Why is it important to record the home point before flying?

[AdminForo]

Why is it important to record the home point before flying: Correctly recording the home point before flying with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a critical step that determines how the drone will respond in the event of a loss of signal, critical battery life, or if automatic return to home (RTH) is activated. The home point is the GPS location the system uses as a primary reference for automatic return. If this point is not recorded correctly or is not updated, the drone could return to an erroneous, potentially dangerous, or very distant location from the pilot, increasing the risk of collisions or loss of equipment.

The system automatically records the home point when it detects a stable GPS signal at takeoff, and the DJI Fly app typically notifies you with a visual and audible message confirming that the home point has been updated. It is important not to take off until you receive this confirmation, as the RTH function cannot be used on flights without a set home point. It is also recommended to wait a few seconds after powering on to ensure the GPS has acquired enough satellites before initiating any movement.

There are two types of home point: a fixed one (the location from which the drone took off) and a dynamic one (the current location of the remote controller). On flights involving movement, such as from vehicles or boats, it can be useful to select dynamic mode so that the drone returns to the pilot's current location in real time. This option is available from the app and must be consciously activated if the mission requires it. If not adjusted correctly, the drone could return to a point that is already too far away, putting both the team and the operation at risk.

Correctly recording the home point and verifying it before takeoff is one of the most important practices in any aerial mission. It ensures a safe automated return, minimizes errors during long flights, and reinforces the operational safety of the Mavic 4 Pro. This simple step is part of a professional checklist that every pilot should routinely follow before each flight, increasing the overall reliability of the system and drastically reducing the margin of error in the event of an unforeseen event.