NTO: Attachment Installation for Dock-based X10 Drones - 19 March 2026

Summary

Skydio has identified a small number of instances where screws on Dock-based Skydio X10 attachments have loosened over time. While no flight incidents have resulted from loose attachment screws, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the continued safety and reliability of your systems.

The Skydio X10 and its accompanying attachments are designed for quick installation in dynamic field environments. The fasteners on the attachments are intended to be removed and reinstalled numerous times as system requirements change with operating conditions, as well as for storage and transfer. For controller-based operations, operators can regularly conduct physical inspections and re-tighten attachment screws as part of standard pre-flight checklists. Pilots flying remotely-located drones, however, are more likely to maintain continuous use of one attachment configuration over time. To prolong the maintenance interval of the attachment screws in these cases, Skydio recommends a combined use of Vibra-tite® VC-3 Threadmate threadlocker applied to attachment screws, and a 28 cNm torque specification when installing attachments on the X10 using the Skydio Torque Tool that ships with Parachute and Sensor Packages.

Image Description: Skydio Torque Tool, for use on X10 Attachment Screws (to 28 cNm)


Image Description: Vibra-Tite® VC-3 Threadmate will be shipped to all Skydio Dock for X10 Flight System customers

Products Affected

All Dock-based Skydio X10 systems flying with any of the following Skydio attachments:

• NightSense Visible and IR Light
• Spotlight
• RTK/PPK
• Speaker
• Parachute
• Connect Fusion+
• Dropper

Mitigation and Resolution

Skydio Actions

Skydio is dedicated to continuous product improvement and is actively evaluating attachment screws for Dock-based flight systems that maintain long-term use between Dock maintenance intervals. 

Please keep in mind the Remote Pilot In Command (RPIC) is always responsible for the safe operation of their aircraft. Further guidance and applicable updates will be provided in a follow-up Notice to Operators (NTO) in the coming weeks.

Recommended Maintenance

For attachments installed on the Dock for X10 Flight System, Skydio recommends applying Vibra-Tite® VC-3 Threadlocker to all attachment screws. 

Skydio is shipping Vibra-Tite® VC-3 threadlocker to all Dock-based customers. 

• Do not use any other threadlocker. 
• VC-3 is specifically designed for use with plastic material and for fasteners exposed to vibration.
• Use of any other threadlocker may harm your device and attachments.
• Solvents should not be used to remove threadlocker from the X10 drone. These solvents may damage hardware components. 

Once the threadlocker has been applied, install attachments on the X10 drone using the Skydio Torque Tool (28 ncm).  

Preparing for Threadlocker Application

Prior to installing the attachment, review the Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadlocker Instructions for Use.

Remove preinstalled attachments from the X10 drone prior to applying threadlocker to attachment screws. 

All X10 attachment screws are captive fasteners. Do not attempt to separate screws from the attachment. 

Pre-cleaning of parts is not required except for wiping off any visible grease or dirt from attachment screws to ensure optimal adhesion of the threadlocker. 

Perform the maintenance in a clean, clear and safe area. Avoid applying threadlocker to any system components other than the attachment screws. 

Applying Threadlocker to the Attachment Screws 

Apply Vibra-Tite® VC-3 to the end of each attachment screw, with a standard coating length of 1.5 times around each fastener. 

The Vibra-Tite® VC-3 threadlocker dries to the touch within minutes after being applied. Once the threadlocker has set, the attachment may be installed on the X10 drone.

Installing Attachments to the X10 Drone 

Torque screws: Use the Skydio Torque Tool (included with Parachute and Sensor Packages) to torque all attachment screws to 28 cNm. All Dock customers should have access to this tool. 

Please Note: We recommend torquing all attachment screws to 28 cNm using the Skydio provided torque tool, or third party tool with +/- 10% accuracy or better. Significantly exceeding this torque spec could damage the attachment or X10 itself. 

Inspect regularly: Continue inspecting attachments during regular Dock or vehicle maintenance intervals (e.g., battery swaps, propeller replacements, or regularly scheduled maintenance)

Screws with VC-3 Threadmate are still removable. The application of VC-3 is designed to improve in-vehicle screw retention.

When following the instructions above, attachment screws coated in threadlocker may be reused 3x before reapplication is required. 

NOTE: For attachments installed on controller-operated X10 drones, there is no change to Skydio’s recommended guidance. 

Inspect regularly: Continue conducting physical inspections of attachments per operational guidelines in accordance with Part 107 operations.

If any screw appears loose, re-torque using the captive thumb screws or attachment screws required for your specific attachment configuration. 

As a reminder, Skydio recommends the following best practices while operating our products:

• Follow provisions in specific FAA approvals and general guidelines (see Chapter 8 of FAA AC 107-2A) to minimize flight time directly over high-risk areas

• When performing overwatch or hover missions, position the vehicle over a safe landing zone whenever possible