# Precautions and Best Practices

## Plugging in and Unplugging the Main Power Cable

Sparking is common when plugging a high voltage battery into uncharged devices. Sparking in electronic devices can cause damage to sensitive electronics. In order to prevent this, anti-spark connectors are used, but regular usage will wear out the connectors eventually. The operator should pay close attention to this when plugging in and unplugging the Main Power Cable (when powering on the X55). Make sure you plug the connector all the way in swiftly and try not to wiggle or move the connector too much during plugging/unplugging to avoid sparking. If the connector starts to feel loose or make a sparking sound, replace the connector and/or cable as soon as possible.

## RTL\_ALT Setting

By default, RTL\_ALT (the altitude the drone will climb to before flying back to home) is set to be relative to the takeoff location. Please pay close attention to the terrain you are flying over. In some cases, the operator may fly over an object that is higher than the RTL ALT. If RTL is triggered either by the operator or a failsafe, the drone will fly straight into the object. The operator should always set the RTL\_ALT to clear the highest object around the mission area, or use terrain altitude for the RTL\_ALT source. Please see the “Terrain Following Using SRTM Method” section of this manual for more information.

![](https://2204187310-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEEy9Jtkhq7S6GY1u4d4N%2Fuploads%2F8myKBxjXWXEk1UyBmX5E%2F0.png?alt=media)

## Operating at a Heavier Payload

Please note that when operating the X55 at high payloads, the X55 requires a greater distance to start and stop. Pilots should avoid or minimize high-speed/aggressive maneuvers which may put excessive stress on the airframe and the propulsion system.

## Descent/Landing

The pilot should avoid vertical rapid descent during calm weather conditions. This will sometimes cause the X55 to lose lift and subsequently experience loss of control. In the event that the pilot experiences this phenomenon, the pilot should perform a lateral steer and increase throttle to break away from the downdraft. To prevent this incident, the pilot should descend laterally, spiral downward, or descend slowly.

## Maximum Payload Limitations

The maximum recommended payload is 17 pounds, but this applies to a payload that is rigidly mounted to the rails under the X55. This also assumes that the X55 is operating at low elevations (below 800 feet above sea level). Several factors can cause a reduction in recommended maximum payload.

## Elevation

Maximum payload capacity should be linearly scaled down with increasing altitude, ranging from 17 pounds at sea level, to 4 pounds at 4000 meters (13,100 feet). This is a rough guideline. Please consult with us if you need to operate outside of these recommendations.

## Swinging and Non-Standard Payloads

Swing payloads, such as the Geometrics MagArrow, will also reduce the usable payload capacity. Swinging payloads will significantly reduce the recommended maximum payload capacity, as this force can create unwanted oscillations and poor flight performance, especially when combined with environmental factors such as wind. Swinging payloads exceeding a suspended length of 10 feet should attempt to minimize weight and remain under 4 pounds. Please consult us about your application first if you need to fly with a swinging or non-standard configuration.
