How to launch Skydio 2/2+

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio 2/2+
  3. Flying Skydio 2/2+

Before launching your drone, make sure that you are launching from a flat and stable surface. If you are on an unstable terrain, you have the option to do a case launch.

There are three ways to launch: 

 

How to Launch

Step 1 - Find a clear area to launch
Step 2 - Place your drone on a flat, stable surface

Step 3 - Select Launch

You either select the on-screen Launch button or press and hold the Launch/Land button on the controller.

    •  Skydio will ascend to 10 ft (3 m) and hover in place until you initiate a Skill or fly manually
X2-user_guide-launching.png

Step 4 - Acquire a GPS lock

Fly laterally to acquire GPS lock.

This is a critical step that must be taken if you are going to fly your drone over water.

  • Confirm you have a GPS lock by testing if your drone can ascend beyond 33 ft (10 m) above ground when outdoors.
CS_S2PE_first_flight_ill.png 

How to Hand Launch

Launching and landing Skydio 2/2+ from your hand is a quick and convenient way to start or end your flight, particularly if you are not in a clear, level area. For your safety, always use caution when hand launching or landing. Both maneuvers are dangerous and should not be attempted in unstable environments, such as during high winds or while standing on a moving vehicle or boat.

[caution]Launching and landing Skydio 2/2+ from your hand is an advanced maneuver for experienced pilots. Obstacle Avoidance is disabled during launch, your drone will climb approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above your hand and hover. Do not touch the spinning propellers and exercise extreme care to avoid injury.[/caution]

Visit the Skydio Safety and Operating Guide for detailed information.

Step 1 - Identify a clear area to launch

    • 10 ft (3 m) above
    • 15 ft (4.5 m) in front
    • 3 ft (1 m) on either side

[warning]Do not hand launch on windy days. If there is any wind, for your safety, ensure that it is not blowing towards you. If the wind is gusty or coming from different directions, consider a ground launch.[/warning]

Step 2 - Create a launch pad on your open hand by lightly gripping the battery to stabilize:

    • Keep the drone level and still, at arm’s length from your body
    • Keep your fingers below the chassis and away from the propellers at all times

Step 3 - Point the camera away from you

Step 4 - Ensure that the rear propellers will not make contact with your arm

Step 5 - Initiate launch using:

    • Controlling Device - select the Launch button
    • Quick Launch - press the battery power button four times

Step 6 - Release as the propellers begin to spin up by slowly relaxing your grip. Keep your hand still and level.

    • Skydio 2/2+ will slide off your palm and take flight
    • do not push or throw the vehicle up in the air

 

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How to Quick Launch

Quick Launch allows you to use the battery power button to hand launch your Skydio 2/2+ so that you do not have to balance the controller in one hand and your drone in the other. To initiate a Quick Launch:

 

Step 1 - Select the Device settings menu

Step 2 - Select the Drone tab

Step 3 - Scroll down to Quick Launch and toggle ON

 CS_drone_setting_menu_UI.png

Step 4 - Select Fly Now

Step 5 - Follow the steps for a Hand Launch

Step 6 - Press the battery power button four times

    • The propellers will begin to spin up, and the drone will launch

CS_Media_S2_Quick_Launch_Better_4.gif

 

Explore More

Explore related articles for additional information

Skydio 2/2+ Operation Manual and Guides

Skydio 2/2+ Enterprise Manuals and Guides

 

 Skydio, Inc. A0206

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