To Guard or Not to Guard: The Dilemma of Drone Prop Guards in Close Quarters
In the world of drone survey work, precision and safety go hand in hand. Surveyors rely on these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to capture crucial data, often from hard-to-reach places. In most cases, avoiding close quarters manoeuvring is the name of the game, as it tends to be stressful, risky, and usually unnecessary for survey purposes. However, there are those moments when a drone unexpectedly finds itself in close proximity to obstacles like the ground, walls, trees, or, worst of all, a person. This raises an important question: Is it worth flying with prop guards?
Before we delve into the decision of whether or not to equip your drone with prop guards, it’s essential to understand both the benefits and drawbacks they offer.
Drone Prop Guards, some protection, but at a cost
Drone Prop guards, as the name suggests, are protective barriers designed to shield a drone’s propellers from potential collisions. On the surface, they seem like a straightforward solution to mitigate the risks associated with close quarters flying. However, like most things in life, it’s not that simple.
The Downsides of Drone Prop Guards
While drone prop guards can offer a layer of protection, they come with their own set of trade-offs. One significant drawback is the reduction in flight time. These additional structures add weight and wind resistance, which ultimately translates to shorter flights. Shorter flight times mean more frequent landings for battery changes, increasing the need for manoeuvring and, consequently, adding to crew stress.
Furthermore, drone prop guards are a compromise in terms of their design. To keep drones lightweight and agile, prop guards can only be made strong enough to protect against light impacts. This begs the question: why would an experienced pilot encounter such impacts in the first place?
When to Fly with Drone Prop Guards
In the vast majority of outdoor surveying scenarios, the decision to use prop guards should be carefully considered. Experienced drone pilots are expected to operate their UAVs with precision and care, minimizing the chances of accidental collisions. In these situations, the disadvantages of prop guards may outweigh the benefits.
However, there’s one clear-cut scenario where prop guards should be considered mandatory: indoor flying with no GPS assistance. When flying indoors, especially in GPS-denied environments, the risk factors change significantly. In the event of a malfunction or a loss of control link, the drone could drift uncontrollably until it inevitably collides with a wall or obstacle. This is a nightmare scenario for any pilot, experienced or not.
In such cases, prop guards become a crucial safety feature. The risk of a collision is higher indoors, and the consequences of an uncontrolled crash can be severe, both in terms of damage to the drone and potential harm to people or property. Therefore, it’s always advisable to use prop guards when flying indoors without GPS assistance. It’s a precaution that could save you from a costly mishap.
Conclusion
In the world of drone survey work, safety and efficiency are paramount. While prop guards can provide a safety net in certain situations, they also come with downsides that need to be carefully weighed. Outdoor surveying, especially with experienced pilots, often doesn’t necessitate the use of prop guards due to the increased risk they can pose in terms of reduced flight time and manoeuvrability.
However, when it comes to indoor flying without GPS, prop guards become a vital tool for mitigating the risks associated with uncontrolled drone movement. In such scenarios, safety should always come first, and the use of prop guards can provide that extra layer of protection.
In the end, the decision to fly with or without prop guards depends on the specific circumstances of your surveying mission. Assess the risks, consider the environment, and prioritise safety while striving to achieve the best possible battery flight time.