Skydio has warned that handheld radios used near X10 and X10D controllers can cause radio-frequency interference that degrades the link, triggers return-to-home, or in rare cases renders the controller inoperable. The company’s guidance: keep transmitting radios at least 12 inches away from the controller and follow basic RF discipline. Below we summarize what Skydio published, why this can happen, and practical steps agencies can take—without taking a position on the product itself.

What Skydio Said

Skydio published a Notice to Operators stating that operating radios within 12 inches of the X10 or X10D controller may cause interference and degraded performance. Potential outcomes include lost link to the aircraft, automatic “lost connection” return, and - in some circumstances - temporary or permanent controller failure. The advisory applies to Skydio X10/X10D controllers specifically.

Independent write-ups note the bulletin was circulated to public-safety partners and highlight reports that public-safety bands (UHF/700/800 MHz) can be involved; one outlet cites cases where interference coincided with charging failures or power loss on the controller during nearby transmissions.

Skydio lists this advisory alongside other X10/X10D notices on its support site so operators can track updates in one place.

Why Radios Can Disrupt a Controller

Public-safety handhelds commonly transmit 1- 5 watts - a lot of energy when held inches from sensitive electronics. RF specialists describe a “near-far” problem: a strong nearby transmitter can desensitize or “block” a receiver front end, overwhelm cables and traces acting as unintended antennas, or push components into compression. The result is lost or flaky links - even if the drone’s own link is on a different frequency.

This is a general RF reality, not unique to one brand. Controllers, tablets, and mission gear all benefit from basic separation from high-power radios.

What to Do Right Now (Practical Steps)

1) Enforce separation.

Follow Skydio’s minimum 12-inch standoff between any transmitting radio and the X10/X10D controller; in practice we suggest 18–24 inches when workable. Clip handhelds on the non-controller side of the body.

2) Use a VO or partner as the radio node.

Have the visual observer carry the primary handheld or remote speaker mic to keep the transmitter away from the pilot’s controller.

3) Adjust radio settings.

When policy allows, select lower TX power, avoid continuous transmit near the controller, and favor earpieces over chest-mounted speaker mics.

4) Pre-mission comms plan.

Agree on brevity words and time-outs so the PIC can maintain hands-on control without long keys near the controller.

5) Cable and device hygiene.

Keep cables short and tidy, avoid wrapping leads around the controller, and remove unnecessary dongles that can act as antennas.

6) Test your site.

Before an operation, perform a brief link-check while a teammate keys a radio at set distances to confirm the standoff that preserves link quality.

7) Log and report.

If you experience interference, document distance, radio make/band/power, controller model, and conditions, then submit to your agency lead and vendor support. This improves future advisories.

For Program Managers and Trainers

• Update SOPs and checklists to include radio standoff and a VO-as-radio-node pattern.

• Brief mutual aid partners who may arrive with high-power portables or vehicle repeaters.

• Keep a link to Skydio’s Notices to Operators page in your briefing packet and monitor for revisions.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether other controller models or firmware revisions are affected in the same way. Skydio’s notice is specific to X10/X10D controllers at this time.

• The exact failure mechanism and how environmental factors, cabling, or accessories influence susceptibility. Technical commentary points to general RF desense, but root-cause details are vendor-specific and may evolve.

Why This Matters to First Responders

Drone programs increasingly operate shoulder-to-shoulder with officers and firefighters carrying high-power radios. Any platform used in DFR, scene overwatch, search-and-rescue, or wildfire should be evaluated under realistic comms loads. Building RF discipline into your team’s habits is part of safety, just like battery checks and weather minimums.

For more detail, read Skydio’s advisory and independent coverage:Skydio Notice to Operators on X10/X10D Controller Radio Interference; analysis from The Zero Lux; community safety note from DRONERESPONDERS.

Skydio Support THE ZERO LUXDRONERESPONDERS

This post summarizes vendor advisories and third-party reporting. It is not legal or engineering advice. Our goal is to surface facts and practical mitigations so teams can fly safely and think critically about risk.