Method of placing gas sensors on drones to benefit from thrust air flow via placement and scoops

A multirotor drone, comprising:

• a main body having an outer surface, and an air channel embedded within the main body having an upstream end at an air inlet at the outer surface of the main body;
• a plurality of propellers coupled to the outer surface of the main body, wherein actuation of at least one of the plurality of propellers induces an air flow directed toward the air inlet and into the air channel;
• a microcontroller positioned within the main body configured to control navigation of the drone by actuation of the plurality of propellers;
• an air scoop having a section positioned at the outer surface of the main body adjacent to the air inlet, the air scoop being adjustable between a first position to capture and divert air into the air inlet and thereby to the air channel and a second position to block air flow into the air inlet;
• a gas sensor positioned within the air channel;
• a compression spring coupled to the main body and to the air scoop and operative to provide a biasing force against the scoop closing over the air inlet completely;
• and
• a drag flap coupled to the air scoop external to the surface of the main body, wherein the drag flap imparts a rotational moment to the air scoop which tends to close the air scoop over the air inlet when exposed to air flow above a prescribed magnitude,
• wherein the air scoop is positioned to receive and capture air flow of at least one of the plurality of propellers to induce the air flow into the air channel and toward the gas sensor.