Purpose Although windy weather conditions have a significant effect on the flight safety and stability of any aircraft, the fact that quadrotors are lighter than other aircraft makes them more sensitive to the wind. This study aims to examine the extent to which quadrotors and their sensors, which are used in many fields and whose use is expected to increase significantly in the future, are affected by wind. Design/methodology/approach Flight experiments were carried out on different routes assigned by using Pixhawk Holybro 4 and Radiolink flight controllers. In these flight experiments, quadrotors were exposed to winds at different speeds and directions. Findings In the flight experiments, the deviation amounts in the quadrotor’s route at which wind speed was determined, and it was seen that these deviations were very serious and affected the safe flight at high wind speeds. According to the sensor information obtained from both different quadrotors’ flight experiments at different wind speeds, it was determined that the wind decreased the sensors’ accuracy. Practical implications It is foreseen that the data obtained in this study will be a source to be used in the design of quadrotors to be used in public areas in the future and to take the wind into account for safe flight. Originality/value In this study, numerous flight tests were carried out experimentally at various speeds from low speeds to high speeds on different routes using different flight controllers. The deviation data on the obtained routes and the effect of the wind on the sensors are experienced in real atmospheric conditions.

Purpose The Global Positioning System (GPS) is crucial for determining the positions of quadrotors, enabling safe flight and maintaining stability against environmental conditions. This study aims to investigate the effect of wind on the GPS of quadrotors experimentally. Design/methodology/approach This experimental study was conducted using an F450 frame, 980 kV motors and a Pixhawk flight controller to manage the quadrotor’s flight. To investigate the effects of wind on the quadrotor’s GPS during flight, a Pixhawk 4 Holybro flight controller was used. The experimental tests were performed on a predetermined route at different wind speeds. Findings Analysis of the data obtained from the flight tests showed that GPS signals were more affected as the wind speed increased. The percentage of GPS jamming levels reached 18% at high wind speeds. Practical implications Positioning services will be even more critical for quadrotors, which are expected to be used more frequently in public areas. This study is expected to be a reference for GPS-related research. Originality/value Winds pose a significant threat to the safe flight of quadrotors in many ways. This study experimentally investigates the effects of wind on the GPSs of quadrotors and to what extent it affects them at different wind speeds under real weather conditions. The obtained data shows that wind has a significant impact on GPS jamming.