition to short-circuiting, it’s all the time higher to be ready. They are often 3D printed, however you may also purchase them on-line.
Get XT60 caps right here:
Get XT30 caps right here:
Place batteries in as many separate “LiPo protected” luggage as you see crucial. Get some LiPo Protected luggage from right here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/#LiPo-Protected-Baggage
Guarantee all of your batteries are labeled clearly, displaying their nominal voltage, capability, and watt-hours. That is vital, as safety would possibly examine the labels to confirm they meet the necessities.
It’s additionally good follow 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 aspect of warning is advisable.
Print out the airline’s rules concerning LiPo batteries and hold it along with your batteries. In case of any points, you possibly can then current the documentation for clarification.
When you’ve boarded the airplane, 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 utilize to explain your FPV drone to journey officers have the facility to destroy your journey.
Personally, I’d keep away from insider phrases like “5-inch”, “quadcopter”, “multirotor”, “mini quad”, or anything which may sound cool. It’s, all through your journey, a “digicam drone” or a “remote-controlled toy helicopter”. This would possibly save lots of explaining.
If utilizing a LiPo bag, take into account eradicating or masking phrases like “explosion” and “hearth” to keep away from drawing pointless consideration at checkpoints.
With every thing you do, you wish to give the impression that you don’t have anything to cover (in any case, 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. Count on some suspicion – it’s a part of safety brokers’ job. Make sure that your quadcopter is definitely 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 type phrases and pleasant demeanor would possibly imply the distinction between conserving or shedding it. Count on and be ready that you’ll possible be hassled on the airport for touring with a drone and particularly a lot of LiPo batteries. And do not forget that these hassles serve the aim of conserving us all safer within the skies.
Coping with Safety Points
Even with all precautions, you would possibly encounter safety personnel who aren’t accustomed to the rules. I had a pal who as soon as needed to discard all his batteries when coming back from a international nation regardless of having the rules printed out. Typically, 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 LiPo batteries requires preparation and understanding of each worldwide and country-specific rules. At all times carry documentation concerning battery rules, be ready for safety checks, and analysis drone legal guidelines in your vacation spot nation. Whereas most experiences ought to be hassle-free, all the time be ready for the surprising and stay adaptable. With the following tips, you possibly can take pleasure in your FPV drone adventures all over the world with out main setbacks.
Lastly, whereas the following tips have been serving me nicely personally, it is best to all the time examine along with your specific airline and airport to be sure 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
