What to do if the drone loses GPS signal upon starting flight?

[AdminForo]

What to do if the drone loses GPS signal upon starting flight: If the DJI Mavic 4 Pro loses GPS signal upon starting flight, the system will automatically switch to ATTI mode, meaning the drone can no longer maintain a fixed position with assistance and will rely entirely on manual control from the pilot. In this scenario, it is crucial for the operator to remain calm and fly smoothly, avoiding high altitudes or complex trajectories until the signal is recovered. The drone will tend to drift in the wind, requiring constant correction with the sticks to keep it stable.

Before takeoff, the DJI Fly app will warn if there is no GNSS signal available. If the pilot ignores this warning and decides to fly, they should assume they will not be able to use features such as Auto Return (RTH), Precise Hover, or Navigation Assistance. For this reason, it is recommended to wait a few seconds until the system recovers the signal, especially if they are in an environment with tall buildings, metal structures, or indoors. If the signal doesn't recover, it's best to avoid starting the flight or landing immediately in an open area.

In some cases, flying without GPS may be part of a planned operation, such as indoor flights or in controlled spaces. However, when the loss of signal is unexpected, it may indicate a technical failure or electromagnetic interference that should be investigated. To do this, the operator can check the environment, change location, and ensure the drone's firmware and calibration are in order. It's also recommended to turn off the drone, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on to reset the navigation systems.

Recovering the GPS signal is essential to restore flight accuracy and regain access to all intelligent functions. Until then, any automatic actions should be avoided and constant visual control should be maintained. These types of situations test the pilot's skill and in-depth understanding of the Mavic 4 Pro's behavior, so prior experience and preparation are essential to avoid incidents when the positioning technology is compromised.