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Writer's pictureIvan Tsar

Drones for reconnaissance use and creating a landing / launch pad for mobile or stationary use.


In the world of preparedness, staying ahead with technology can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and overall readiness. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have emerged as a pivotal tool in the prepper's arsenal, offering a wide range of applications that can prove invaluable in various survival scenarios. Here, we delve into the importance of owning a drone, weigh the pros and cons, and guide you through the construction of a landing pad for your UAV.


Why Drones Are Crucial for Preppers

Drones provide a unique vantage point that was previously inaccessible or would require expensive and risky manned aircraft operations. For preppers, the applications are vast:


Surveillance and Security: Drones can be flown over your property to monitor for any unusual activities or intrusions, giving you a bird's-eye view of your surroundings without exposing yourself to potential threats.


Search and Rescue: In the event of getting lost or if someone goes missing in your group, drones can cover large areas much quicker than a search party on foot.



Agricultural Monitoring: For those who grow their own food, drones equipped with specialized cameras can monitor plant health, hydration levels, and even pest infestations.


Mapping and Planning: Drones can help map out your property, identifying natural resources, water sources, and potential hazards. This information is critical in planning your homestead's layout or in emergency evacuation scenarios also using an air tag to drop on targets for tracking .


Communication: Some drones can carry lightweight items, potentially delivering messages or small supplies to nearby locations without direct human contact.


Pros of Owning a Drone

Enhanced Situational Awareness: Drones extend your ability to observe and react to situations from a safe distance.



Versatility: With a range of attachments and cameras available, drones can be adapted for different purposes, from thermal imaging for night surveillance to loudspeakers for communication and that's not even including using an RC vehicle for even more ground reconnaissance and surveillance use with let's say a Go-pro or using a VR headset connectivity to deliver aid , ammo ,food/drinks to those in need.


Cost-Effectiveness: Although there's an initial investment, drones can reduce the need for other expensive equipment and resources, like manned aircraft or additional manpower.



Cons of Owning a Drone


Legal and Privacy Concerns: Operating a drone comes with a set of regulations that vary by location. There's also the issue of potentially infringing on neighbors' privacy , not that it matters when SHTF .


Technical Skills Required: Effective drone operation requires practice and knowledge, including understanding weather conditions, battery management, and navigation.


Maintenance and Dependence: Drones are mechanical devices that require regular maintenance. Relying heavily on them can be problematic if they malfunction or are damaged.


Building a Landing Pad for Your Drone

A proper landing pad ensures that your drone takes off and lands safely, keeping it away from dirt, debris, and potential damage. Here's a simple guide to building one that (I MADE MYSELF).



Choose the Right Material: Common materials include wood, concrete, aluminum sheet and commercial rubber mats. Consider the size of your drone and environmental conditions.




Mark the Area: The landing pad should be large enough to accommodate your drone with some margin for error. A diameter of at least twice the drone's size is recommended andtl thickness of about 2/32's .





Prepare the Surface: Ensure the chosen spot is level. For flat areas, you might need to cut the edges short or lay a foundation of rhino or vinyl for more durability.



Add Visual Markings: Bright colors or specific patterns can help the drone's visual positioning system during landing. Reflective tape is useful for night operations.



Secure the Landing Pad: Make sure the pad is anchored securely to the ground to prevent it from being blown away by the drone's propellers or wind.



Drones offer preppers a significant advantage in preparedness and survival situations. While the benefits are substantial, it's important to weigh them against the legal, ethical, and practical considerations of drone operation. A well-constructed landing pad further enhances your drone's usability, making it a worthwhile addition to any prepper's toolkit. With careful planning and responsible use, drones can significantly augment your preparedness efforts, providing security, information, and efficiency when you need it most.


Here are popular drone brands to look into for:



When considering drones for survival situations, the best options typically offer a blend of durability, extended battery life, range, and versatile functionalities such as high-quality cameras and payload capacities. Here's a list of drone categories and examples that could be highly effective for survival scenarios, focusing on their utility for reconnaissance, communication, and delivery purposes:



1. Long-Range Drones

DJI Mavic 3: Known for its extended range and battery life, capable of capturing high-quality images and videos over vast distances.

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+: Offers impressive camera capabilities and long flight times, suitable for detailed reconnaissance and mapping.


2. Compact and Foldable Drones

DJI Mini 2: Lightweight and portable, yet offers 4K video capability and decent flight time, making it ideal for scouting without attracting attention.

Parrot Anafi: This drone is foldable, has a 4K HDR camera, and features a 180-degree tilt gimbal, allowing for versatile scouting missions.


3. Durable and All-Weather Drones

DJI Matrice 300 RTK: Built for industrial use, it can withstand harsh conditions and comes with advanced imaging and flight capabilities.

PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard: Water-resistant and capable of landing on water, making it versatile for various environments.


4. Thermal Imaging Drones

FLIR Vue TZ20: This thermal camera can be attached to compatible drones, offering high-resolution thermal imaging for search and rescue or night operations.

DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual: Features both a standard and a thermal camera, useful for search and rescue, and for monitoring wildlife or intruders.


5. Fixed-Wing Drones

Parrot Disco: Offers long-duration flights and can cover large distances, ideal for mapping and extensive area surveillance.

SenseFly eBee X: With the ability to cover up to 500 km (310 miles) in a single flight, it's excellent for detailed and extensive mapping tasks.


Considerations for Survival Situations:

Battery Life: Longer flight times are crucial for extended missions.


Durability: Look for drones that can withstand harsh weather and rough handling.


Portability: Compact, lightweight drones are easier to transport and deploy quickly.


Camera Quality: High-resolution cameras with zoom capabilities can provide detailed reconnaissance from a safe distance.


Ease of Use: In stressful situations, a drone with an intuitive interface and reliable GPS is vital.


Each of these drones offers a set of features that can be invaluable for survival situations, from scouting and mapping to search and rescue operations. The choice depends on the specific needs, such as the importance of stealth, the need to cover large areas, or the requirement for detailed imaging.










All materials above were bought using hardware store supplies and vinyl and symbol was bought from







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