NTO: Skydio X10 Updated Guidance for Flight in Precipitation - 26 March 2024

OSB Number: SOSB-24-V-03

Date First Published: 18 March 2024

Date Updated: 11 June 2024

11 June 2024 - Updated Guidance

Operational Impact: This update in guidance specifically applies to Skydio X10 flight in precipitation for software version 34.1.

Products Affected: Skydio X10, Skydio X10D

Update Details

Skydio previously issued a Notice to Operators that recommended leaving GPS Only toggled OFF when flying in precipitation. That NTO was later recalled.

On May 29, 2024 we issued a software update that changed the guidance for flight in precipitation. Instead of flying in GPS Only, you must first set your Flight Environment (located within Global Settings > Sensing) and disable obstacle avoidance. Flight Environment has replaced the GPS Only toggle.

Select between Standard and Low Light for your Flight Environment:

Flying in precipitation during the day Select Standard as your Flight Environment Disable obstacle avoidance via the quick action or the settings menu Only fly with a strong GPS signal

Flying in precipitation at night Select Low Light as your Flight Environment Disable obstacle avoidance, disable NightSense (if you have NightSense attachments installed) Only fly with a strong GPS signal

Mitigation

• Ensure your Skydio X10 and X10 Controller are up-to-date with the latest software (versions should begin with 34.1)

Learn More:

• How to fly Skydio X10 in precipitation

5 April 2024 - NTO Recalled

18 March 2024

OSB Number: SOSB-24-V-03
Date First Published: 26 March 2024

In an effort to provide the most reliable flight experience, we’ve updated our guidance for flying Skydio X10 drones in precipitation.

Previously, we recommended toggling ON GPS Only mode prior to or during flight in precipitation. This disabled visual navigation and caused the drone to rely solely on GPS for positioning. With reliable GPS, this option works well, however if GPS is lost during flight X10 will enter attitude mode and emergency land.

We now recommend leaving GPS Only toggled OFF and instead disabling obstacle avoidance. Skydio X10 will not avoid obstacles, but it will continue to use both GPS and vision for positioning, resulting in a more reliable flight with less risk of emergency landing.

Operational Impact

This update in guidance specifically applies to Skydio X10 flight in precipitation, and is designed to provide more reliability and less risk of emergency landing.

Products Affected

Skydio X10, Skydio X10D

Updated Guidance for Flight in Precipitation

[note] Skydio X10 is IP55 rated and can be flown in light to moderate precipitation (including light to moderate rain and snow). [/note]

• If it begins to precipitate while X10 is flying, disable obstacle avoidance.
• If it is precipitating prior to launch and you are not blocked from launching, launch and disable obstacle avoidance.
• Navigate to Global Settings > Sensing and toggle OFF Obstacle Avoidance.

[note] If precipitation is very light, you can try flying with obstacle avoidance still enabled. If X10 begins to exhibit unpredictable or erratic behavior while inflight because of precipitation, disable obstacle avoidance. [/note]

Service or Replacement Instructions

If you observe a collision while flying in precipitation, consider landing and inspecting the propeller blades, motors, and navigation camera lens for damage and smudge marks, and take appropriate action to return the components to flight readiness before launching. Contact Skydio Customer Support if you need assistance.

Learn More

How to fly Skydio X10 in precipitation