How to use Perch Mode with Skydio R10

Perch Mode allows the drone to remain powered on and connected after landing, enabling continued situational awareness and camera operation without ending the flight session.

With Perch Mode enabled, the Pilot (PIC) or Remote Pilot (RPIC) can: 

• View the live camera feed
• Broadcast/record two-way audio (not yet available with Remote Flight Deck)
• Capture photos and record video
• Turn NightSense lights on and off
• Control the gimbal and camera settings
• Relaunch the drone
• End the flight manually

The drone remains in the flight screen until the PIC/RPIC either exits or relaunches.

[accordion heading="Hand-Flown Operations"]

Enter Perch is enabled by default, meaning you will enter Perch Mode upon landing.

When R10 lands with Perch Mode enabled, the flight session remains active and the Pilot continues to operate within the Flight Screen. The drone stays powered on and maintains its connection to the controller, allowing continued access to both camera and control functionality without exiting Flight Deck.

If video recording is in progress at the time of landing, recording continues uninterrupted after touchdown.

The live camera feed remains available on the controller and continues streaming at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. The live streamed video feed is saved to the controller in the same manner as inflight feeds. This preview can be reviewed postflight from the controller, including when the controller is no longer connected to the drone.

• This preview is separate from full-resolution media stored on the drone and reflects the live video feed viewed during operation.

Activation and Pilot Interface

Perch Mode is controlled through the Landing settings via Global Settings > Flight Controls > Landing. 

Before landing in the selected perch location, tilt the gimbal down to view the area and ensure it is clear. 

• Enter Perch is enabled by default
• Select Exit Flight Deck to disable the default, meaning Flight Deck will close and the Gate Screen will open after landing.
• Landing settings can be changed while grounded or inflight, and selections persist across flights and power cycles. 

Available Controls while Perched

Two-Way Audio and Push to Talk

Two-Way Audio enables real-time communication between the controller and the area surrounding the drone while in Perch Mode.

This functionality is only available when the drone is grounded and perched. The onboard microphone does not transmit audio while the drone is in flight.

During two-way operation, the Pilot can continue using controls such as adjusting the gimbal and configuring camera settings.

[tip] For improved audio clarity when using Two-Way Audio, Skydio recommends using USB-C headphones [/tip]

Communication Behavior

Two-Way Audio is enabled manually from the controller. There is no listen-only mode. Two-way audio is either fully enabled (hear + respond) or limited to one-way broadcast only.

By default, the microphone on R10 is muted. Enabling the Record Conversation toggle activates the microphone on the drone. When enabled, audio from the environment is transmitted to the controller. Both audio from the drone and audio sent via Push to Talk is automatically recorded to the drone’s SD card. 

• Audio recording cannot be disabled while the microphone is active

The Pilot can transmit audio from the controller to the drone using the on-screen Push to Talk button.

To transmit audio:

• Press and hold the Push to Talk button to broadcast
• The blue button will display “Broadcasting” while the Pilot is actively talking
• Release the button to stop broadcasting and resume receiving audio
• Only one participant can speak at a time

Additionally, Pilots can utilize the pre-recorded audio files (e.g., Siren, Evacuate, Buzzer). 

Audio Recording and Storage

All Two-Way Audio activity is recorded to the SD card in the drone. This includes:

• Audio transmitted from the controller (Push to Talk broadcasts)
• Audio captured by the drone’s microphone

Audio recordings are stored on the drone’s SD card and do not currently sync to Skydio Cloud when using Media Sync. 

Enabling Record Conversation activates the microphone on the drone. When enabled, all audio received and transmitted is recorded to the drone’s SD card. 

Camera and Capture

While in Perch, the following functions remain available: 

• Capture photos
• Start/stop video recording
• Adjusting camera settings using on-screen controls

Focus behavior:

• Defaults to AutoFocus (AF) upon landing
• Pilots can change focus mode at any time
• Once relaunched, focus resets to AF

Zoom options:

• Available via controller wheel (if configured through button mapping)
• Available via on-screen pinch/spread gestures
• Camera stream selection remains available via on-screen controls

NightSense: 

• Can be enabled or disabled using on-screen controls

Gimbal

• While Perched, moving the left gimbal wheel allows the Pilot to change the gimbal pitch up to the available maximum limits of the gimbal. 

