Store Air 3S with props on or off?

[kenjancef]

Just ordered the Air 3S Fly more, and wondering how everyone stores it... with props on or off? For now, I'll be using the case that comes with the Combo.

 

[Felix le Chat]

Just ordered the Air 3S Fly more, and wondering how everyone stores it... with props on or off? For now, I'll be using the case that comes with the Combo.

Pretty much all drones after the Phantom series could be slipped carefully into the official carry case with props on, but this can change depending on what hard case you upgrade to... the problem also arises with one or two DJI storage cases, for example: the Inspire 3 is meant to be cased with the props removed, there is a video out there in youtube-land of one show-off shoving his brand new I3 (props on) into the case and slamming the lid shut, only to find that he'd managed to twist one arm so hard he'd snapped one of the motors off.

 

[Cafguy]

its up to you I keep my props on and store in a case. If you are not gonna put it in a case I would say leave them off or place a rubber band around the drone after you fold the props.

 

[msinger]

I prefer storing my drones with the props removed. This approach allows me to thoroughly inspect the props before each flight, a process that requires removing them anyway.

 

[WShade]

Props on for me (shrug)

 

[spamgnome]

I've always stored my drone with props on. Mainly it's quicker to set up for flight, but also I feel that every time one takes off props and then puts them back on, you risk doing damage.

 

[msinger]

I feel that every time one takes off props and then puts them back on, you risk doing damage

Is that risk greater than the potential danger of flying with damaged props due to skipping a pre-flight inspection? It only takes one cracked prop hub to take down a DJI drone.

 

[HoozierDroneDaddy]

IMHO, the real issue is prop condition prior to flight. If you can inspect them without removal, your good. But the other issue is properly secured props. If you remove them for inspection prior to flight or leave them off while in storage, you now need to properly install them before use. With each prop removed, it increases the possibility of one or more of them not being properly secured. I have seen several videos of crashes due to a prop or props coming off immediately after launch as they were not properly locked into place. So you have to weigh the risk on which way you decide to store them. I actually had this happen with the original Mavic Pro. One prop was not completely locked into place and the drone dropped 30' onto a concrete drive. Lesson learned.

 

[Cafguy]

I think as part of your pre-flight regimen checking your props rather attached or not is a must!
My biggest reason for leaving them on is I am always forgetting the bag of extra props or grabbing the wrong bag, and at least I don't ruin the day if I have some on already. LOL.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Just ordered the Air 3S Fly more, and wondering how everyone stores it... with props on or off? For now, I'll be using the case that comes with the Combo.

Props on, always.

I get one of these for every folding DJI drone I have:

That one's for the Air 3, available on Amazon. However, you can find similar for any DJI drone. DJI included one with the Mini 2.

I love these. It just makes handling the drone so so so much easier. Never had a prop holder interfere with the cutout for the drone in a hard case, something else I always get for each drone as well. The strap on top makes it easier to remove the aircraft from its cutout in the case too.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Is that risk greater than the potential danger of flying with damaged props due to skipping a pre-flight inspection? It only takes one cracked prop hub to take down a DJI drone.

In over ten years I've never had an issue, nor have I heard of anything from others, so I judge the risk exceedingly low, and worth the convenience.

In my experience, compromise to props is 99% out near the tips, usually due to contact while spinning. So I carefully inspect the outer ½ of each blade AFTER each flight, and replace anything questionable.

I don't really inspect the blades other than a casual look while I'm setting up, as they don't get damaged while stored in the case.

Finally, some of this is just impatience. I have plenty when I'm done flying and carefully inspect them. Not so much when I arrive and want, or depending on the circumstances, need to get in the air.

 

[msinger]

In over ten years I've never had an issue, nor have I heard of anything from others, so I judge the risk exceedingly low, and worth the convenience.

You've never heard of props flying off mid-flight? There are many examples of that in this forum.

 

[spamgnome]

IMHO, the real issue is prop condition prior to flight. If you can inspect them without removal, your good. But the other issue is properly secured props. If you remove them for inspection prior to flight or leave them off while in storage, you now need to properly install them before use. With each prop removed, it increases the possibility of one or more of them not being properly secured. I have seen several videos of crashes due to a prop or props coming off immediately after launch as they were not properly locked into place. So you have to weigh the risk on which way you decide to store them. I actually had this happen with the original Mavic Pro. One prop was not completely locked into place and the drone dropped 30' onto a concrete drive. Lesson learned.

101% The more you futz with something, the greater the likelihood that it will not be reinstalled correctly. I ALWAYS run my hands over the props when I unfold them to look for any nicks, and I can also check the hubs at the same time.

 

[Droning on and on...]

You've never heard of props flying off mid-flight? There are many examples of that in this forum.

I have.

I wasn't arguing for not inspecting them. I outlined my inspection protocol.

I'm just not nearly as concerned as you are about a hub failure.

In my opinion, removing and remounting the props carries a greater risk of one flying off in flight than a potential hub failure. YMMV.

 

[msinger]

I'm just not nearly as concerned as you are about a hub failure.

I wouldn’t say I’m overly concerned about it either, but it’s worth highlighting since prop issues are a common cause of drone crashes. Many pilots overlook basic pre-flight checks, such as ensuring the prop hubs are in good condition and that the props are securely attached.

While I understand that some might find it easier to spend money repairing a damaged drone than investing time in preventative measures, it’s crucial to consider the potential harm a crash could cause to people, animals, or property below. What goes up must come down, and it’s far better for that descent to be safe and controlled.

Ultimately, I’m just sharing knowledge because, as you alluded to, many people may not realize how critical these components are to a successful flight.

 

[Xitor]

Props on, always.

I get one of these for every folding DJI drone I have:

That one's for the Air 3, available on Amazon. However, you can find similar for any DJI drone. DJI included one with the Mini 2.

I love these. It just makes handling the drone so so so much easier. Never had a prop holder interfere with the cutout for the drone in a hard case, something else I always get for each drone as well. The strap on top makes it easier to remove the aircraft from its cutout in the case too.

Absolutely second this recommendation. this type of prop guard is solid and doesn't compress the props unlike some other wrap around or DYI option. You can can actually grab the motor mount with these prop guards on and turn the motor left and right and verify the props are secure and protected, but no ongoing pressure that could deform them over time or reduce flight performance.