Why
Battery size helps, but added mass also costs energy. Wind, cold, aggressive flight, hovering, payload and battery age all reduce runtime. Manufacturer figures typically come from controlled, low-wind tests.
What to do next
- 01Track real flight time for each battery rather than relying on the box.
- 02Return with enough reserve for wind and a go-around.
- 03Store lithium batteries at the maker’s recommended storage charge.
- 04Retire packs that swell, leak, overheat, show cell imbalance or are crash-damaged.
Important exceptions
- Smart batteries may self-discharge for storage.
- Cold-soaked packs can suffer sudden voltage sag.
- Charging limits for airline travel depend on watt-hours and carrier rules.
Safety note: Aircraft behaviour varies by model, firmware and configuration. For legal or safety-critical decisions, use the current manual and official aviation authority guidance.