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# AERO Congratulations on your purchase of an Aero! Please read the following sections of this manual to get started with your new autonomous aircraft. 1 Meet the Aero 7 Fly-by-wire mode 2 Safety 8 Command modes 3 Charge battery 9 Missions 4 Setup 10 Preflight steps 5 Manual mode 11 Takeoff & landing 6 Stabilize mode 12 Postflight steps body tail boom tail left wing motor 

# Meet the Aero nose right wing2 If you did not order an RC transmitter with your Aero, visit 3dr.com/learn for instructions. RC transmitter Spektrum FlySky battery compartment airspeed sensor electronics compartment (under wings) rudder elevator left aileron right aileron
If the terms above are unfamiliar to you, visit 3dr.com/learn , and dive into the exciting world of planes with our Introduction to Flying Fixed-Wing Aircraft .3 

# Safety ! Before you fly, always determine the boundaries of your safe flying area. If the Aero moves outside the designated area or exhibits instability in flight, switch to fly-by-wire mode and land the plane manually. The Aero will not avoid obstacles on its own, including during missions. As the operator, it’s your job to recognize and avoid obstructions while flying. Always be ready to regain manual control of the plane in the event of an unsafe situation. Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. The safety button indicates the status of the motor to help you prevent hazardous contact with the Aero’s high-speed propeller. When the Aero is powered on, the safety button will blink red; the motor is inactive and the propeller is safe to handle. When you’re ready to fly, press and hold the safety button until it shows solid red. This indicates that the motor is active and the propeller can spin if armed. To make the propeller safe to handle again, press and hold the safety button until it blinks red. visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km)

visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) Always fly at least 100 feet (30 m) away from people, vehicles, and buildings. Make the safety of people and property your first priority! Always fly below 400 ft (120 m) and within your visual line of sight. Don’t let the Aero get too far away from you; make sure you can always see its orientation. Don’t fly in low light, heavy wind, rain, or other conditions that might impede visibility.

Always fly at least five miles (8 km) away from airports and other areas where pilots operate manned aircraft. visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) If the Aero looses contact with the RC transmitter, it will return to the launch point automatically and enter into a circle pattern above the launch point, indicated by a blinking yellow status LED. visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) visual line of sight 400 ft (120 m)
100 ft (30 m) 5 miles (8 km) If the battery reaches 33% of its remaining charge, the Aero will return automatically to circle above the launch point, indicated by a blinking yellow status LED and a quick repeating tone.4 

## +
– 

# Charge battery

LiPo 3A Connect the charger to the power adapter cable and a wall outlet. Connect the red cable to the + port and the black cable to the - port. Set the charger to LiPo and 3A. The Aero is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Store the battery at half charge, then charge fully before flying. Batteries must ship at half charge, so please charge before your first flight. Each full battery provides approximately 40 minutes of flight time. battery charger5 guard bag 4S Charging Complete Connect the white connector to the 4S port. Join the two yellow connectors together. Secure the battery inside the guard bag while charging, and charge until the status indicator displays green.

Protect the battery from extreme heat, extreme cold, puncturing, and flammable surfaces. Always transport, charge, and store the battery in the guard bag. Charge the battery using a designated LiPo balance charger only. Always monitor the battery while charging. Flying with a low battery is a safety risk and can render the battery permanently unusable. Always fly with a fully charged battery. Inspect the battery for damage before takeoff and after landing. If you observe any swelling of the package or the battery ceases to function, locate your local battery recycling center to dispose of the battery. In the US and Canada, visit call2recycle.org to find a location. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash.



# ! Battery safety6 horizontal stabilizer Slide the horizontal stabilizer into the vertical stabilizer along the orange groove. Make sure not to stress any of the components on the tail. Follow these instructions to take the Aero from travel configuration to flight configuration. 

## 1

On the top of the horizontal stabilizer, open the blue clasp at the end of the servo rod. 

# Setup

vertical stabilizer complete tail assembly7 tail screw Slide the blue rubber ring over the clasp to secure it in place.

Locate the wing spar (long rod) and the two wings. Slide a wing onto the spar. 

