AERIAL INNOVATION AND 

INSPECTIONS

PILOT CHECKLIST

DJI S1000+WITH Zenmuse

Original: August 13, 2015
DJI S1000+WITH Zenmuse

CHECKLIST

DJI S1000+ BENCH SET UP & TESTS

o All screws/bolts are tight

o Timer alarm for flight time to not exceed 80% battery capacity set properly

o Batteries are secure

o Antennas are secure 

o Props balanced

o Props aligned

o Props not chipped

o Check blades, arms, etc. for cracks/damage

o Wiring Tight

o No excessive flexing of motors or booms

o Booms/motors will not twist

o Center of gravity is correct

o Warning lights set for low battery if used

o Batteries charged. Replace any battery which cycles below 80% of rated capacity

 Laptop Battery

 Flight Battery

 Handheld Rx Battery

 RC Tx Battery

 Video Rx Battery

 Spare Laptop Battery

DJI S1000+ INVENTORY CHECKLIST

o Load Flight plan

o Aircraft

o Camera with SD card

o Spare parts/tools

o Spare batteries

o Two RC transmitters

o Laptop

o Battery Charger

o Flight Controller Cable

o Video monitor, stand, battery, antennas

o Goggles

o Datalink & cable

o Battery Y-harness
DJI S1000+ PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

o Check area to fly on Google maps

o Confirm walkie talkie and ATC coms operation

o Inform ATC of your flight plan if required

o Determine emergency flight plan and alternate landing zones avoiding power lines and obstacles

o Check wind direction

o Set a perimeter of 50-100 meters – area must be clear of people

o All antennas (9?) installed and all pointing in correct directions

o Engage GCS, monitor, laptop, goggles, etc. (bring up flight plan)

o Remove lens cap / Clean lens

o Camera On

o Ensure camera has SD card installed.

o Check battery voltage

o Install battery on copter.

o Check CG

o Level copter with front pointing in correct direction for course lock – do not turn on

o On Copter TX - Set switches - Throttle Down, Return to Home switch Off, Manual Flight Mode

Switch On, Flight Path Switch Off – Not Course or Home Lock

o Copter Transmitter On

o Check Model Selection on Tx

o Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.4v)

o On Photo Tx – set switches - HDMI switch Off, Freestyle switch On

o Photography Transmitter On

o Check Model Selection on Tx

o Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.4v)

o Plug in battery black lead first.

o Calibrate GPS/Compass if necessary

o If calibrated, cycle battery with correct heading for course lock.

o Do not touch the Copter until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock. Initial 3 red blinks is normalmeaning

no GPS lock. Wait until no flashes. Continue with checklist.

o Check Copter Voltage from GCS

o Engage Attitude Mode – Must Achieve Double Amber Flash

o Engage GPS Mode – Must Achieve Double Purple Flash

o While in GPS mode engage “Course Lock” mode. Must achieve green Flash

o Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position. Must achieve single amber flash in Attitude

Mode and single purple flash in GPS mode

o HDMI switch On (video on camera itself should go off)

o Freestyle switch On (FPV Off)

o Verify camera operation (If problems, check Drive Mode – Remote Cmdr must be “on”, manualfocus,

intelligent auto)

o Verify data link if installed – rolling copter manually should change gauges

o Upload flight plan

o Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer/GCS/video monitor/goggles

o Timers set properly
DJI A2 CONTROLLER ERROR MESSAGES

o White flashes

 IMU malfunction. Land and determine cause. Possibilities:

 GPS/Compass not pointing forward

 IMU not pointing forward

 Set up of X, Y, Z for location of IMU and Compass is incorrect

o Excessive rocking/instability possible causes:

 Weak motor

 Structure flexing from fatigue or cracks

 Motor mount

 Main frame

 Booms

 Loose Bolts causing flexing or misalignment

 Props

 Mounts

 Props out of balance

 Props misaligned

 Excessive wind speeds or gusts

 Excessive Gains

 Excessive motor power. Max motor power must a little more than typical ascent 

power.

o Red Flashes (1, 2 or 3 flashes with pauses) – GPS loss (3 is more serious). Land if losslasts 

for more than 30 seconds. Possible causes:

 Clouds

 Structures

 GPS mal-function

 GPS too close to electrical components

 GPS vibration

QUICK PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

o Landing zone clear

o Level copter with correct heading

o Battery 4.1+ full, 3.8 depleted (do not use)

o Camera on. SD card in.

o Both TX – all switches down

o Both TX on

o Copter on

o Check GPS and Course lock checks

o Video check 

o Photo check 

o Timers ready 

o Takeoff

o Raise Landing Gear

o Unplug 6 batteries upon landing
TAKEOFF CHECKLIST

o Declare intentions for takeoff with ATC if required.

