Does anyone use a wind speed indicator?

[MARK (LI)]

If you do...what kind and at what wind speed do you call off flying?...Thank you...Mark

 

[Meta4]

at what wind speed do you call off flying?

There is no single windspeed that is safe/not safe for flying.
You need to consider the direction of the wind and how that affects your planned flight.
The distance you intend flying is another important consideration.
You could safely fly straight up or fly upwind in a much stronger wind than would be safe if you intended flying off any distance downwind.

 

[Camino Ken]

I have an anemometer from a company called Weather Flow. i can measure the wind at head height but this information is not enough since the wind normally increases with altitude. The amount of the increase is a strong function of the surface terrain, buildings, trees, etc. The wind at 400ft (122m) can be 1.5X or 4X or even more than the surface wind. it is important to know the wind speed limitations of your specific drone and make the assessment is it safe to fly before each takeoff.

 

[Wild Wayne]

I have a handheld anemometer made by La Crosse Technology. I have used it sailing for many years. I also use it when I fly. It works great!

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Yes, ground wind speed isn't terribly useful to drone pilots.
I can tell by looking at trees / foliage, holding up a wet finger, or throwing some blades of grass in the air, or indeed hold up a piece of string, lol.



The best way to get a vague idea of what the wind is doing at ground level up to ceiling altitude you are flying, is to use an app like UAV forecast or other such . . . Ventusky is a great free website for pre checking all sorts of weather from home, or there is a low cost an app for the phone.

Monitoring your drone in flight is best, with experience you can see what's happening from data as you ascend . . . some apps have the attitude bowl, which is a great tool . . .
A simple hover and check shows exactly what the wind is doing up there, and the effect on the drone.

 

[Squidinc]

I use the UAV Forecast app. It’s excellent in my opinion. I have it’s adjustable “triggers” set up to let me know when it’s too windy at 100 meters to fly with a maximum speed of up to 35 klm that the MA2 can handle.

 

[MARK (LI)]

Hey @Squidinc ...exactly what I was looking for ...thank you

 

[Squidinc]

Hey @Squidinc ...exactly what I was looking for ...thank you

You’re welcome, Happy (windless) flights ??

 

[Tampa]

I use an app...Drone Buddy Pro...it works great. If my Buddy says greater that 12 mph I consider delaying until wind dies down.

 

[Old Dog- New Tricks]

I use UAV forecast. Using it for a long time with no problems. Usually set it for max wind gusts (30mph) at 200' for my MA2. Max Drone speed is approx. 45mph. Always account for having to come back into a headwind. This serves most of my flying. Easy to change for exceptions to my norm as seen in attached.

 

[BillyDrone]

Life is unpredictable just like the wind and everything else in life..
Just use good common sense and enjoy..
Life is short....Don't sweat the small stuff.

 

[Happyonmyhill]

I use the UAV Forecast app. It’s excellent in my opinion. I have it’s adjustable “triggers” set up to let me know when it’s too windy at 100 meters to fly with a maximum speed of up to 35 klm that the MA2 can handle. View attachment 128090

 

[Happyonmyhill]

????????

 

[MARK (LI)]

Hey @James MK ...in the screen that you show...you tap on wind...how does that max wind work?...do you slide the bar to set the highest wind speed you want to know about?...if not ...what does it do?

 

[BillyDrone]

Some use their thumb.

 

[MARK (LI)]

Some use their thumb.

Do you wet the thumb first?

 

[BillyDrone]

Do you wet the thumb first?

LOL...Funny...Just using a little humor.

 

[MARK (LI)]

I find my index finger to be a little more accurate

 

[Bradders71]

I use an app called Airdata

 

[Tiger64]

using these apps you need to remember they are forecast rather than actual wind speed for most areas.