## 2 Turn the plane over and insert the provided tail screw into the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Insert the pegs on the clasp into the open space in the servo horn, and close the clasp. servo horn8 Slide the other wing onto the spar. Do not twist the wing or the spar so as not to stress the foam.
Locate the two cables inside the electronics compartment marked AILE. Connect these cables to the two cables on the wings marked AILE. (Either of the wing cables can connect to either of the plane cables; the order doesn’t matter.) plane AILE cables wing AILE cables Place the wings over the body of the Aero with the foam squares fitted into the matching space in the electronics compartment. Make sure not to pinch the AILE cables. wings placed onto the body of the Aero complete wing assembly9 add third band add fourth band Repeat on the other short side with the remaining two rubber bands, resulting in two pairs of opposing right triangles.

complete band assembly Locate the four large rubber bands. Use the bands to secure the wings to the body of the Aero by the four orange knobs on the body around the wings. Attach two of the bands to the two knobs on one of the short sides and opposite knobs on the opposing side.
orange knobs add first band add second band10 Locate the rings inside the propeller package. Remove the ring with the second-largest internal diameter, and insert it into the back of the propeller hub. 

## 3

Remove the nut and the washer from the motor, add the propeller with the writing on the propeller facing towards the nose of the plane , add the washer and the nut over the propeller, and tighten the nut.11 Pull out the tail boom to remove. To reattach, reverse these steps. The tail boom arrives attached to the Aero. Follow these instructions to remove the tail boom for travel. Disconnect the RUDD and ELEV cables inside the electronics compartment.

body tail

Remove the screws on the body and the tail indicated below.12 Stabalize Altitude Hold Loiter Full Autonomy Return to Launch three-position mode switch forward (away from you) back (towards you) center Stabalize Altitude Hold Loiter Full Autonomy Return to Launch Stabalize Altitude Hold Loiter Full Autonomy Return to Launch two-position mode switch Spektrum mode switches

forward (away from you) back (towards you) Stabalize Altitude Hold Loiter Full Autonomy Return to Launch Stabalize Altitude Hold Loiter Full Autonomy Return to Launch two-position switch marked GEAR/MIX three-position switch marked FLAP/GYRO available positions 0, 1, 2 

# Setting flight modes On 3DR transmitters, use the two-position switch and the three-position switch shown below to select a flight mode. FlySky mode switches two-position switch marked AIL D/R available positions 0, 1 three-position switch marked F MODE available positions N, 1, 2 The two-position switch activates one of the two groups of modes then the three-position switch selects the specific mode within the group. The three-position switch can be set forward (away from you), center, and back (towards you). The two-position switch can be set forward and back.13 

# Flight modes on Spektrum With GEAR/MIX set to **MIX** , set FLAP/GYRO to: **0** for AUTONOMOUS **1** for FLY BY WIRE **2** for RETURN TO LAUNCH With GEAR/MIX set to **GEAR** , set FLAP/GYRO to: **0** for MANUAL **1** for STABILIZE **2** for LOITER 

# Flight modes on FlySky With AIL D/R set to **0** , set F MODE to: **N** for RETURN TO LAUNCH **1** for FLY BY WIRE **2** for AUTONOMOUS With AIL D/R set to **1** , set F MODE to: **N** for LOITER **1** for STABILIZE **2** for MANUAL The Aero includes six flight modes. Manual mode, two assisted flight modes (stabilize and fly by wire), autonomous mission mode, and two command modes (loiter and return to launch). The following sections of this manual describe the behavior of each mode. The Aero’s six modes are assigned to your transmitter’s mode switches according to model.14 no GPS lock required **GPS** 

## X

roll pitch yaw throttle 

# Manual mode Fly with fine-tuned manual control without autopilot assistance. Manual mode gives you the most direct input to the control surfaces, resulting in precise in-flight adjustment. Try manual mode if you’re an experienced RC plane operator. Manual mode RC controls

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle up Increase motor speed. Throttle down Decrease motor speed.
Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle fully down Stop motor.15 Left StickLeft Stick

Left StickLeft Stick Yaw left

Left Stick Left Stick Left Stick

Left Stick Pitch up

Left StickLeft Stick Left StickLeft Stick Roll left Pitch down Yaw right Turn left. Turn right. Pitch up. Pitch down.
Roll right Roll left. Roll right.16 no GPS lock required **GPS** 

## X 

# Stabilize mode Stabilize mode provides manual control with an added autopilot safeguard: Release the right stick and the Aero will automatically return to a level flying orientation. Use stabilize mode for the freedom of manual control with return-to-level stabilization. Stabilize mode RC controls roll pitch yaw throttle

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle up Increase motor speed. Throttle down Decrease motor speed.
Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle fully down Stop motor.17 Left Stick Roll and pitch center Automatically level.