o Engage GPS mode – Double purple flash

o Engage Course Lock mode (double green flash)

o Announce loudly: “CLEAR PROP”

o Position the sticks in the lower left hand corners, then immediately raise the throttle 2 clicks, 

and center the right stick.

o Advance throttle to 1⁄4 power for 5 seconds. Assure all motors are operating.

o Verify that left/right and forward/back stick movement engages the proper motors.

o Verify data and video links are still operational

o Announce loudly: “TAKING OFF”

o Advance throttle to full. Copter must jump off of the ground.

o Ascend to 3 meters. Center throttle stick. Should be single green flash. Verify wireless link, 

GPS hold, camera operation, gauges, etc. are working properly.

o Verify course lock is operational by rotating 90 degrees and pushing forward on stick.

o Verify copter stability. If unstable, land and reset gains, recalibrate, or retest as necessary.

o Raise landing gear

o Proceed with manual mission

o For autopilot operation

 Ascend to 10 meters manually

 Engage autopilot

o Manual pilot/observer must monitor the informational LED and be ready to take overin 

manual mode when necessary.

o Manual pilot to request copter flight battery voltage readout from camera operator 

periodically.

LANDING CHECKLIST

o Landing area clear

o Lower landing gear

o Note obstacles in flight path

o Announce loudly: “LANDING”

o First cut power to the aircraft

o Note elapsed time of flight

o Adjust any parameters (camera servo speed, exponential , etc)

o Turn power off to transmitters, camera, goggles, monitors, Rxs, etc.

o Touch motors to verify temperatures are similar

o Complete flight log

 Date and time of flight

 Batteries used

 Time of Flight

o Contact ATC if required

AERIAL INNOVATION AND 

INSPECTION

FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Section 1: General

 Section 2: Limitations

 Section 3: Emergency Procedures

 Section 4: Normal Procedures

 Section 5: Performance

 Section 6: Weight and Balance

 Section 7: Air Vehicle and Systems Description

 Section 8: Handling, Service and Maintenance

 Section 9: Supplements
SECTION 1

GENERAL

NOTE: In an effort to minimize costs and maximize spare parts availability, many COTS (commercial off 

the shelf) components have been utilized. Some may have slight modifications to better suit this application. 

Most COTS products have separate data sheets, assembly manuals and instruction manuals. They are 

reference in this document, with key factors being emphasized.

As with all high technology products utilizing constantly evolving software, it is important to periodically

check for online upgrades to the COTS components, including hardware, firmware and software.

WARNING: Great care must be taken with the batteries. Much of this manual and supplemental information 

is devoted to the use and care of the batteries, especially the flight batteries. They are less volatile than 

gasoline, though they should be treated with the same respect. Become very familiar with proper techniques 

of their use.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

o Primarily for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)

o Economical due to extensive use of COTS products

o Low Visual Signature

o Low Aural Signature

o Quick Launch and Recovery

o Short Training Period

o Simple Operation

o Waypoint Navigation

o Back packable

o VTOL

o Quick Repairs

o Redundant Flight Systems

o Safety Return to Home during lost link or low battery

o High Degree of Mission Success

o GPS navigation aid

o Various sensors

o 24 lb max takeoff weight

o Operating Temp Range: -5°C to +60°C

o Flight Modes: Manual and GPS aided waypoint navigation

o Maximum Operating Altitude: 1000 meters

o Maximum Operation Wind Conditions: 10 m/s

o Propulsion System: LiPo batteries

o Takeoff: Manual or Automatic

o Landing: Manual or Automatic

o Takeoff/Recovery Area: 5m square
IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS

o Distance rotor to rotor across the center: 41” 

o Height with GPS/Compass folded down: 21” 

o Height with GPS/Compass up: 25”

o Length of landing gear skids: 18”

o Distance between landing gear skids: 21”

