In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to craft a durable and efficient landing pad from selecting the right materials to adding final touches for visibility and stability.
Towards the end of the article, we also explain several major drawbacks with DIY homemade drone landing pads, and the alternatives to consider.
Required Materials and Tools
Materials
To create the drone landing pad, first, you’ll need the following materials:
- Visible, weather-resistant fabric: This comprises the base of your landing pad. For instance, orange or yellow ripstop nylon material works excellently because of its high visibility and durability against harsh weather conditions.
- Reflective tape or paint: To enhance visibility during nights or poor light conditions.
- Weighted objects: These secure the pad to the ground during windy situations. Examples are sandbags or metal washers.
- Adhesive: This affixes the weighted objects to the landing pad. Industrial strength glue, for example, provides a firm hold.
Tools
- Scissors: For cutting your fabric and reflective tape.
- Tape Measure: For accurate size measurements of your landing pad.
- Sewing equipment: Involves sewing thread, needles, or a sewing machine if available. You use these to secure weighted objects to the fabric.
- Brush or roller: For applying reflective paint.
1. Designing Your Drone Landing Pad
Determine the Size
Typically, pads for hobbyist drones lie in the range of 30 to 75 cm in diameter.
Our portable drone landing pads come in two sizes, medium (18” x 16”) and large (36” x 18”), perfect for landing any drone with ease.
For instance, a DJI Phantom would work well with a 75 cm pad. A smaller drone, say a DJI Spark, would comfortably land on a 30 cm pad.
If your drone is on the smaller side, Wild Wonderful Weekends has an excellent guide you can follow to construct a landing pad for smaller models:
Selecting the Material
The main materials you'll use range from cloth-based pads to heavy-duty rubber ones.
Cloth pads made of nylon are best for portability and weight, while rubber pads are better for durability and resistance on rough terrains.
Choosing Colors and Markings
Choose bright, contrasting colors, such as orange, yellow or white for the base with black or blue markings.
A concentric circle pattern gives a precise point of reference during descent. Adding numbers to mimic a helipad gives an aesthetic appeal and a professional feel. Though, make sure the colors and designs assist rather than distract during the critical landing process.
2. Making the Drone Landing Pad
Cutting the Material
- Cutting your chosen material into your desired shape (typically square or circular) and size.
- Use durable materials like cloth or rubber to maintain longevity and performance.
Painting and Marking
- After cutting, apply brightly colored paint to enhance visibility.
- Add stenciled shapes or numbers, such as a bold 'X' in a contrasting color, to guide the drone smoothly to the landing pad.
Securing Edges and Adding Weight
- Reinforce the edges of the pad with duct tape or similar materials to prevent fraying and damage.
- Attach weights at each corner, such as sandbags, dense rubber squares, or heavy washers, to stabilize the pad in windy conditions and anchor it to the ground.
3. Installing the Drone Landing Pad
You’ll need to anchor your landing pad down, using either weights or stakes. The best anchor depends on the location, climate, and terrain you’re in.
- Metal stakes perform best in outdoor environments brimming with grass or soil.
- Sandbags suit concrete or indoor environments.
4. Maintenance and Care
Regularly clean your landing pad to remove debris, dirt, and stains that affect drone visibility. For tough stains, mix a mild detergent with water and scrub the affected area with a brush.
It’s also worth checking for wear and tear, such as fraying edges, color fading, or surface abrasions.
A good cadence for this is to check for wear and tear every two months, or after every ten flights. Then you’re not risking any sudden malfunctions leading to drone damage.
Choosing the Right Location For Your Drone Landing Pad
1. Pick a Flat, Stable Surface
A flat and stable surface forms a safe landing base. It prevents uneven contact with the drone landing gear, eliminating chances of toppling over. For instance, concrete driveways or open patches of grass.
Make sure the location is free from rocks, potholes or any other kind of uneven surface.
2. Consider Wind & Other Environmental Factors
High wind speeds or gusty conditions can shift your drone off its landing path or even flip it over when touching the ground. So pick a location with better protection from the wind.
Avoid areas with overhanging tree branches or power lines, since these can obstruct the drone's landing.
Reasons NOT To Make Your Own Landing Pad (The Truth)
While it’s fun and cheap to build your own landing pad, they’re not as durable as professional, specially designed pads are.
Homemade landing pads typically have the following issues:
- Durability Issues: DIY pads wear quickly over time, and don’t handle harsh weather as well.
- Lack of Safety Features: Homemade pads don’t have non-slip surfaces and weighted edges that commercial pads provide.
- Compromised Stability: Professional pads are built for stable and smooth landings, which DIY versions typicall lack. This can lead to damage on your drone.
While cheaper upfront, DIY pads can lead to greater expenses over time due to the need for drone repairs from inadequate landing conditions.
Premium Drone Supplies landing pads are engineered for durability and precision, featuring high-quality materials to keep your drone safe.