How to use Skydio X2E GPS Night Flight
Overview
GPS Night Flight mode is initiated in low-light conditions and poor visibility. When this mode is engaged, Skydio X2E uses GPS sensors in place of the obstacle avoidance navigation. An alert will prompt you to engage the GPS Night Flight mode when required.
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Obstacle avoidance is disabled in GPS Night Flight mode. Fly with extreme caution! |
Quick Steps
Step 1 - Enable GPS Night Flight
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Step 2 - Toggle Hand Wave Motion on
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Hand Wave Motion Calibration |
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For use in environments containing magnetic interference such as cars, buildings constructed with rebar, metal bars, power lines. You will need to calibrate each time you enable GPS Night Flight. |
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Step 1 - Hold Skydio X2 with the camera facing away from your body Step 2 - Rapidly wave drone side to side Step 3 - Set Skydio X2 down and launch |
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6-Point Rotation Calibration |
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For use in open areas where there is no potential magnetic interference. Not required every time GPS Night Flight is enabled, however, you will occasionally be prompted to recalibrate when necessary. |
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Step 1 - Toggle Hand Wave Motion OFF
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When you enable GPS Night Flight you will be prompted to calibrate the magnetometer prior to takeoff: Step 2 - select Calibrate |
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Step 3 - Rotate X2 following the diagrams
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Step 4- Toggle lights When flying at night or in low-light conditions enable infrared or external strobe lights. |
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To access the lights on your Skydio X2E:
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Note: Infrared and strobe lights cannot be on at the same time. |
Step 5 - Launch
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Obstacle avoidance is disabled in GPS Night Flight, regardless of Skydio X2E height above ground. Adjust return height in the Settings menu to return home above any potential obstacles. |
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You can monitor the GPS signal strength and the signal connection. Select the Connection Status icon to display the connected drone status, signal strength, GPS quality, and satellite count. | ![]() |
In-depth
Failure to disengage GPS Night Flight may be due to low-light conditions. Wait 10-20 seconds and if the issue persists, land, power off and on again.
Visibility: enable infrared or visible strobe lights to meet the FAA minimum requirement for weather visibility of three miles from your control station.
Landing: if X2E loses GPS while flying in GPS Night Flight mode, it will initiate an emergency landing and descend quickly using only the barometer; you should expect lateral drift. If the GPS reconnects during the emergency landing, you will regain control of X2E.
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Never hand launch or land Skydio X2 when in GPS Night Flight mode. |
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