Home Position; Altitude Limit; Emergency Procedures - 3DR Solo User Manual

4.7

Home Position

Solo's home position is the latitude and longitude coordinates of the launch point and is used by the autopilot as
the end point of a return-home command. The autopilot saves the home position location to where the motors are
started, assuming GPS lock has been achieved. If Solo has taken off without GPS lock and then achieves GPS lock
mid-flight, the home position will be set to wherever GPS lock was acquired. The location of the home position
depends on GPS signal strength and is usually within one to two meters of accuracy. Always take off from an open
location with a clear path for Solo to return home safely. For home position safety in advanced mode, see Section
8.4.
4.8

Altitude Limit

Always fly at appropriate altitudes for your flying location and local regulations. Solo cannot avoid obstacles on its
own, so always select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as trees, buildings, and power lines.
Solo includes a safety fence enabled by default at 150 ft. (46 m). If Solo reaches the altitude limit, it stops ascending
and limits throttle input to stay below the altitude limit. To adjust the altitude limit, see Section 8.7. FAA
regulations mandate a maximum altitude of 400 ft. to avoid potential conflicts with manned aircraft and represents a
safe line-of-sight altitude.
4.9

Emergency Procedures

If you experience a problem in flight, use one of the following emergency procedures to stop Solo, end your flight, or
shut off the motors.
4.9.1 Pause
The controller's Pause button allows you to stop Solo in mid-air. Solo hovers at the paused location until given
another command. Use the Pause button to stop Solo from hitting an obstacle or to reorient Solo for navigation.
During Return Home or Land, you can pause Solo and stop the landing by pressing Pause. Pause is available only
with GPS lock.
4.9.2 Regain Manual Control
Keep the controller easily accessible at all times during flight, including during Smart Shots, and be prepared to
regain manual control at any time. To return to standard flight during Smart Shots, Return Home, or Land, press the
Fly button.
4.9.3 Return Home
If Solo acquired GPS lock prior to takeoff, you can return it to the launch point and land by pressing Return Home
on the controller. If you receive a low-battery notification or want to quickly end your flight, press Return Home. Solo
does not avoid obstacles while returning home; always verify that the return path is clear before activating Return
Home.
4.9.4 Land
To land Solo at its current position, press and hold the Fly button. To exit the landing procedure at any time, lift the
throttle. If Solo does not have GPS lock, automatic positioning is not available as Solo descends, and drifting can
occur depending on environmental conditions.
27