IMPORTANT WEIGHTS

o Weight including Nex 7 camera, Zenmuse gimbal, A2 autopilot system, landing gear, data 

transceiver, RC transceiver, video transmitter, regulators and all wiring – everything except 

battery: 13.4 lbs

o Maximum Takeoff Weight: 24 lbs

o Battery Weight: up to 9.5 lbs with Nex camera and Zenmuse Gimbal

MOTORS

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations

o Number of motors: 8

o Motor type: 41mm x 14mm

o Motor Model Number: 4114-11

o Motor KV/RPM: 400

o Motor max @ 25.2V: 10,000 rpm

o Motor Max Power: 500 Watts

o Power rating: 4000 Watts maximum power consumption for all 8 motors

o Current Max: 100 amps

o Amp Draw Typical Average: 65 amps

PROPELLERS

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations

o Material: Composite

o Number of propellers: 8

o Propeller model number: DJI 15 x 5.2

o Number of blades: 2 - folding

o Propeller Diameter: 15”

o Propeller Pitch (fixed): 5.2”

o Max rpm: 10,000 rpm
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLS

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations 

o Number of speed controls: 8

o Speed control model number: DJI 40A Opto

o Rating in amps: 40 Amps continuous

o Signal Frequency: 30 - 450 Hz

o Drive PWM Frequency: 8 KHz

AUTOPILOT

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations

o Autopilot Model Number: DJI A2

o Components: GPS/Compass, IMU, Master Controller, Power Distribution System,LED 

Indicator Lighting System, Data Transceiver, GCS Software

o Power Consumption: 5W

o Operating Temp Range: -5°C to +60°C

o Software Compatible: Windows XP sp3 / Windows 7

o Hovering Accuracy: Vertical : ± 0.5m; Horizontal: ± 2m

WIRELESS LINKS

o Distributor: DJI-Innovations

o Frequencies:

 2.4 Ghz datalink with WiFi

 2.4 Ghz Command & Control

 5.8 Ghz Video

o Power Consumption: 1 watt

o Usable Range: Less than 2 km.

FLIGHT BATTERY

o Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers

o Battery chemistry recommended: Lithium Polymer

o Battery Capacity: 16,000 - 42,000 mah

o Battery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)

o Battery Voltage: 21V minimum during hover, 22.2V nominal, 25.2V maximum

o Battery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum

o Battery Minimum Charge Rate: 1C (3C preferable)

o Battery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 0-30 minutes

o Batteries used simultaneously: 1-4

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80-90%
FLIGHT PARAMETERS

o Flight Time: up to 30 minutes

o Payload Max: 11 lbs

o Power Consumption in a Hover at 21 lb takeoff weight: 1500 Watts, 65 amps

WARNINGS

o Never power a video transmitter or receiver without an antenna connected or overload failure 

will occur.

o Read all information regarding batteries contained in this manual and supplements.

o Batteries are highly flammable and can explode, especially when fully charged. Improper 

charging, vibration, impact, high discharge, etc. can lead to explosion and fire. Batteries must 

be charged under constant supervision and using proper precautions.

o Batteries fully charged must be handled with extreme care.

o Batteries must not be stored above 50% charged state.

o Store batteries between 20% - 50% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

o Fully charged batteries which are not to be used within 24 hours should be discharged to 20%

- 50% charged state.

o Discharging LiPo batteries in excess of 80% of their rated capacity can cause harm to the 

batteries.

o Using more than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the voltage is 

no more than 25.2V. Over voltage will cause serious damage to electrical equipment.

o Using more than one battery at a time requires weight and balance checks. Proper CG is 

critical to performance. Airframe must not be overloaded.

o Propellers must be balanced to avoid excessive vibration.

o GPS/Compass must be facing forward.

o Do not use GPS Mode without GPS lock.

o Use low strength thread locking compound on all screws.

o Wireless Video and Data ranges vary considerably on many factors including weather, 

equipment, and obstructions. Be prepared for com failures.

SECTION 2

LIMITATIONS

AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS

o Vne – Velocity to Never Exceed: 15 m/s

o Va – Typical Maneuvering Speed – 5 m/s

POWER & POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS

o 40 Amps max per motor

o 40 Amps max per speed control

o 320 Amps max total

o Do not exceed 80-90% discharge of rated battery capacity

o Do not charge batteries which are warmer than air temperature

o Allow batteries to cool after use before charging

o Leave an air gap between batteries when multiple batteries are used simultaneously

WEIGHT LIMITS

o Takeoff Weight Max: 24 lbs

 Must be checked prior to takeoff if any change in equipment is made

CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS

o 3mm from the center of any of the three pairs of arms

 Must be checked before every flight to ensure batteries were installed in the proper 

location.

 Check all 4 pairs of arms before flight

MANEUVER LIMITS

o This aircraft is intended for non-aerobatic operations

o G-loading maximum: 2G

TEMPERATURE LIMITS

o Operating Temp Range: -10°C to +40°C

o In cold temperatures

 Keep IMU at room temperature if possible before the flight

 Keep Batteries above 5°C before flight

 Do not fly with any frost or ice on the propellers

o In warm temperatures

 Batteries heat up when discharged

 The higher the discharge rate the higher the temperature increase during use

 At temperatures above 45°C, use of 2 or more batteries is required to lower the load 

on any one battery pack to keep it cooler.
WEATHER LIMITS

o Light dust and light rain require the use of a shield for the electronics in the centersection.

o Light dust and light rain are acceptable for the unshielded motor and ESC.

