Emergency procedures — lost link, flyaway, reporting
A **lost-link** event occurs when the control link between the ground station and the aircraft is interrupted. Before flight, verify the aircraft's lost-link behavior — most autopilots execute one of: Return-to-Home (RTH), hover in place, or controlled descent to land. RTH requires a valid Home Point recorded at takeoff with sufficient GPS satellite lock (typically ≥7 satellites) and an RTH altitude set above all obstacles along the return path.
A **flyaway** is an uncommanded flight path resulting from loss of positional awareness (GPS failure, compass error) combined with loss of control link. Flyaway prevention: calibrate the compass away from metal objects and power lines; allow full GPS lock before takeoff; set a conservative geofence; pre-flight hover-and-observe before committing to the planned mission.
**14 CFR 107.9 reporting** — the remote pilot must report to the FAA within 10 calendar days any operation that resulted in: • Serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness; or • Damage to any property, other than the sUAS, of more than $500 to repair or fair market value, whichever is less.
Reports are submitted via the DroneZone portal. Failure to report within 10 days is a separate violation.