Drone exam · Air safety

Before a roof inspection, the pilot notices that the automatic return to home route would climb toward trees and overhead wires before returning to the launch point. What should the pilot change before the mission begins?

Answer

The pilot should change the return to home settings, launch point, route, or mission plan so the automatic recovery path has clear obstacle margins. If that cannot be done, the pilot should not rely on that automated recovery plan.

Explanation

Return to home can reduce workload, but it can also send the aircraft into a predictable collision path if the height or route is wrong. The check belongs before takeoff, because the pilot may need that automation when link, battery, or workload is already degraded.