RANGE LIMITS

o BATTERY

 Battery capacity is the primary limiting factor.

 Flying into the wind will use more battery power to travel the same ground distance. 

Higher air speeds will be required to penetrate the wind which used more battery

power. Take this into account when flying a mission.

 Where possible, fly upwind at the start of a mission and downwind at the end to avoid 

depleting the battery before returning to base. Have alternative landing sites available 

in case of emergency landing.

o WIRELESS LINK

 Wireless links will be stable in LOS (line of sight) in most conditions

 Wireless links are always susceptible to shorter ranges due to

 Atmospheric conditions

 Other transmission devices in the area

 Jamming

 Antennas not aligned properly

 Improper voltage

 Antenna blockage from AV in certain positions

 Multipath – reflection off buildings or ground which cause multiple signals to 

arrive at different times and/or phase.
SECTION 3

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

MOTOR FAILURE

o Operation is possible with one motor/ESC/propeller failure

 The two adjacent motors/ESCs will be increased in thrust automatically by the flight 

controller to overcome the loss

 In cases where the airframe is highly loaded the maximum rating of 40 amps may be 

exceeded by these two motors/ESCs

 Operation should be terminated as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of damage 

to the remaining motors

COMMUNICATION FAILURE

o Video link failure

 5.8 Ghz being the shortest wavelength in general AV use has the least ability to 

penetrate. This link should be the first to be lost.

 It is best to lose video first! It is the least likely to cause a crash when it fails.

 5.8 Ghz can lose link with little warning.

 Ensure that the GCS station antennas are perpendicular to the AV. Do not point the 

antenna at the AV.

 Yaw the AV to change the antenna position

 Other links should still be good. Return back to the GCS until link is restored.

 Transmitters produce heat when in operation. When overheated they may have 

thermal protection which interrupts use temporarily. Use of a heat sink or fan may be 

required especially with high ambient temperatures.

 Higher gain antennas may be used, but do so with caution. High gain antennas are 

directional.

 Multiple antennas using “diversity” can be used. Diversity is a device which 

determines the best signal, and uses that.

 5.8 Ghz even at high wattages theoretically has less range than lower frequencies. 

Changing to 1.3 Ghz is an option, though there are other issues to be considered.

o RC link failure

 2.4 Ghz antennas can lose link with little warning.

 Anything in between the two antennas can cause temporary signal loss especially a 

person.

 Hold the transmitter up in the air and walk in the general direction of the AV (aerial 

vehicle).

 Ensure that the antenna is vertical. Do not point the antenna at the AV.
 The fail safes on the RC link should be set so that the AV returns to home. Should

this require a heading change, the antenna may move into a more desirable position

and link will be restored.

 The onboard equipment may block the signal. Yaw the AV so that the antennas point 

towards the GCS.

 A LRS (long range system) can be used as a permanent solution. This is higher in 

wattage and usually on 433 Mhz.

o Data Link Failure

 900 Mhz do not lose link without some warning. When drop outs are noticed to 

increase in frequency that is the limit of the range.

 If using 900 Mhz, this is on cell phone frequency. If a cell tower is nearby it can 

swamp the signal. 900 Mhz may not be usable in that area. Change to a different freq. 

or remain closer to the AV

LOW BATTERY POWER

 Fail-safes can be set such that in the event of low battery power, either due to a failure 

or too long of a flight, the warning light on the AV will constantly flash amber. Thisis 

the first level of warning.

 The second warning level is red flashing lights

 Auto landing will occur when battery power is low. It may land in a tree or a lake, so 

this is not desirable.

 Landing with 80-90% of battery depleted is best. Therefore landing with 17,000 mah 

used and 3,000 mah remaining of a 20,000 mah battery is desirable. Batteriesshould 

be drawn down equally when in use if they are both charged equally and both in 

relatively the same condition/age.

 Do not mix partially charged batteries. Only use completely charged batteries.

 Over discharging a battery below 19.8V can permanently damage the battery.

GCS FAILURE

 Takeover by the external pilot should happen ASAP using the RC link.

 Most often happens due to a low battery.

 Keep a spare 3 cell LiPo battery with the appropriate plug to plug into the charge 

jack for emergency use. Most chargers are 19V output which is roughly equivalent to 

a 4-cell battery. 3-cell batteries may work.
COMPASS CALIBRATION ERROR

 If the compass is out of calibration the warning light will flash red. This is the same 

signal as low voltage. If the voltage is correct, there is a calibration error.

