| Rainy-weather inspection | Ask for the exact IP rating, the parts it covers, and the test report. “Water-resistant” alone does not define a test level. | Check wind limits, camera stabilization, return-to-home behavior, and whether the aircraft may operate in rain under its manual. | Compare the manufacturer's stated flight time with a loaded-flight figure; wind, temperature, and payload affect endurance. | Confirm the supplied battery and charger meet destination-market requirements and that replacement batteries are available. |
| River, lake, or shoreline survey | For immersion claims, request the specified depth, duration, and test conditions. IPX7 means a defined temporary-immersion test; it does not establish suitability for every water operation. | Check positioning and link performance over water, emergency recovery procedures, and whether the design can safely take off and land near the water. | Request endurance with the intended camera or sensor installed, plus the recommended reserve-battery margin. | Verify warranty coverage for water exposure and ask how post-flight cleaning, drying, and inspection should be performed. |
| Marine or saltwater work | An IP rating does not by itself prove resistance to salt corrosion. Request written saltwater-use limits and maintenance instructions. | Assess wind tolerance, corrosion-resistant materials, sealed connectors, and the availability of replaceable parts exposed to salt spray. | Check battery performance in the expected temperature range and the safe storage and transport requirements. | Ask whether saltwater-related damage is excluded from the warranty and obtain the exclusions in writing before ordering. |
| Wet or dusty industrial site | For an IP code, check both digits and the test report. IP67 indicates dust-tight protection and a defined temporary-immersion test; it is not a general guarantee for all environments. | Match the payload capacity to the actual sensor, then verify obstacle sensing, positioning method, control-link range, and operating-temperature limits. | Compare flight time with the required payload and operating conditions, rather than relying only on a no-payload maximum. | Request user manuals, maintenance intervals, spare-parts lead times, and after-sales support arrangements. |
| Underwater filming or inspection | A flying drone with an IP rating is not necessarily an underwater vehicle. Confirm that the product is explicitly designed and rated for submerged operation. | Check rated depth, operating duration underwater, camera visibility, tether or communication method, and recovery procedure. | Confirm whether endurance refers to flight time, submerged operating time, or total mission time. | Ask for the test conditions, applicable documentation, and written warranty terms for submerged use. |