VEX AIR Drone Flight Safety – VEX Library

Before flying the VEX AIR Drone, it's important to set up a safe environment and make sure everyone nearby is prepared. This guide will walk you through how to inspect your drone, prepare the flight area, and protect people and surroundings.

Inspect the Drone

Before every flight, take time to inspect the drone for any signs of damage or wear. Even small issues, like a cracked propeller or loose landing foot, can lead to unstable flight, reduced performance, or safety hazards. A quick inspection helps ensure the drone is ready for safe operation.

Close-up view of a Hornet propeller with red circles highlighting damage and wear on the blades. Visible markings include scratches, nicks, and rough edges on the orange plastic blades

Before a flight, inspect the propellers installed on the Drone. If any of the blades are warped, chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, replace them before attempting to fly. Damaged propellers can affect flight stability and increase the risk of injury or further damage to the drone.

For information about how to remove and install propellers, go here.

Angled view of a damaged Hornet landing foot. A red circle highlights the damaged area.

Before flying, check the drone's landing feet for any cracks, bends, or loose parts. Damaged landing feet can cause unstable takeoffs or rough landings, which may lead to tipping or further damage. Replace any broken or compromised feet before use.

For information about how to remove and install landing feet, go here.

Prepare the Flight Area

Before flying, always make sure to set up a safe and secure indoor flight area where there are no pets, people, or obstacles. The VEX AIR Drone is not designed for outdoor use as wind, uneven surfaces, and environmental obstacles can interfere with stability, or pilot control. Flying outdoors also increases the risk of accidents and damage to the drone or surroundings.

Instructional graphic showing a stick figure holding a controller while a Hornet hovers 5 feet away.

Make sure there is at least 5 feet of clear space around the drone in all directions. This includes everything from other humans to walls, furniture, and other debris.

This space helps prevent collisions during takeoff, flight, and landing. Even minor obstacles can cause the drone to veer off course or crash. Downward airflow from the propellers interacting with obstacles such as tables or chairs can cause intended flight actions.

Diagram illustrating a safety recommendation to keep the Hornet at least 3 feet below any overhead obstruction. The Hornet is shown centered with an upward arrow pointing to a horizontal surface labeled 3ft.

Check that there is at least 3 feet of open space above the drone. Ceiling fixtures like lights, fans, or hanging decorations can interfere with flight or become damaged if struck. Overhead clearance is especially important during takeoff and ascent, when the drone rises quickly.

A front view of the drone sitting atop a flat surface so that the drone is level and all four landing feet are stable on the ground.

Ensure the drone has a level surface from which to take off. The drone cannot take off from an uneven surface.

A Hornet hovering above the ground with airflow indicated by downward arrows and swirling debris.

Remove any loose or lightweight objects — such as paper, fabric, or plastic cups — from the flight zone. The downward airflow from the drone's propellers (called “prop wash”) is strong enough to lift and scatter items, which could interfere with the drone's sensors or flight path.

Get Everyone Ready

Flying safely means more than just preparing the drone, it also means making sure everyone nearby is ready too. Long hair, loose clothing, or careless hand placement can lead to accidents if they come into contact with the drone's spinning propellers. Taking simple precautions helps keep everyone in the area safe during flight.

Cartoon of a Hornet entangled in a person’s long hair while they sit in a chair. The Hornet’s propeller guards are visible among the strands.

Long hair should be tied back securely before any flight. Propellers spin at high speeds and can catch hair unexpectedly.

Illustration of a person holding their hands out as a Hornet descends into them.

No one should touch or reach near the drone while it is active, especially during takeoff or landing. Even a slight contact with the spinning propellers can cause injury or disrupt the drone's balance.

All pilots must know how to activate the drone's emergency stop. Pressing the Propeller Lock and Takeoff & Land buttons at the same time will immediately shut down the motors and cause the drone to fall to the ground. This is a critical safety feature that can prevent injury or damage if the drone behaves unexpectedly.

The propeller lock button on left side of the controller called out with a yellow glow.

All pilots should also understand the Propeller Lock. When the Propeller Lock is engaged, it prevents the motors and propellers on the drone from turning. The Propeller Lock should be engaged:

Before carrying or handling a drone that is on, to avoid injury or damage to the drone.
When testing projects that don't require the drone to fly (to disable movement of the drone).

To learn more about the Propeller Lock, see this article.

Follow Flight Safety Guidelines

Always keep the drone five feet away from people and animals.
Always keep the drone within your line of sight.