Left StickLeft Stick

Left StickLeft Stick Yaw left

Left Stick Left Stick Left Stick

Left Stick Pitch up

Left StickLeft Stick Left StickLeft Stick Roll left Pitch down Yaw right Turn left. Turn right. Pitch up. Pitch down. Roll right Roll left. Roll right.18 no GPS lock required **GPS** 

## X *APM:Plane mode FBWA 

# Fly-by-wire mode Let the autopilot manage the control surfaces, and navigate based on where you want the Aero to fly. Fly-by-wire mode* (FBW) is the easiest way to fly and is the recommended mode for new fliers. FBW mode RC controls stabilized roll stabilized pitch yaw throttle

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle up Increase motor speed. Throttle down Decrease motor speed.
Left Stick

Left Stick Throttle fully down Stop motor.19 Left Stick Roll and pitch center Automatically level.

Left StickLeft Stick

Left StickLeft Stick Yaw left

Left Stick Left Stick Left Stick

Left Stick Pitch up

Left StickLeft Stick Left StickLeft Stick Roll left Pitch down Yaw right Turn left. Turn right. Pitch up. Pitch down. Roll right Fly to the left. Fly to the right.20 **GPS** 

# Command modes Use command modes to enter into an automatic flight pattern. Once set to a command mode, the Aero will continue to follow the specified pattern until otherwise directed. Command modes require GPS lock prior to takeoff. GPS lock required Loiter mode : GPS-positioned circling » The Aero will enter into a circle pattern with a radius of 60 meters at the current altitude. » Move the right stick to adjust the position of the circle.
Return-to-launch mode : circling over launch point » The Aero will return to the position where it acquired GPS lock and enter into a circle pattern at an altitude of 100 meters. **GPS** GPS lock required21 

# Missions

**GPS** GPS lock required Once you have saved a mission to the Aero, ensure that the autopilot acquires GPS lock during the preflight steps, and take off in manual, stabilize, or fly-by-wire mode. Fly to the approximate altitude of the first waypoint, and switch into autonomous mode to start the mission. Use a ground station computer with the provided Telemetry Radio to fly a fully autonomous mission. To download software and learn how to plan a mission, visit 3dr.com/learn. laptop ground station with 3DR Telemetry Radio



## ! Do not set the Aero to autonomous mode without following the mission planning instructions at 3DR.com/learn . To fly a mission with automatic takeoff and landing, visit 3dr.com/learn for instructions.22 

# Preflight steps Select an open area for flying, away from people and buildings, and remember to bring the flight checklist and a fully charged battery. Follow these steps every time you fly.


## 1 Before flying, examine the Aero to ensure that all components are secured in flight configuration. Flight Checklist Preflight

LED
Inactive, safe to handle Safety Button Active, press and hold button before handling Initializing, please wait System error, see troubleshooting guide Autopilot ready, no GPS Loss of RC signal, automatic return to launch Autopilot ready, GPS locked Armed, ready to fly

6 Press and hold safety button until solid red. 5 Check LED for blinking blue (no GPS) or blinking green (GPS locked).

**GPS GPS**  X Check manual controls. 3 » Throttle » Pitch up and down » Roll left and right » Yaw left and right 4 Check autopilot stabilization. » Pitch up and down » Roll left and right » Wings and tail attached » Tail boom secure » Servos and rods secure » Airspeed sensor secure » Propeller tight » Transmitter on 1 Go outside to an open area, and inspect aircraft. Connect charged battery. 2 » Hold aircraft still while powering on. » Secure lid. » Check for balanced center of gravity.

tail servos wing servos » Check that the wings, tail, and tail boom are fully assembled and securely attached. » Check that the propeller is secured tightly to the motor. » Check that the servo rods are secured to the servo horns with the blue clasps. flight checklist23 If any of the components or assemblies in these checks are not secure, tighten the screws or use CA glue (super glue) to secure the components to the foam. Power on the RC transmitter, and set the throttle fully down. airspeed sensor Check that the airspeed sensor is secured to the side of the Aero and the tube is free from obstructions.

Open the battery compartment by sliding the knob on the orange switch and lifting out the foam lid. 

## 224 Secure a charged battery to the velcro strip within the marked lines, and attach the yellow connectors. Hold the Aero still and level while it powers on. Secure with the velcro strap. Close lid by aligning the orange notches at the nose. With the battery connected and the lid secured, check that the Aero is correctly balanced for flight. Hold the Aero with one finger on each of the clear, plastic balancing points shown below. These points indicate the Aero’s center of gravity. 

