How the drone flight time calculator works
Why advertised time flatters
Manufacturers test hover in still air at optimal temperature to 0% — real flight moves (50–100% more draw), fights wind (up to double), and flies cold (lithium sags). The honest planning number is 70–80% of advertised, minus your landing reserve. Pilots who plan on the sticker fly home on forced landings.
The conditions multiplier
Wind is the dominant tax: holding position in a headwind can double power draw, and cold reduces usable capacity 10–20% before the physics even warms up. Winter flights plan shorter, batteries pre-warm in pockets, and the reserve grows because RTH itself burns battery against the wind.
Reserves are how drones come home
The 20% reserve is not caution — it is the return-to-home fuel: the RTH climb, transit, and descent all draw power, and headwinds on return burn more than outbound. Low-battery RTH triggers are a floor, not a plan; the disciplined pilot lands on schedule with margin intact.