 Recalibrate the compass following the instruction manual

FIRE

 Fires can occur due to a short circuit or battery failure.

 Disconnect the battery ASAP unless there is danger in doing so.

 Use appropriate LiPo battery fire suppression procedures to contain the fire and notify

the fire department if unable to contain. Use a fire extinguisher to put out fires 

surrounding the battery if they exist.

FORCED LANDINGS

 Alternate emergency landing zones should be chosen ahead of time.

 Be sure that the LZ is clear of people to avoid any incidents.

 Land in the nearest LZ which is clear of people.

 Announce your intentions of landing as loud as necessary to alert people of the 

incoming AV.
SECTION 4

NORMAL PROCEDURES

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

o Confirm all communication radios are operational

 Radio with ATC if required

 Radios with others in the group

o Set a perimeter of 100 meters

 Area must be clear of people to avoid collision

o Check for overhead power lines and other obstacles to avoid

o Check structural integrity

 In event of prior crash, inspect all booms, props and motor mounts for excessive flex 

indicating structural fatigue/failure

o Have a manual flight plan avoiding obstacles.

o Load auto flight plan if using one

 Be sure that the total flight time is under 10 minutes to avoid low battery

o Clean lens

 Remove lens cap

o Ensure camera has SD card installed

 Many flights have been wasted due to this!

o Install batteries

 Ensure that the straps are tight and the Velcro keeps the batteries from movingwhich 

will avoid a shift in the CG (Center of Gravity – or that it balances evenly)

o Check CG (Center of Gravity)

 Lift the copter on each of the 3 pairs of arms. The copter should balance properly. If 

not, do not fly. Rearrange the equipment such that the CG is

o IMU pointing forward

 The Inertial Measurement Unit is set so that it must face forward

o GPS/Compass installed, limited free play, pointing forward

 This device must be installed with a screw to hold it in place. It cannot vibrate easily. 

If it does not point forward, the corrections in ATTI and GPS mode will be incorrect 

and it will crash. The FC will provide a warning with constant flashing white lights.

o Level copter using a bubble level with front pointing in correct direction for course lock – do

not turn on

 Keep in mind the best angle for pointing the landing gear in the direction that will 

keep the landing gear out of the shot when flying.

o Turn on Pilot Tx

o If using the rate gyro, set it at the correct position. This is usually a slider switch. Gains 

should have the range set from 200 – 350. Use the highest gain possible which does not cause 

oscillation.

o Check Model Selection on Tx to be S800

o Throttle on Tx Down

o Return to Home switch Off

o Adjust gain to correct position (if required)

o Manual Flight Mode Switch to manual (not ATTI or GPS mode)

o Flight Path Switch Off – Not Course or Home or POI
o Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

 These settings above are required to initialize the copter properly. If the switches are 

in the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly which may cause some ofthe 

functions like course lock or GPS mode to not operate properly.

 If the copter does not function properly after takeoff, land immediately and disconnect 

the copter power. Then put all the switches in the proper position for initialization and 

turn the power back on to the copter.

o Count down timer should be set to 20 minutes. This can be adjusted to your flying style. The 

timer should engage at 1⁄4 throttle and trigger an alarm at the proper time. This is a backup 

alarm in case the indicator lights on the copter are not visible.

o Turn on Photography Tx

o Check Model Selection on Tx – should read Zenmuse

o Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

o HDMI switch Off

o Freestyle switch Off (FPV On)

 These settings above are required to initialize the Zenmuse properly. If the switches 

are in the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly which may cause some of 

the functions like live video or gimbal operation to not operate properly.

 If the camera or gimbal do not function properly, disconnect the copter power. Then 

put all the switches in the proper position for initialization and turn the power back on 

to the copter.

o Engage power to copter

 Plug in the 2 battery packs. Typically the battery packs use red T-style connectors in a 

parallel wire harness. This Y-harness has a yellow connector. It is preferable to 

connect the batteries to the Y-harness first, then plug in the yellow connector.This

reduces (but does not eliminate) electrical arcing.

 6 quick chirps should be heard confirming 6S LiPo batteries are recognized by the 

ESCs.

 Hearing less than 6 chirps indicates fewer cell battery packs are being 

recognized which is incorrect. Check for improper or damagedbatteries.

o Do not move or vibrate the Squadcopter until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock

 Initial 3 red blinks is normal meaning no GPS lock. No red flashes indicates full GPS 

lock.

 Continue with checklist as you are waiting for full GPS lock, but do not move the 

copter.

