Document
OAS-43A (12/12)
Interagency Aviation
Accident Prevention Bulletin
No. IA APB 26-05 May 14, 2026 Page 1 of 2 Subject: Handheld Radio Interference - Skydio X10/X10D Controllers Area of Concern: UAS Flight Safety Distribution: All Aviation Operations Affected Products: Skydio X10 Controller and Skydio X10D Controller Discussion: Users should not operate radios within 12 inches of the Skydio X10 Controller or X10D Controller. Doing so may cause radio frequency interference (RFI), resulting in degraded performance. In some cases, interference may cause the controller to become temporarily or permanently inoperable, leading to loss of communication with the aircraft and the initiation of an automated lost-connection return.
Motorola, Kenwood, and other high-powered radios used within approximately 12 inches from the controller can interfere with its radio communications, causing a range of operational issues including, but not limited to: • Intermittent or total loss of communication with the aircraft • Degraded video feed • Return to home activations due to loss of communications • Charging failures or power low in the controller OEM Actions : Skydio is developing shielding components and other hardware improvements for future production units. Additionally, a controller software enhancement is planned that will notify pilots when high radio interference is detected and suggest increasing distance from the transmitting radio. An example of this interference alert is shown in Figure 1 below. Customers will be notified once the software update becomes available.
Figure 1. On -S creen High Radio Interference Alert to Pilot No. IAAPB 26-05 May 14, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Operator Actions: Until manufacturer safety measures are implemented, please refer to the guidance below: • Maintain at least 12 inches between active radios and the controller while the controller is powered on.
• Set and review safe return-to-home communication settings prior to flight.
• Contact Skydio Support if the controller exhibits symptoms such as persistent charging issues or failure to power on.
• Discuss radio placement, potential interference hazards, and lost link procedures during the mission briefing and/or FRAT process.
For complete technical details and the full advisory, see Skydio’s official Notice to Operators (NTO).
/s/ Keith C. Raley /s/ Lori Clark Keith C. Raley Lori Clark Division Chief, Aviation Safety and Training Branch Chief Aviation Operations and Management Aviation Safety Management Systems U.S. Wildland Fire Service USDA, Forest Service U.S. Department of the Interior