I’m thinking about adding landing gear to my drone. The idea is to make landing easier in tight spots like on a boat or small table, or to avoid the drone tipping over in grassy areas. It seems like raising the drone a little could help in places with limited landing options.
What’s your opinion? Is it worth it, or are there better alternatives?
Honestly, it just adds weight, drag, and wind resistance without offering much benefit.
RotorRider said:
Honestly, it just adds weight, drag, and wind resistance without offering much benefit.
Exactly. Not worth it at all.
RotorRider said:
Honestly, it just adds weight, drag, and wind resistance without offering much benefit.
But wouldn’t it help in areas where the surface is uneven?
I’ve been flying drones for over a decade and never felt the need for landing gear. Either learn to hand catch or find a small patch of flat ground. It’s not as hard as it sounds.
Tatum said:
I’ve been flying drones for over a decade and never felt the need for landing gear. Either learn to hand catch or find a small patch of flat ground. It’s not as hard as it sounds.
I use a landing pad instead. I’ve got a heavier, foldable one that doesn’t blow away in the wind. Landing gear adds unnecessary weight, so I skip it.
Tatum said:
I’ve been flying drones for over a decade and never felt the need for landing gear. Either learn to hand catch or find a small patch of flat ground. It’s not as hard as it sounds.
Yep, practice precision landings and invest in a good landing pad. There are compact options that work even on rough ground.
@Wendell
Or just hand launch and catch. It’s easier than you think once you get the hang of it.
Landing gear can help in grassy or dusty areas, but a landing pad works just as well and doesn’t affect the drone’s weight or balance.
BrianCopland said:
Landing gear can help in grassy or dusty areas, but a landing pad works just as well and doesn’t affect the drone’s weight or balance.
Agreed. Hand takeoffs and landings are another easy option to avoid these problems.
I’ve got some cheap landing gear in my kit. It’s not something I use often, but it can be handy in certain situations. People always say to hand launch, but I’ve seen enough injuries from that to avoid it myself. Just try it and see if it works for you.
@Charlie
Yeah, I’m not comfortable with hand launching or catching either. It feels too risky for me.
Haven said:
@Charlie
Yeah, I’m not comfortable with hand launching or catching either. It feels too risky for me.
Same here. I once tried to hand launch my Mavic Pro, and it didn’t go well. With smaller drones like the Mini 4 Pro, though, hand launching and catching is much easier and safer.
Haven said:
@Charlie
Yeah, I’m not comfortable with hand launching or catching either. It feels too risky for me.
It’s a good skill to learn for emergencies or tight spaces, but I get why it’s not for everyone. Landing pads and gear both have their uses depending on the situation.
Skip the landing gear and just get a proper landing pad.
Folding weighted landing pads are the way to go. They stay put even in the wind and protect your drone from debris.
Reese said:
Folding weighted landing pads are the way to go. They stay put even in the wind and protect your drone from debris.
Exactly. Landing pads do a better job of keeping rocks and dirt away from your drone. Landing gear doesn’t really help with that.
Reese said:
Folding weighted landing pads are the way to go. They stay put even in the wind and protect your drone from debris.
What’s a good example of one?
@Reese
That one works great, especially for night landings.
@Reese
Can you post the link for that one?