 If the GPS takes more than 5 minutes to lock, there is a problem with the area. It is not 

receiving the proper signals from the satellites. GPS signals are weak, so trees,people,

buildings, terrain, weather, have an effect. Move the copter into a more open area 

where it can more easily see the satellites.

o Check Copter Voltage from both Tx’s (transmitters)

 The transmitters receive a signal from the corresponding receivers. The voltages are 

regulated to about 5v. If the voltage is below 4.4v or above 6v do not fly. There may

be power regulation issues. The receivers cannot work outside this voltage 

consistently. Also there is some issue if the voltage is outside that range which should 

be resolved before flying.

o Engage Attitude Mode – Must achieve double amber flash
o Engage GPS Mode – Must achieve double purple flash

o Engage course cock mode – Must achieve double green flash

o Disengage course lock mode. Must achieve double purple flash. Stay in this mode until just 

prior to takeoff, after takeoff at any time, or do not use.

o Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position. Must achieve single purple flashwhen 

in GPS mode.

 To verify that the sticks are all centered properly:

 With throttle in the center position, use the trim buttons on the transmitter to check 

that the sticks are centered. Trim the roll (the stick located on the right side of the 

transmitter when moved to the right and left) to the right, counting the number of 

clicks until a double flash occurs. Then center the trim. Then move the trim to the left, 

counting the number of clicks until a double flash occurs. An equal number of clicks 

should be counted each side of center.

 Do this check for the 3 stick movements other than throttle.

 Center the trim such that when the stick is in the neutral position that there are equal 

numbers of clicks in each direction. This ensures that when the sticks are neutralized

that the flight controller will recognize this signal and engage GPS mode.

o Calibrate GPS/Compass before the first flight each day or if receiving continuous redblinks

or continuous white blinks.

 Flip the GPS mode switch 7 times very quickly from manual to GPS. End with the 

switch in the manual position. The indicator light will be blue. Rotate the copter about

1.5 turns in a horizontal position. A green flashing light indicates that this is complete. 

Then hold the copter vertically and rotate about 1.5 turns. A white flashing light

indicates that this is complete. Repeat if necessary until this is completed.

o After calibration, reset the copter by cycling battery with copter pointed in the correct heading 

for course lock.

o Engage Camera

o HDMI switch On

 This will stop video from playing on the back of the camera and will send the video 

signal to the video transmitter via the HDMI connection.

o Freestyle switch On (FPV Off)

 This allows the camera to be operated freely through the transmitter

o Verify camera operation

 Operate the shutter

 Set the focus to auto or manual. Manual setting is usually set to infinity to stop 

constant focusing of the camera.

o Verify data link if installed

 Roll the copter about 45 degrees on its side by lifting one side of the copter and resting

one side of the landing gear on the ground

 A corresponding roll should be seen on the gauge.

 If the copter is rolled to the right, it will appear on the gauge that the horizon rollsto 

the left – not the right because the view from inside the copter is that the horizon rolls 

the opposite direction of the copter.
o Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer

 If it is not about 0, the altitude settings for the waypoints will be off by this amount. 

This could cause the copter to fly at 10 meters or 30 meters if the waypoint is set for 

20 meters and the altitude is off by 10 meters one way or another. If the copter thinks 

it is at 10 meters when it is on the ground, then it will only rise 10 meters above the 

ground to achieve what it believes it to be 20 meters above the ground.

 The altitude can be reset using the ground control software by going to altitude offset.

o Alternate Emergency Landing Sites Established

NORMAL TAKEOFF

o Engage GPS mode – Double purple flash when the throttle is down.

o Switch to Course Lock flight mode if required. Purple flashes are replaced with green flashes.

Flying in course lock is not required, but helpful in many instances.

o Announce loudly: “CLEAR PROP”

o Move both of the sticks to the bottom left corners to engage the motors. Within 1 second 

move the throttle up 1/8 – 1/4. The copter should not lift off until about 1⁄2 stick isreached.

o Verify data and video links before lifting off. If anything is not working properly, movethe 

throttle stick to low to disengage the motors and determine a solution.

o If all flight checks are passed, announce loudly: “TAKING OFF”

o Advance throttle to about 3/4. Copter must jump off of the ground to avoid one skid coming 

up before the other skid, and the skid on the ground getting caught and flipping the copter 

over sideways.

o Ascend to 3 meters. Then decrease throttle to 1⁄2 to engage the GPS hold.

o Verify links, GPS, Attitude, etc. Should be single purple flash.

o Verify that the copter is holding position within .5m in all directions.

o Verify camera operation

o Verify course lock is operational by rotating 90 degrees and pushing forward on stick.

o Verify copter stability. If unstable, land and reset gains, recalibrate, or retest as necessary.

o Proceed with manual mission or

o For autopilot operation

 Ascend to 10 meters

 Command AVO to proceed with mission.

