What risks are involved in flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro near large metal structures and how to avoid them?

[AdminForo]

What risks are involved in flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro near large metal structures and how to avoid them: Flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro near large metal structures, such as bridges, utility towers, or cranes, can generate severe electromagnetic interference that affects the drone's internal compass and other navigation sensors. This can cause abnormal behavior such as loss of stability, unexpected changes in direction, or errors in the Return to Home function. The drone's compass relies on stable magnetic fields to determine its orientation, and these structures can severely distort those fields, causing the drone to misinterpret its location or heading.

To avoid these risks, the pilot should perform a visual scan of the environment before each flight, identifying any potential sources of magnetic interference. It is recommended to stay at least 50 meters away from large metal structures and avoid taking off from metal surfaces or surfaces reinforced with steel bars, such as rooftops or parking lots. These surfaces can fool the compass calibration system by generating artificial magnetic fields.

An additional strategy is to perform compass calibration in an open area away from these structures before moving the drone to the flight site. This ensures that the sensors are tuned to realistic magnetic conditions and not distorted by local interference. The DJI system also displays on-screen alerts if it detects a compass anomaly, and these warnings should be taken seriously. Ignoring them can compromise the safety of the drone, people, and the environment.

In short, avoiding flying near metal structures is a critical practice for the safe operation of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro. Applying these protocols not only prevents accidents but also prolongs the lifespan of the equipment and ensures stable, precise, and controlled flights at all times, especially in complex urban environments.