A remote pilot is mapping a large soybean field. The drone is 1,800 feet away at 300 feet AGL when the controller loses communication link. The aircraft continues its pre-programmed route. What is the correct pilot response, and what behavior should the aircraft exhibit?

Why →Lost link is a common and manageable event when procedures are established in advance. Best practice is to remain at the launch point (where the RTH waypoint is set), attempt to restore the radio link from that position, and allow the aircraft's failsafe to execute. Most consumer and commercial drones are programmed to hover, Return to Home, or land after a defined lost-link interval. The pilot must know their aircraft's specific failsafe behavior before flight.

The trap →Driving toward the drone is generally counterproductive. It moves the pilot away from the RTH landing point and may reduce link restoration chances. ATC notification is not required for lost link; it is not a declared emergency unless the aircraft poses imminent hazard to persons or property.

Field note →Before every flight, verify RTH altitude is set above the highest obstacle between the drone and launch point. Know your aircraft's specific lost-link sequence. In open agricultural surveys, set RTH altitude conservatively to clear tree lines and structures at the field boundary.