 Pilot should say “It’s yours”

 Response from AVO “I have it”

o Manual pilot/observer must monitor the informational LED and be ready to take overin 

manual mode when necessary.

 White flashes indicates flight controller issue

 Amber flashes indicates low battery

 Red flashes indicate loss of GPS or severe battery condition

 Quick decisions are required when red flashes are indicated

 10 seconds or more of loss of GPS signal will stop waypoint guidance and any 

GPS hold and put into manual mode.
 Red indicator light battery warning requires immediate landing

o Manual pilot to request copter flight battery voltage readout from AVO periodically.

 Reset the first and second indicator lights as required for your set up.

 When recharging the batteries, the goal is to put 4,000 mah into a 5,000 mah battery

pack. Adjust the voltage warnings to your style of flying.

 Also use the countdown timer on the transmitter. This gives a good indication of 

battery level because the current used is fairly constant from flight to flight.

NORMAL LANDING

o Landing area clear

o Lower landing gear

o Note obstacles in flight path

o Announce loudly: “LANDING”

o First cut power to the aircraft

o Note elapsed time of flight

o Adjust any parameters (camera servo speed, exponential , etc)

o Turn power off to transmitters, camera, goggles, monitors, Rxs, etc.

o Touch motors to verify temperatures are similar

o Complete flight log

 Date and time of flight

 Batteries used

 Time of Flight

o Contact ATC if required

POST LANDING

o Note flight time from transmitter. Write this down in the log book.

o Note battery power used during the flight. Write this down in the log book.

o ALWAYS disconnect the main power to the AV first, then turn off the transmitter.

o Check motor temperatures by touching them with your fingers. Any motors which are 

excessively hot should be further inspected and possibly replaced.

o Check battery temperatures by touching them with your fingers. Battery temperatures should 

not be hot to the touch. Battery temperatures should be slightly above ambient.

o Inspect all components especially the propellers for wear.

o Note in logbook which batteries were used to calculate life cycle.
AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG BOOK 

o Keep a log of all flights.

 Date

 Time of Day

 Time in Operation (in hours)

 Battery serial numbers

 Mah used in flight

 Location

 Pilot, Observer, Sensor Operator Names

 Flight Objective

 Remarks

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE LOG BOOK

o Keep a log of significant inspections, tests, repairs, alterations, equipment changes.

 Date maintenance is performed

 Accumulated hours of operation

 Remarks

PILOT LOG BOOK 

o Keep a log of all flights. Include the following:

 Aircraft flown

 Aircraft serial number

 Date

 Time of Day

 Time in Operation (in hours)

 Location

 Flight Objective

 Remarks
SECTION 5

PERFORMANCE

FLIGHT TIMES

o The AV is designed to hover at high efficiency. Hovering is much less efficient than flying on 

a wing, thus flight times are low compared to fixed wing aircraft.

o All the weight of the AV is supported by power from the batteries. As the batteries are used in 

a flight, the amount of power available decreases. Therefore the power reserve isconstantly

decreasing as the battery is being used. Thus loading a rotorcraft above its limit is not 

recommended. While the AV may have enough power to lift off initially on a full charge, the 

power reserve at partial charge may be too low to allow for maneuvering and will result in a 

crash.

o High lateral speeds will add lift to slightly improve efficiency. The rotors act similar to fixed 

wings at higher speeds. This increase in efficiency may be negated by the increased power 

consumption of forward flight.

o High winds or gusts decrease efficiency/flight time. The motors work harder to hold position.

o As weight increases flight times decrease.

WIRELESS TRANSMISSION

o Refer to the specific manuals for performance ratings.

o Wireless communications utilized provide acceptable communication for LOS.

o In general:

 LOS is required

 The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range

 Any freq. at may have severe degradation due to location to other admitters such as 

cell towers

 RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) should be monitored for indication of 

communication drop out.
CG

SECTION 6

WEIGHT AND BALANCE 

o CG is critical to the efficient operation of any AV

o When components are shifted, the CG will be altered.

o The main components which are moved on a regular basis are the sensors and the batteries.

o The sensors are typically in the front of the AV, and the batteries are located in the correct 

position to offset all the components on the AV.

o The CG must be tested after any change to the components or their placement.

o The CG should be tested by lifting the UV with fingers on the bottom of the arms. Check all 3 

pairs of arms. The CG should be no more than 2mm off in any on the 3 checks. The closerthe 

CG is to the centerlines of the arms the more efficient and the more stable the AV will be.

