Most battery efficient distance mode

[Robw_z]

With vehicles, if you are low on fuel you shouldn't max your speed to get to the next gas station; but go slow to maximize fuel economy.

On that note, with drones; there is a temptation to use sport mode to RTH if your battery life is getting concerning. I've so far steered clear of that temptation and have been using "N" - Normal Mode, to RTH. However, I'm not sure how taxing the obstacle avoidance is on the battery; even when in the clear.

Just curious of others observations when trying to get the best "battery % per hour" in terms of direct distance.

 

[Meta4]

With vehicles, if you are low on fuel you shouldn't max your speed to get to the next gas station; but go slow to maximize fuel economy.

But you also shouldn't go too slow.
There's a "goldilocks" speed in between that will get the best fuel economy.

On that note, with drones; there is a temptation to use sport mode to RTH if your battery life is getting concerning. I've so far steered clear of that temptation and have been using "N" - Normal Mode, to RTH. However, I'm not sure how taxing the obstacle avoidance is on the battery; even when in the clear.

Sport Mode will burn the battery faster and give less distance.
Fly too slow and you use too much battery power just fighting gravity.
But there's no need to wonder of ask what others think.
DJI spell it out for you in their specs.

Max Flight Time
51 minutes
Measured by the aircraft flying forward at a constant speed of 32.4 kph in a windless environment at sea level, with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Brake, in photo mode, and from 100% battery level until 0%. Actual experience may vary depending on the environment, usage, and firmware version.

Max Flight Distance
41 km
Measured by the aircraft flying forward at a constant speed of 54 kph in a windless environment at sea level, with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Brake, in photo mode, and from 100% battery level until 0%. Actual experience may vary depending on the environment, usage, and firmware version.

Max Hovering Time
45 minutes
Measured by the aircraft hovering in a windless environment at sea level, with Obstacle Avoidance Action set to Brake, in photo mode, and from 100% battery level until 0%. Actual experience may vary depending on the environment, usage, and firmware version.