28-09-2025, 01:14 PM
I sought AI help with Gemini on a landing issue:
Q. When landing the DJI Neo flown with the DJI FPV controller and goggles 3, I have a problem. I cannot use the RTH (return to home) method, as I am flying in an area with multiple tall trees and overhead branches, and overhead wires, and RTH always involves a minimum initial climb of at least 20 m. If I simply lower the throttle, when close to the ground the Neo skitters sideways away from the landing pad.
A. This is a common issue with DJI's standard flight modes (Normal or Sport) and their vision positioning systems, which are designed for flight safety. The "skittering" is likely due to the drone attempting to stabilize itself based on its downward sensors and attitude control, which can become erratic very close to the ground, especially on uneven surfaces or with slight wind.
Here are the key points and potential solutions based on your equipment and situation:
RTH Minimum Altitude: The default behavior of RTH is to ascend to a preset altitude to clear obstacles. As you've noted, this is a problem in your environment. You are correct in avoiding RTH.
Auto-Landing near Ground: In Normal or Sport mode, the drone is programmed to auto-land if it detects a low altitude (e.g., around 0.5 to 1 meter) and you hold the throttle down for a few seconds. This is often the cause of the sudden, undesired movement as the drone takes over to land. It's an intentional feature to help with controlled landings but is not ideal for precision manual maneuvers near the ground.
The Solution: Manual Mode (Acro Mode):
Since you have the DJI FPV Controller 3 and Goggles 3, you have access to Manual Mode (often called Acro Mode in FPV). Manual Mode disables the self-leveling and vision positioning system's influence on flight control. This gives you complete, direct control over the throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw, meaning the drone will no longer try to auto-land or correct for ground effect or sensor readings near the ground.
Caution: Manual Mode requires significantly more pilot skill, as the drone will not automatically level itself or hover. If you stop providing stick input, it will drift and fall. It is highly recommended to practice extensively in a flight simulator (like Liftoff) before attempting a Manual Mode landing in a real-world, confined space.
Manual Landing Procedure (in Manual Mode):
Switch the drone to Manual Mode (if you have enabled it in the settings, which is required).
Fly to a point directly over your landing pad.
Slowly and deliberately lower the throttle stick until the drone descends. You must maintain precise control over the pitch, roll, and yaw to keep it level and stationary over the pad.
Once the drone makes contact with the ground, immediately push the throttle stick down and hold it for a few seconds until the motors stop (or use the motor stop command specific to your controller's setup, which for the FPV Controller 3 in Manual Mode may be the double-tap of the Start/Stop button).
Q. When landing the DJI Neo flown with the DJI FPV controller and goggles 3, I have a problem. I cannot use the RTH (return to home) method, as I am flying in an area with multiple tall trees and overhead branches, and overhead wires, and RTH always involves a minimum initial climb of at least 20 m. If I simply lower the throttle, when close to the ground the Neo skitters sideways away from the landing pad.
A. This is a common issue with DJI's standard flight modes (Normal or Sport) and their vision positioning systems, which are designed for flight safety. The "skittering" is likely due to the drone attempting to stabilize itself based on its downward sensors and attitude control, which can become erratic very close to the ground, especially on uneven surfaces or with slight wind.
Here are the key points and potential solutions based on your equipment and situation:
RTH Minimum Altitude: The default behavior of RTH is to ascend to a preset altitude to clear obstacles. As you've noted, this is a problem in your environment. You are correct in avoiding RTH.
Auto-Landing near Ground: In Normal or Sport mode, the drone is programmed to auto-land if it detects a low altitude (e.g., around 0.5 to 1 meter) and you hold the throttle down for a few seconds. This is often the cause of the sudden, undesired movement as the drone takes over to land. It's an intentional feature to help with controlled landings but is not ideal for precision manual maneuvers near the ground.
The Solution: Manual Mode (Acro Mode):
Since you have the DJI FPV Controller 3 and Goggles 3, you have access to Manual Mode (often called Acro Mode in FPV). Manual Mode disables the self-leveling and vision positioning system's influence on flight control. This gives you complete, direct control over the throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw, meaning the drone will no longer try to auto-land or correct for ground effect or sensor readings near the ground.
Caution: Manual Mode requires significantly more pilot skill, as the drone will not automatically level itself or hover. If you stop providing stick input, it will drift and fall. It is highly recommended to practice extensively in a flight simulator (like Liftoff) before attempting a Manual Mode landing in a real-world, confined space.
Manual Landing Procedure (in Manual Mode):
Switch the drone to Manual Mode (if you have enabled it in the settings, which is required).
Fly to a point directly over your landing pad.
Slowly and deliberately lower the throttle stick until the drone descends. You must maintain precise control over the pitch, roll, and yaw to keep it level and stationary over the pad.
Once the drone makes contact with the ground, immediately push the throttle stick down and hold it for a few seconds until the motors stop (or use the motor stop command specific to your controller's setup, which for the FPV Controller 3 in Manual Mode may be the double-tap of the Start/Stop button).