How to use Turtle Mode with Skydio R10

Turtle Mode is a recovery function designed to restore the drone to an upright orientation when it is unable to launch due to excessive tilt.

When initiated by a Pilot or Remote Pilot, the system commands controlled propeller rotation to generate thrust sufficient enough to rotate the drone to a stable, upright position.

This mode is intended to restore the aircraft to an upright, level orientation so that normal launch procedures can resume.

Turtle Mode may be used when the drone:

• Has landed upside down
• Is resting on its side
• Is leaning against an obstacle
• Is upright but positioned too close to an obstacle to safely launch (e.g., against a wall)
• Is otherwise unable to launch due to excessive tilt

Activation and Pilot Interface

If the drone is powered on and determined to be significantly tilted, approximately 15° or greater from level, Skydio Flight Deck will automatically display the Turtle Mode menu.

The drone will not initiate recovery until a direction is selected by the Pilot. The interface displays four autonomous directional recovery options:

• Forward
• Backward
• Left
• Right

The system may indicate a recommended recovery direction by flashing the corresponding directional button. Following the recommended flip direction is advised, as it is optimized for the drone’s current orientation and recovery conditions. Recommendations are based on the system’s orientation assessment. Once selected, the drone executes the recovery autonomously. The propeller motors disarm upon detecting a stable, upright position. 

Depending on the detected orientation, the system may: 

• Reverse selected propellers to flip the drone from an inverted position
• Drive propellers forward to displace the drone away from an obstacle

When displacement is required, the maneuver is executed as two discrete, pilot-initiated actions. The first input commands the drone to move away from the obstacle using forward propeller rotation, based on the Pilot’s choice. Once repositioned, a second input is required to initiate the righting maneuver.  

Motor direction and output are determined automatically based on real-time orientation sensing. 

Skydio Controller: 

Remote Flight Deck: 

Manual Recovery Control 

[warning] Manual Recovery mode allows direct motor control to free the drone from obstructed positions. Manual recovery increases the risk of propeller damage or unintended surface contact. Improper or aggressive inputs may result in propeller damage or additional impact with surrounding surfaces. The Pilot is responsible for ensuring controlled and deliberate inputs. [/warning]

Turtle Mode includes an optional Manual Recovery setting. 

When enabled: 

• The right joystick controls motor output
• The PIC/RPIC may apply controlled inputs to free the drone from confined or obstructed positions
• The PIC/RPIC maintains the ability to use the directional arrows

[accordion heading="Operational Considerations and System Limitations"]

• Ensure the surrounding area is clear prior to initiating a recovery. 
• Recovery performance is influenced by the surface on which R10 is resting.
  • Level, non-slip surfaces – designed to reliably self-right
  • Low-friction surfaces (e.g., polished concrete, smooth tile) – the drone may slide before completing rotation
  • Leaning or obstructed positions – the drone may require an intermediate rotation before achieving an upright orientation
• Repeated unsuccessful recovery attempts may indicate physical obstruction. 

[/accordion]

 

Skydio Inc., A0643