How should a drone respond if GNSS (GPS) signal is lost during flight?

How should a drone respond if GNSS (GPS) signal is lost during flight?

• A. Activate failsafe (e.g., return-to-home/land at current location) per SOP, maintain visual contact if possible, and execute the chosen safe procedure.
• B. Continue mission as planned
• C. Increase altitude to regain signal
• D. Switch to manual flight without failsafe

Answer: (A)

When GNSS is lost, the drone can no longer rely on GPS-based position hold or waypoint navigation, so triggering a failsafe is the safest and most reliable response. Activating the failsafe per SOP automatically guides the aircraft to a predictable and controlled outcome—usually returning to the home point or landing at the current location—while you maintain visual contact to monitor for obstacles and take manual action if needed. This approach minimizes drift, avoids an uncontrolled descent or wandering flight, and provides a known end to the flight if signal cannot be restored. Continuing the mission without GNSS is unsafe because the drone can’t accurately track its position or follow the planned route. Increasing altitude with the goal of regaining signal doesn’t guarantee GPS reacquisition and raises the risk of encountering airspace, obstacles, or wind-driven drift. Switching to manual flight without a failsafe bypasses built-in safety mechanisms, increasing the chance of loss of control.

When GNSS is lost, the drone can no longer rely on GPS-based position hold or waypoint navigation, so triggering a failsafe is the safest and most reliable response. Activating the failsafe per SOP automatically guides the aircraft to a predictable and controlled outcome—usually returning to the home point or landing at the current location—while you maintain visual contact to monitor for obstacles and take manual action if needed. This approach minimizes drift, avoids an uncontrolled descent or wandering flight, and provides a known end to the flight if signal cannot be restored.

Continuing the mission without GNSS is unsafe because the drone can’t accurately track its position or follow the planned route. Increasing altitude with the goal of regaining signal doesn’t guarantee GPS reacquisition and raises the risk of encountering airspace, obstacles, or wind-driven drift. Switching to manual flight without a failsafe bypasses built-in safety mechanisms, increasing the chance of loss of control.