Not Taking Off
Autel Robotics Drone
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Autel EVO drones refuse to take off when a safety condition is not met. The most common causes are a pending compass or IMU calibration, weak GPS signal, and low battery. Open the Autel Sky app — it will display the exact reason.
Affected Models
- Autel EVO Nano
- Autel EVO Nano+
- Autel EVO Lite
- Autel EVO Lite+
- Autel EVO Max 4T
Common Causes
- Compass or IMU calibration required
- GPS fix not yet acquired
- Battery below the minimum takeoff threshold
- Drone powered on on an uneven surface
- Mandatory firmware update pending
- Return to home in progress blocking new takeoff
How to Fix It
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Open Autel Sky and check the status bar for warnings.
The app displays a specific message for every takeoff block. Tap the warning banner at the top of the screen to see the reason and the recommended action.
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Complete any pending compass or IMU calibration.
If the app prompts for calibration, tap Calibrate and follow the on-screen steps. Compass calibration: rotate the drone horizontally and vertically as shown. IMU calibration: keep the drone still on a flat surface.
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Wait for GPS to acquire enough satellites.
The EVO Nano and Lite need at least 10 satellites for GPS mode. The satellite count is shown in the top bar of Autel Sky. Fly in an open area away from buildings and trees.
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Check battery level — charge above 20% before flying.
Autel EVO drones block takeoff below a minimum battery level (typically 10–15%). A fully charged battery also ensures accurate low-battery warnings during flight.
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Place the drone on a flat, hard surface and re-arm.
The EVO checks its level at power-on. If powered on at an angle, the IMU registers a tilt error. Power off, place on flat ground, and power back on.
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Install any pending firmware update in Autel Sky.
Connect the drone to Autel Sky over Wi-Fi or USB. If a firmware update notification appears, install it before attempting to fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly an Autel EVO Nano or Lite indoors?
Yes — switch to ATTI mode (Attitude mode) in Autel Sky to disable GPS-dependent features. In ATTI mode, the drone requires more manual control as it will not hold position automatically.
Why does my EVO Nano say 'Aircraft Abnormal' at startup?
This usually means the IMU or compass needs calibration. Complete the calibration wizard in Autel Sky and the message will clear before your first flight.