Step 1 - Enable Low Light mode

• You will see an on-screen notification if there is insufficient light (and NightSense is not installed or turned on)
• You may also navigate to Global Settings > Sensing > Flight Environment and select Low Light

Step 2 - Configure your lighting settings

Improve visibility by enabling infrared or visible strobe lights. Select Lighting then toggle on RGB (default navigation lights), Infrared, or Strobe lights. Infrared and Strobe lights cannot be on at the same time.

Step 3 (NightSense is NOT installed) - Calibrate your drone

• Exit the Global Settings menu, then select Fly Now
• Hold your drone from the bottom with the camera facing away from your body and rapidly wave from side to side to calibrate
• You will see an on-screen message when calibration is complete

Step 3 (NightSense IS installed) - Enable NightSense 

• By default, NightSense will automatically turn on when entering Low Light mode
• Use the left sidebar quick action to subsequently turn NightSense on or off
• The visible or infrared lights from the NightSense attachments will illuminate the area around the drone

Step 4 - Launch Skydio X10

NightSense ON

• Skydio X10 is limited to a max speed of 18 mph (8 m/s)
• X10 will climb to 10 ft (3 m), hover, and rotate 360° during launch to calibrate its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and navigation system.

NightSense OFF:

• Obstacle avoidance will be disabled and X10 can fly at speeds up to 45 mph (20 m/s)
• X10 will climb to 16.4 ft (5 m), hover, and rotate 360° during launch to calibrate its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and navigation system.

[note] If you would like to complete a Map Capture, ensure you have entered 3D Scan mode before launching. [/note]

NightSense ON: Obstacle avoidance is active when NightSense is on. Enable the AR Depth View to visually display where Skydio X10 detects obstacles in the environment, especially when using Infrared NightSense attachments, to assist with situational awareness.

NightSense OFF: When in Low Light mode, obstacle avoidance is disabled. Take extra caution when piloting the drone to avoid obstacles and stay clear of people.

NightSense ON: When NightSense is on, visual naviation (VIO) is the primary navigation method, however if flying at high altitudes the drone will rely on GPS. Monitor your VIO and GPS heath status inflight; if both VIO and GPS degreade the drone will enter Attitude Mode.

NightSense OFF: Maintaining a strong GPS signal is paramount when operating X10 at night. If Skydio X10 loses GPS while in Low Light mode, and there is not enough ambient light for VIO, it will enter Attitude Mode.

[warning] Do not use artificial lighting to brighten the launch or landing zone during night flights. Enhancing illumination in a localized area, such as using vehicle headlights, can cause the drone to misinterpret ambient lighting conditions. This may result in a sudden transition to Attitude Mode after launching, increasing the risk of drift and loss of control. [/warning]

For safe night operations, follow best practices for low-light flight and ensure the drone is prepared for consistent lighting conditions throughout the mission.

Review the return behavior height setting in the Global Settings menu.

NightSense OFF: Skydio X10 does not avoid obstacles when in Low Light mode and NightSense off, so you may want to set the drone’s return height such that it will be above any potential obstacles.

When landing, use the controller joystick to descend down to 15 feet (4.6 meters), when you are ready to land, press and hold the LAND button on the screen or the controller. Do not hand launch or hand land at night.

[warning] Due to potential burn risk and eye damage, Skydio does not recommend Hand Landing your drone while using NightSense. [/warning]

Step 1 - Enable GPS Only flight

Select the Global Settings icon, select Sensing, then toggle on GPS Only.

Step 2 - Configure your lighting settings

Improve visibility by enabling infrared or visible strobe lights. Select Lighting then toggle on RGB (default navigation lights), Infrared, or Strobe lights. Infrared and Strobe lights cannot be on at the same time.

Step 3 - Calibrate your drone

Exit the Global Settings menu, then select Fly Now. Hold your drone from the bottom with the camera facing away from your body and rapidly wave from side to side to calibrate. You will see an on-screen message when calibration is complete.

Step 4 - Launch Skydio X10

Your drone will automatically rotate 360° to establish heading. Obstacle avoidance will be disabled.

[note] If you would like to complete a Map Capture, ensure you have entered 3D Scan mode before launching. [/note]

[warning] Do not use artificial lighting to brighten the launch or landing zone during night flights. Enhancing illumination in a localized area, such as using vehicle headlights, can cause the drone to misinterpret ambient lighting conditions. This may result in a sudden transition to Attitude Mode after launching, increasing the risk of drift and loss of control. [/warning]

For safe night operations, follow best practices for low-light flight and ensure the drone is prepared for consistent lighting conditions throughout the mission.

Review the return behavior height setting in the Global Settings menu. Skydio X10 does not avoid obstacles when in GPS Only flight mode, so you may want to set the drone’s return height such that it will be above any potential obstacles.