So I’ve been wanting to fly my drone in Iceland, but I’m hearing horror stories about the wind, especially in winter. I know the wind gets super intense there—anyone know if it’s really that bad? Is it possible to fly at all during that time of year?
Oh man, the wind in Iceland is no joke, especially in winter! I remember reading that wind speeds can hit 30-40 mph normally, but it’s been recorded way higher. Wouldn’t risk flying my drone there in winter, tbh.
@Voss
Yikes, that’s intense… isn’t the DJI Mavic Air only good for up to like 23 mph? Guess I’d be grounded there 
Luca said:
@Voss
Yikes, that’s intense… isn’t the DJI Mavic Air only good for up to like 23 mph? Guess I’d be grounded there
Exactly! Even the DJI Inspire 2, which is supposed to handle stronger winds, maxes out around 22 mph. Icelandic winter wind would throw them around like toys.
If you’re serious about flying in Iceland, just stick to summer. Flytrex, a big drone delivery company, doesn’t even operate in winter because it’s too risky.
Jay said:
If you’re serious about flying in Iceland, just stick to summer. Flytrex, a big drone delivery company, doesn’t even operate in winter because it’s too risky.
Interesting! Do you know why they stop for the winter?
@Luca
Yeah, the CEO said it’s too dangerous for both drones and people because of those intense wind gusts.
I went to Iceland last winter, and wow, the wind was insane! Cars were getting blown off the road! Imagine what that would do to a drone!
Steele said:
I went to Iceland last winter, and wow, the wind was insane! Cars were getting blown off the road! Imagine what that would do to a drone!
Wait, cars were actually getting blown off the road? That sounds wild… did you have to reschedule anything?
@Mason
Yep, had to change hotel plans because the roads were too risky to drive on. It’s no joke there in winter!
If you’re thinking of taking a drone to Iceland, don’t forget the rules! You can’t fly above 120 meters without special permission, and you need to register the drone with their Transport Authority.
Harper said:
If you’re thinking of taking a drone to Iceland, don’t forget the rules! You can’t fly above 120 meters without special permission, and you need to register the drone with their Transport Authority.
Thanks for the heads-up! Didn’t know about the 120-meter rule. Guess I’ll be keeping it low.
Also, check the weather before flying! Icelandic weather sites put out warnings, and it’s good to know if a storm’s coming. The last thing you want is to be caught in a sudden gust!
Gale said:
Also, check the weather before flying! Icelandic weather sites put out warnings, and it’s good to know if a storm’s coming. The last thing you want is to be caught in a sudden gust!
Good call! Any particular weather site you’d recommend?
@Luca
Yeah, the Icelandic Meteorological Office is a good one to watch. They’re pretty on top of it!