## 3 

## !25 Check the LED for the status of the autopilot. If you plan touse loiter, return-to-launch, autonomous, or any other GPSrequired modes during your flight, wait to see the blinking green light, indicating GPS lock, before proceeding. If you plan to fly only in manual, stabilize, or fly-by-wire modes, you may proceed when you see the blinking blue light. 

## 4
LED Autopilot ready, no GPS Autopilot ready, GPS locked If the plane balances on your fingers, then the center of gravity is correct. If it won’t balance, adjust the position of the battery until you can balance the plane on two fingers as shown below.

Initializing, please wait To arm the motor, press and hold the safety button until it displays solid red. 

## 5 safety button Inactive , motor disarmed Active, motor armed26 Place the plane on the ground, and set the mode switches to select manual mode. Move each of the sticks as shown, and check for the corresponding movement of the motor or control surfaces. 

## 6

Left Stick Left Stick Raise the throttle slightly until the motor spins, then immediately set the throttle back to fully down position. Motor spins.

Left Stick Left Stick Pitch down Elevator tilts down.

Left Stick

Left Stick Pitch up Elevator tilts up. 

## ! Do not raise the throttle more than just enough to spin the motor while the plane is on the ground, and do not place your hands in the way of the propeller while the motor is armed.27 Left StickLeft Stick Roll left Left aileron tilts up, right aileron tilts down.

Left StickLeft Stick Roll right Left aileron tilts down, right aileron tilts up.

Left StickLeft Stick Yaw left Rudder tilts left.

Left StickLeft Stick Yaw right Rudder tilts right.28 Set the mode switches to stabilize, and hold the plane in front of you. Move the plane as shown, and check for the stabilization response from the control surfaces. 

## 7 Test: Tilt the plane left. Result: Left aileron tilts down, right aileron tilts up. Test: Tilt the plane right. Result: Left aileron tilts up, right aileron tilts down. Test: Tilt the plane down. Result: Elevator tilts up. Test: Tilt the plane up. Result: Elevator tilts down.29 

# Takeoff & landing Now you’re ready for takeoff! If you’re new to planes, we recommend having a friend help you launch the Aero. Have your friend throw the Aero while you control the transmitter. We recommend setting the Aero to fly-by-wire mode for takeoff. Find a launching area with at least 100 feet of clear space in front of you. Face into the wind, and hold the Aero at the center of gravity. Raise the throttle to center position to start the motor. Be careful not to place your hand in the way of the propeller!

Left Stick

Once launched, the Aero will require immediate adjustment with the transmitter to navigate away from the ground and up to the desired altitude. Pitch up (right stick down) and add any other necessary controls based on wind, speed, and terrain. Hold the Aero above your head, run, and throw the plane at an upwards angle. throttle center30 Left Stick

Left Stick Left Stick

Left Stick When you’re ready to end your flight, follow these steps to land: » Fly a circle pattern above your landing area. » Come in on a final approach, flying into the wind at an altitude of 20 to 40 meters. » When the plane reaches an altitude of 10 meters, set the throttle fully down to turn off the motor and glide down on a 15 to 20 degree down-pitch angle. » When the plane is one meter above the ground, pitch up (flare) to land the Aero on the body of the plane instead of the nose. throttle fully down pitch up 20-40 m 10 m 1 m wind direction

Left Stick pitch slightly down



## ! After stopping the motor at an altitude of 10 m, keep your thumb on the throttle stick in fully down position to ensure that the motor does not accidently spin during landing.31 pitch up 

# Postflight steps To disarm the motor, press and hold the safety button until it displays blinking red. 

## 1 safety button Inactive , motor disarmed Active, motor armed Disconnect battery 

## 2
Turn off transmitter. 

## 3 Your flight is now complete. Always following the preflight and postflight steps described in this manual when you fly.32 

# Learning more To learn more about the APM:Plane platform, including adding new flight modes and flying autonomous missions, visit plane.ardupilot.com . Visit 3DR.com/learn for more instructions on flying, configuring, and using a ground station with the Aero. 

# Support For customer support, contact us at help@3DR.com or call our support line at +1 (858) 225-1414 Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, PST. 

# FPV/OSD video If you received an FPV/OSD video system with your Aero, visit 3DR.com/learn for instructions on operating your video system.

Happy flying! Aero User Manual vB | DCT0035 | © 3D Robotics, Inc. | 31 October 2014