Relaunching and Flight Completion after Perching

To end the flight without relaunching, select Exit Flight Deck to return to the Gate Screen and initiate postflight processes.

After using Perch, the Pilot can relaunch following the standard workflow:

Step 1 - Select the blue Prep for Flight button

Step 2 - Use one of the following options to initiate launch

• Option 1 - Drag the on-screen slider
• Option 2 - Press and hold the Launch/Land button on the controller

Skydio R10 automatically adjusts its launch height based on the available space. The maximum altitude is approximately 2 ft (0.6 m).

Upon relaunch the gimbal resets to centered pitch (horizon) and the drone can be relaunched in any available Flight Skill. 

Step 3 - Continue operations, then return and land as normal

[/accordion]

 [accordion heading="Remote Flight Deck"]

When R10 lands with Perch Mode enabled, the flight session remains active and the Remote Pilot continues to operate within the Flight Screen. The drone stays powered on and maintains its connection, allowing continued access to both camera and control functionality without exiting Remote Flight Deck.

If video recording is in progress at the time of landing, recording continues uninterrupted after touchdown.

The live camera feed remains available and continues streaming at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. The live streamed video feed is saved in the same manner as inflight feeds.
 

Activation and Pilot Interface

Perch Mode is enabled by default, meaning you will enter Perch Mode upon landing.

Before launching, you will see the option to enter Perch Mode. 

Camera and Capture

While in Perch, the following functions remain available: 

• Capture photos
• Start/stop video recording
• Adjusting camera settings using on-screen controls

Focus behavior:

• Defaults to AutoFocus (AF) upon landing
• Pilots can change focus mode at any time
• Once relaunched, focus resets to AF

Zoom options:

• Available via controller wheel (if configured through button mapping)
• Available via on-screen pinch/spread gestures
• Camera stream selection remains available via on-screen controls

NightSense: 

• Can be enabled or disabled using on-screen controls
   

Gimbal

• While Perched, moving the arrows allows the Remote Pilot to change the gimbal pitch up to the available maximum limits of the gimbal. 

Relaunching and Flight Completion after Perching

To end the flight without relaunching, exit Remote Flight Deck as normal to end the flight and initiate postflight processes.

After using Perch, the Remote Pilot can relaunch by selecting the blue Return to Flight Mode button.

Skydio R10 automatically adjusts its launch height based on the available space. The maximum altitude is approximately 2 ft (0.6 m).

Upon relaunch the gimbal resets to centered pitch (horizon) and the drone can be relaunched in any available Flight Skill.

Continue operations and return or land as normal. 

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Operational Considerations"]

Two-Way Audio (Controller-flown)

• Two-Way Audio performance depends on connection quality. If video latency or signal strength degrades, audio performance may also be impacted.
• Telemetry indicators should be monitored to assess link quality
• The drone may generate background noise while perched (e.g., propellers spinning to cool the drone), which may affect audio clarity 

Lost Connection

If R10 loses communication with the controller while in Perch Mode the drone will:

• Remain in place
• Stay powered on until the battery is depleted

Loss of connection while perched will not initiate a return. Battery depletion while perched will end the mission without repositioning the drone.

Low Battery

If R10 enters a low battery state while in Perch Mode, a warning notification will appear. This notification is dismissible and follows the same behavior, messaging, and alert protocol as low battery notifications displayed during flight. 

• Pilots should monitor battery status and take appropriate action when prompted

Vehicle Overheating

While perched, R10 monitors its internal temperature and provides a series of escalating notifications as temperature increases.

These notifications are intended to prompt the Pilot to take corrective action. 

• The drone will continue operating while warnings are displayed
• If no action is taken and temperature continues to rise, R10 will eventually reach a state where it must power down

Low Power Mode 

While in Perch Mode, the drone may enter a low power state.

In this state, the drone reduces power consumption by disabling systems such as the navigation cameras and flight functionality.

Core viewing and control capabilities remain available, including:

• Gimbal pitch and yaw control
• Focus controls
• Basic camera functionality

When operating in Low Power Mode, the following limitations apply:

• Digital zoom is not available
• The video stream is reduced in resolution
• Subject tracking is not available
• Relaunch may experience a delayed transition to takeoff

[/accordion]

Skydio Inc., A0641