1

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 wing
2

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.

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.

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 charger
5

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 safety
6

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 assembly
7

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 horn
8

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 assembly
9

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 band
10

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

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

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

X

GPS no GPS lock required

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 Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Yaw left

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Pitch up

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Roll left

Pitch down

Yaw right

Turn left.

Turn right.

Pitch up.

Pitch down.

Roll right

Roll left.

Roll right.
16

X

GPS no GPS lock required

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 Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Yaw left

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Pitch up

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Roll left

Pitch down

Yaw right

Turn left.

Turn right.

Pitch up.

Pitch down.

Roll right

Roll left.

Roll right.
18

X

GPS no GPS lock required

*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 Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Yaw left

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Pitch up

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left Stick

Left 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 required
21

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 3 controls.

» 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 2 charged battery.

» 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 checklist
23

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.

2
24

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 to 

use 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 armed
26

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 Stick

Left Stick

Roll left

Left aileron tilts up, 

right aileron tilts 

down.

Left Stick

Left Stick

Roll right

Left aileron tilts 

down, right aileron 

tilts up.

Left Stick

Left Stick

Yaw left

Rudder tilts left.

Left Stick

Left 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 center
30

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

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

2 Disconnect battery

3 Turn off transmitter.

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 

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