Operating plant protection drones at night is increasingly adopted to avoid daytime heat, reduce chemical evaporation, and minimize impact on pollinators. However, night flights demand strict adherence to safety and technical protocols. Below are essential notes for any operator.

1. Pre-Flight Inspection and Lighting
Ensure all LED navigation lights (red/green) and strobe anti-collision beacons are fully charged and visible from at least 3 km. Check propeller balance and motor temperature – night cooling can cause condensation on sensors. Calibrate the compass away from any metallic or magnetic interference, especially headlights or vehicle electronics.

2. Terrain and Obstacle Awareness
Night vision is limited. Use RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning and a high-resolution thermal or infrared camera to detect obstacles like power lines, trees, or uneven ground. Pre-map the field during daylight with waypoints. Maintain a minimum altitude of 3 meters above crop canopy. Avoid flying over water bodies or reflective surfaces which confuse the ultrasonic sensors.

3. Weather and Wind
Wind speed should not exceed 5 m/s at night, as thermal currents are unpredictable. Monitor for sudden dew point changes – moisture can short-circuit electrical parts. Abort the mission if fog or low clouds reduce visibility below 50 meters.

4. Spray System Calibration
Nozzle pressure and droplet size need adjustment for night spraying – lower temperatures increase liquid viscosity. Use a flow meter to verify each nozzle’s output. Add a fluorescent tracer to the tank to verify deposition the next morning with a UV lamp.

5. Communication and Emergency Plan
Ensure a second person acts as a spotter with a strong flashlight. Maintain radio contact and define a no-fly zone for any ground crew. Have a designated emergency landing site (a flat, mowed area) pre-lit with portable battery lamps. If GPS fails, switch to manual attitude mode and land immediately.

6. Battery and Endurance
Night operations often require longer flight times, but batteries discharge faster in cooler temperatures. Always carry at least two spare battery sets, pre-warmed to 25°C in an insulated box. Limit each flight to 70% of rated capacity to ensure a safe return-to-home.

7. Legal and Ethical Compliance
Check local regulations on night agricultural flights – many regions require a special night rating and approval from aviation authorities. Avoid spraying within 150 meters of residential areas. Notify neighboring farms to prevent confusion about lights.

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Final Note: Practice night flights in a controlled test area at least three times before real missions. Keep a detailed flight log, and always prioritize human safety over crop protection. A well-prepared night operation not only boosts efficiency but also safeguards your investment and the environment.