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Flight Time / Battery Calculator

Estimate practical flight time from your rated capacity, wind, cold and payload.

Planning aid only — not certified flight-planning software or airspace clearance. Always verify results against your own aircraft's manual and check current regulations before flying. Full disclaimer.

Wind conditions
Temperature

Estimated flight time

30.0 min practical

Reserve: 6.0 min (20%) · Usable: 24.0 min

Wind/cold/payload derating percentages above are general planning assumptions, not per-drone data — real flight-time loss varies by airframe and battery chemistry. Always keep a real safety margin and land with battery to spare.

How it works

Manufacturer-rated flight times are measured in close-to-ideal conditions — calm air, mild temperature, no payload. This calculator starts from your drone's rated time and applies documented, adjustable derating for wind, cold, and extra payload, then subtracts a safety reserve to show a practical usable flight time.

Example

A drone rated for 30 minutes, flown in windy/cold conditions (18% + 18% derating) with a 20% reserve, has a practical flight time of about 19.9 minutes and a usable flight time of about 16 minutes before you should be landing.

Limitations

The wind/cold/payload percentages here are general planning assumptions, not measured per-drone data — actual loss depends on your specific airframe and battery chemistry. Always keep a real margin and land with charge to spare.

Advertised times are usually measured in ideal, windless conditions with no payload — real flights almost always run shorter. This calculator's derating percentages account for the most common reasons why.

20% is a common starting point for recreational flying; commercial/critical missions often keep more. Check your local regulations and your own risk tolerance.

Planning an actual flight?
Check current weather, wind, gusts and wind at altitude for your exact time and place with UAV Meteo.
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