How does the set altitude influence the return to home?

[AdminForo]

How does the set altitude influence the return to home: The set altitude for the return to home (RTH) on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a fundamental parameter that directly affects the safety of the automatic return in the event of a loss of signal or a critical battery. This value determines how high the drone will ascend before beginning the return route to the takeoff point, in order to avoid collisions with buildings, trees, towers, or other obstacles that may be encountered along the way. An incorrectly set altitude can cause the drone to hit tall objects during its return, compromising the entire flight.

It is recommended to set an RTH altitude that is at least 20 meters higher than the tallest obstacle expected on the return route. For example, if flying in an area with buildings up to 50 meters high, the ideal would be to set the RTH to at least 70 meters. This preventive measure provides a wide safety margin in case the drone needs to return automatically without pilot intervention. Adjusting this altitude is easily done from the DJI Fly app before each flight and must be adapted to the specific environment of each operation.

A common mistake is leaving the return altitude at the default value, which may not be sufficient in urban or mountainous areas. This becomes especially critical if the drone loses signal while far from the operator or on a trajectory surrounded by tall structures. It's also important to keep in mind that the higher the altitude setting, the more battery power will be consumed during ascent and descent, so a balance must be maintained between safety and energy efficiency to prevent the drone from landing before reaching the home point.

Correct management of this setting demonstrates the pilot's level of preparation and commitment to safe flights. Before each mission, assessing the environment, adjusting the RTH altitude, and verifying that the home point is correctly recorded are essential steps to reduce risks and ensure the Mavic 4 Pro can return safely in any eventuality. This technical detail, although small, has a significant impact on operational success and the preservation of equipment.