How to fly Skydio X10 in precipitation

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X10
  3. Flying Skydio X10

On May 29, 2024 we issued a software update that changes the guidance for flight in precipitation. Please update your system to the latest version before flying. If you have not yet received the update, please follow the guidance for your current software version.

Skydio X10 is IP55 rated and able to fly in light to moderate precipitation.

[caution] Flight in icing and/or lightning conditions is not supported and may result in the loss of your drone. For flight in cold weather conditions, see How to Fly Skydio in Cold Weather.[/caution]

Preflight

[accordion heading= "Software version 34.1 and newer" toggled]

Quick Reference

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

Step 1 - Ensure all rubber seals on the drone are securely closed.

 

Step 2 - Select your Flight Environment

  • Navigate to Global Settings > Sensing > Flight Environment
  • Standard - Flying in precipitation during the day
  • Low Light - Flying in precipitation at night

 

Step 3 - Calibrate your drone (if in Low Light mode)

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

CS_App3_media_UI_night_flying_gps_only2.png

CS_App3_media_UI_night_flying_gps_only4.png

 

Step 5 - Disable obstacle avoidance

  • Navigate to Global Settings > Sensing and toggle OFF Obstacle Avoidance
  • You may also disable obstacle avoidance from the quick action menu on the Flight Screen

 

Step 4 - Launch Skydio X10

  • Your drone will automatically rotate 360° its calibrate its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

[warning] Ensure you have a strong GPS signal when flying in precipitation. If both GPS and VIO degrade, X10 will enter Attitude Mode. [/warning]

 

Step 5 - Lock controller touchscreen (optional)

  • To prevent touchscreen interference from precipitation, you have the ability to lock all touchscreen inputs.
  • While holding the back button, press the D-pad down to lock or unlock the screen.

[note] You will not be able to make on-screen selections while touchscreen inputs are locked. Controller buttons are still functional and can be customized to perform specific actions (Controls > Input Mapping).[/note]

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Software version 31.9 and older"]

Step 1 - Ensure all rubber seals on the drone are securely closed.

 

Step 2 - Enable GPS Only flight

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

[note] If it begins to precipitate during a flight, GPS Only flight can be enabled while flying. [/note]

 

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 wave from side to side to calibrate.
  • You will see an on-screen message when calibration is complete.

CS_App3_media_UI_night_flying_gps_only2.png

CS_App3_media_UI_night_flying_gps_only4.png

Step 4 - Launch Skydio X10

  • Your drone will automatically rotate 360° its calibrate its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).  Obstacle avoidance will be disabled.

 

Step 5 - Lock controller touchscreen (optional)

  • To prevent touchscreen interference from precipitation, you have the ability to lock all touchscreen inputs.
  • Hold the back button on the controller to bring up the Action Wheel menu. Press and hold the Menu/Back button and D-pad for 5 seconds to lock or unlock.

[note] You will not be able to make on-screen selections while touchscreen inputs are locked. Controller buttons are still functional and can be customized to perform specific actions (Controls > Input Mapping). [/note]

[/accordion]

 

Inflight Safety Considerations

Obstacle Avoidance When flying in precipitation, obstacle avoidance must be disabled. Take extra caution when piloting the drone to avoid obstacles and stay clear of people.
GPS Signal Maintaining a strong GPS signal is paramount when operating in Low Light/GPS Only modes. If Skydio X10 loses GPS, it will enter Attitude Mode.
Visibility Improve visibility by enabling infrared or visible strobe lights. Skydio X10 visible strobe lights meet the FAA requirement of being visible at a distance of 3 statute miles.
Wireless Range Moisture in the air may significantly reduce wireless range.
Return Behavior Review the return behavior height setting in the Global Settings menu. Skydio X10 does not avoid obstacles when in Low Light/GPS Flight mode, so you may want to set the drone’s return height such that it will be above any potential obstacles.
Landing 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.
Locking your controller screen

To prevent touchscreen interference from precipitation, you have the ability to lock all touchscreen inputs.

  • Version 34.1: Hold the back button on the controller to bring up the Action Wheel menu. While holding the back button, press the D-pad down to lock or unlock the screen.
  • Version 31.9 and older: Press and hold the Menu/Back button and D-pad for 5 seconds to lock or unlock the screen.

[note] You will not be able to make on-screen selections while touchscreen inputs are locked. Controller buttons are still functional and can be customized to perform specific actions (Controls > Input Mapping). [/note]

 

Postflight

After flight operations in precipitation, follow all postflight steps before stowing your drone to ensure it is properly maintained and does not sustain any water damage.

[caution] Do not stow Skydio X10 while wet. [/caution]

Step 1 - Power off Skydio X10

Step 2 - Allow water to drain Install the sensor package lock to hold the sensor package in place. Rotate the drone to allow water to drip out of all egress areas.

[note] Skydio is IP55 rated and able to fly in light to moderate precipitation. It is expected for water to enter different areas of the drone and draining postflight is normal. Sensitive components are protected. [/note]

Step 3 - Remove the battery

Step 4 - Wipe camera lenses clean Use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe the lenses clean and prevent dried water spots from forming.

Step 5 - Air dry for a minimum of 12 hours Leave the drone to air dry in a ventilated, temp-controlled environment with the arms deployed in an upright position. Do not open any seals, including the USB-C charge port, until after the drone is dry. Do not remove the sensor package or any attachments while the drone is wet.

 

Skydio, Inc. A0470

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