Why
Most camera drones record a home point after acquiring positioning. When RTH triggers, behaviour depends on model, distance, battery, signal-loss setting and obstacle sensing. A badly set RTH altitude can put the aircraft into trees, cables or structures.
What to do next
- 01Confirm “home point updated” before takeoff.
- 02Set RTH altitude above nearby obstacles while staying within legal altitude limits.
- 03Learn how to pause or cancel RTH and take manual control.
- 04Recheck the home point if launching from a moving boat or changing position.
Important exceptions
- Some drones land in place when close to home.
- Obstacle sensing may be unavailable at night, in glare, over water or in certain flight modes.
- FPV and basic toy drones may use different failsafe behaviour.
Safety note: Aircraft behaviour varies by model, firmware and configuration. For legal or safety-critical decisions, use the current manual and official aviation authority guidance.