WEIGHT

o Weight is critical to the operation of any aircraft. 

o Manufactures maximum takeoff weight will not be exceeded.
SECTION 7

AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

o Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers.

o Refer to manufacturer data sheet.

o Battery chemistry required: Lithium Polymer

o Battery Capacity: 16,000 mah (minimum)

o Battery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)

o Battery Voltage: 21V minimum at hover, 22.2V nominal, 25.2V maximum

o Battery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum

o Batteries used simultaneously: 1-4 typical

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80-90%

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS

o Refer to the specific manuals for performance ratings.

o Never power a video transmitter or receiver without an antenna connected or overload failure 

will occur.

o Wireless communications utilized provide acceptable communication for LOS.

o In general:

o LOS is required.

o Lower frequencies penetrate objects such as trees better than higher freqs.

o Lower freqs have longer range than high freqs

o Higher freqs can transfer more data than lower freqs

o Higher freqs use smaller/shorter antennas

o The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range and reception

o Any freq at may have severe degradation due to location to other admitters such as cell towers

o Range must be constantly monitored.

o Alternate antenna types may be utilized to improve link/range. Patch, helical, omni, etc. can 

be substituted. They must be verified before use.

o Alternate freqs may be utilized to improve link/range.
SECTION 8

HANDLING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

PROPELLER CARE

o Propellers must be checked each flight for nicks or cracks

o Propellers are designed to last indefinitely if they do not impact dust, dirt or more.

BATTERY CARE AND USE

o Refer to instruction sheet included from the battery manufacturer. Typical information 

follows.

o Batteries are highly flammable and can explode, especially when fully charged. Improper 

charging, vibration, impact, high discharge, etc. can lead to explosion and fire. Batteries must 

be charged under constant supervision and using proper precautions.

o Batteries fully charged must be handled with extreme care.

o Any battery which puffs up is considered damaged and must not be used. It is in a dangerous 

state. Never charge a puffed up battery.

o Any battery which holds less than 80% of its rated capacity should be discarded.

o Cycle test each battery after every 50 cycles or if a battery is suspected to have lost as

significant amount of its capacity to determine the current capacity.

o Properly dispose of batteries. First discharge the battery fully using a battery cycler. Bring to a 

recycler such as a home improvement store.

o Always charge flight batteries under “balance” mode.

o Flight Battery Recommended Charge Rate: 1C which takes approximately 1 hour to charge

o Flight Battery Maximum Charge Rate: May exceed 5C. Charge rates higher than 1C will 

decrease life cycles. Maximum charge rating per the manufacturer will provide 300+ cycles. 

Use the lowest charge rate which is practical.

o Battery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 30 minutes minimum, 1 hour 

maximum.

o Do not charge if the battery is more than 2°C warmer than ambient, especially if the 

temperature is above 20°C. The outer surface is cooler than the inner core after use. Damage 

will occur when charging a warm battery.

o Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80%. Using more of the capacity of the battery

will decrease the life cycles

o As battery temperature approaches freezing the capacity of Lithium Polymer batteries 

decrease. Keep warmer than 5°C before installing into the UV (unmanned vehicle).

o Battery capacity decreases at higher discharge rates. Using more batteries decreases the 

discharge rate of each battery thereby extending individual battery capacity slightly.

o Lower discharge rates improve the life cycles.

o Batteries are rated at greater than 300 life cycles. 1,000+ life cycles are possible.

o Batteries must not be stored above 60% charged state for extended periods.

o Batteries should be stored below 25°C for extended periods

o Store batteries between 40% - 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

o Fully charged batteries which are not to be used within 24 hours should be discharged to 40%

- 60% charged state using the battery discharger.

o Using more than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the voltage is 

no more than 25.2V. Over voltage will cause serious damage to electrical equipment.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

o ANNUAL INSPECTION (SUGGESTED)

 If the airframe has in excess of 300 hours in a one year period, an annual inspection 

must be completed by an approved technician.

 An approved technician should disassemble the AV and inspect all components for 

wear and replace any components as required.

 Test all batteries for capacity.

 Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions

o 500 HOUR PM (SUGGESTED)

 An approved technician should disassemble the AV and inspect all components for 

wear and replace any components as required.

 Replace all 8 motors.

 Test all batteries for capacity.

 Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions.
SECTION 9

SUPPLEMENTS

COTS components have been utilized in the construction of this AV. All instruction manuals, operating 

handbooks, warning notices, and more are available as separate documents. These documents will be added 

as equipped. 

AIRFRAME 

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM