Troubleshooting Guide: How to Keep Your Drone in Top Shape
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
Drones are amazing tools, but like any gadget, they can act up. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pilot, it's important to know how to keep your drone flying smoothly. As the founder of Raising Drones, I've encountered my fair share of technical hiccups. Let's delve into common drone issues and how to address them effectively.
1. Drone Won’t Turn On
Possible Causes:
Battery not charged or connected properly
Power button not held long enough
Battery damage or swelling
Solutions:
Make sure the battery is fully charged and firmly connected.
Hold the power button down for a few seconds until it powers on.
If the battery looks swollen or damaged, replace it immediately.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcharging your battery and always store it in a cool, dry place.
2. Drone Flips on Takeoff
Possible Causes:
Propellers installed incorrectly
Motors spinning in the wrong direction
Flight controller set up wrong
Solutions:
Double-check that each propeller is on the right motor (clockwise and counter-clockwise matter).
Confirm your motors are spinning the correct way—use your drone’s manual to be sure.
If your flight controller isn’t facing the right way, recalibrate it.
💡 Tip: Always do a quick pre-flight check before liftoff.
3. GPS Signal Problems
Possible Causes:
Tall buildings or heavy tree cover blocking the signal
Interference from electronics
Faulty GPS module
Solutions:
Fly in open areas where your drone can “see” the sky clearly.
Avoid flying near large antennas or power lines.
Still having issues? Get your GPS module checked by a pro.
💡 Tip: Always wait for a solid GPS lock before you hit the throttle.
4. Short Flight Time
Possible Causes:
Old or weak battery
Windy conditions
Too much weight on the drone
Solutions:
If your battery drains fast, it might be time for a new one.
Try not to fly in strong winds—it eats up power.
Remove extra accessories that aren’t needed for your flight.
💡 Tip: A healthy drone battery should give you around 15–30 minutes of flight time depending on your model.
5. Camera Not Working
Possible Causes:
Loose wires or connections
Software glitches
Physical damage
Solutions:
Check that your camera cable is snug and undamaged.
Restart your drone and controller.
If the lens is cracked or won’t focus, you might need a replacement.
💡 Tip: Keep your lens clean and store the drone in a protective case.
6. Drone Not Responding to Controller
Possible Causes:
Lost signal between drone and controller
Interference from Wi-Fi or other devices
Outdated firmware
Solutions:
Re-pair or rebind your drone to the controller.
Move away from Wi-Fi routers or large buildings that can block the signal.
Make sure both the drone and the controller are running the latest firmware.
💡 Tip: Download updates regularly—many companies add bug fixes that improve flight stability.
Maintenance Tips
Clean Often: Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt from the motors and arms.
Inspect Before Every Flight: Check propellers, arms, and landing gear for cracks or loose screws.
Store Properly: Keep your drone out of extreme heat or cold.
Use the App: Apps like B4UFLY can help you stay updated on airspace rules and drone status.
Conclusion: Keep Your Drone Adventure-Ready
At Raising Drones, we believe that flying should be fun, smooth, and safe. Whether you're flying for work, fun, or just exploring the sky, your drone needs a little love and care to keep doing its job. Most issues are easy to fix when you know what to look for—and trust me, I’ve seen just about every weird drone problem out there.
If your drone is acting up, don’t panic. Follow the steps above, and chances are you’ll be back in the air in no time. And if you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are great communities, videos, and drone pros out there (including us!) ready to guide you.
Remember: a well-maintained drone is a happy drone. Keep those propellers spinning, your batteries healthy, and your camera steady—and the sky will always be open for adventure.
Fly safe and smart,
Damon Johnson
Founder, Raising Drones