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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

DJI Multi-rotor 

Maintenance and Inspection

Rupestrian CyberServices

3644 N. Stone Crest Street

Flagstaff, AZ 86004

(928) 526-3625
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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Regular Maintenance

2.1. Post-flight Cleaning 

2.2. Storage

2.3. Pre-flight/Thru-flight Visual Inspection

2.4. Corrective Actions

3. Full Airframe and Sensor Inspection

3.1. Pre-flight/Thru-flight Visual Inspection

3.2. Transformation System

3.3. Aircraft

3.4. Motors

3.5. Propellers

4. Corrective Maintenance

5. Functional Check Flights

5.1. Requirements

5. 2. Documentation

5.3. Conducting the Flight

6. Component Inspection and Replacement Requirements
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1. Introduction:

DJI is headquartered in Shenzhen, widely considered China’s Silicon Valley, this allows them to 

benefit from direct access to the suppliers, raw materials, and young, creative talent pool 

necessary for sustained success. Drawing on these resources, they have grown from a single 

small office in 2006 to a global workforce of over 3,000. DJI offices can now be found in the 

United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Beijing and Hong Kong. As a privately owned 

and operated company, DJI focuses on their vision, supporting creative, commercial, and 

nonprofit applications of their technology. 

DJI products are redefining industries. Professionals in filmmaking, agriculture, conservation, 

search and rescue, energy infrastructure, and more trust DJI to bring new perspectives to their 

work and help them accomplish feats safer, faster, and with greater efficiency than ever before.

2. Regular Maintenance: 

2.1. Post-flight cleaning

After every flight, the operator should use a damp cloth to wipe off dirt from the aircraft. Be 

careful never to bring the aircraft into direct contact with water, as this may damage the 

electronics within the airframe.

2.2. Storage 

In order to protect the integrity of the parts, it is recommended to disassemble the DJI UAS as 

required before transporting or storing and place the components in a transport case or on a flat 

surface at room temperature. Avoid exposing the aircraft components to high temperature for 

prolonged periods of time. In particular, leaving the aircraft exposed to the sun in a hot car 

should be avoided.

2.3. Pre-flight/Thru-flight Visual Inspection

Before and after every flight, the PIC will conduct a visual inspection of the airframe, rotors, 

motors, gimbals mount, and antennas checking for cracks or other damage.

Inspect the following components of the aircraft:

2.3.1. Body - for cracks, deterioration, warping, or other evidence of damage

2.3.2. Motor Cowlings - for cracks, deterioration, warping, or other evidence of damage

2.3.3. Flight Controls - for damage and proper servo connections

2.3.4. All Motor Sections - for damage, foreign objects and proper installation

2.3.5. Propellers - for cracks, nicks, and secure connection

2.3.6. Camera - for proper installation, security and evidence of damage

2.3.7. Radio and Electronic Equipment
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2.3.8. Batteries - for charge and proper installation

2.4. Pre-flight Errors and Corrective Actions

The DJI UAS is equipped with a DJI Naza-M V2 Flight Control System. This provides incredible 

ease of use and stability. Pilots can control the UAS’ movements in many directions, including 

pitch (forward and backwards), roll (left and right), elevator (up and down) and yaw (turn left and 

right). The flight control system also can provide IOC, Failsafe and battery level warnings. 

Modules Functions

Flight Controller Acts as the brains of the complete flight control system, responsible for 

connecting and controlling all the modules together.

IMU Has a built-in inertial sensor and barometric altimeter that measures both 

attitude and altitude

GPS and Compass The compass reads geomagnetic information and assists the GPS (Global 

Position System) to accurately calculate the position and height of the 

aircraft

LED Flight Indicators Indicates the status of the flight control system

LED flight indicators are found at the front and the rear of the phantom. Front LEDs are for 

indicating where the nose of the aircraft is and light up solid red after the motors have started 

spinning. Rear LED Flight Indicators light up to show the aircraft’s current flight status once the 

flight battery is powered on. The Hexi-copter and octi-copter DJI products have LEDs to 

indicate motor status as opposed to aircraft position. For details, see below table:

Rear LED Flight Indicators Normal Notes

R G Y... Red, Green, Yellow, 

 flashing in turn

Power on Self-test

Y G... Yellow, Green, 

 flashing in turn

Warming up Aircraft cannot take off

G...Slow Green flashing Ready to fly More than 6 GPS satellites 

are found

Y...Slow Yellow flashing Ready to fly (non-GPS) Less than 6 GPS satellites are 

found

Rear LED Flight Indicators Abnormal Notes

Y...Quick Yellow flashing Remote controller signal lost Refer to Failsafe Function

R...Slow Red flashing Low Battery level warning DJI App will also show 

warning

R...Quick Red flashing Critical Low Battery level DJI App will also show 

warning

R...Three Red flashing off and

 on

Not Stationary or Sensor Bias 

is too big

Keep aircraft stationary or 

perform IMU calibration

R...Solid Red Error Cannot Fly

R Y...Red, Yellow flashing in 

 turn

Compass needs calibration Calibrate the compass
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3. Full Airframe and Avionics Inspection

Beyond the general airframe inspection that is performed before every flight, Rupestrian

CyberServices recommends that the operator perform a full airframe and sensor inspection 

regularly (every 10 hours) to keep the DJI UAS in good operating condition. The inspection 

includes 4 steps:

3.1. Preflight Visual Inspection

Perform a thorough Preflight Visual Inspection as described in this manual.

3.2. Check the transformation system

A servo failure may completely prevent suitable flight control. It is therefore important to check 

them properly.

To check the system, follow these steps:

3.2.1. Check the servomotor cables for wear. Also confirm that the connection points are still in 

good condition.

3.2.2. Check the lead screws and contact DJI Support to arrange repairs if any bending or 

damage is discovered. Clean the lead screws with WD-40 spray if they show signs of rust.

3.2.3. Listen to the servomotors during the transformation, if there is abnormal noise, it may 

indicate that the servomotors worn.

3.2.4. After the landing gear rises, check the lead screws and bearings. If any dirt or dust is 

found, clean and grease the bearings.

3.2.5. Check the lead screws. If there is any scratches, dents, or plastic particles underneath 

them, contact DJI Support to arrange repairs.

3.3. Check the aircraft

The DJI UAS is a simple airframe but small damage can significantly inhibit efficient flight 

operations. 

To check the aircraft follow these steps:

3.3.1. Confirm that all the screws are still adequately tightened.

3.3.2. Check the aircraft for breaks or damage. If there is any reason to believe that detectable 

damage might affect flight safety, consult with DJI Support.

3.3.3. Check the carbon tubes of the arms for damage.

3.3.4. Check the dampers on the landing gears. If they are loose, secure them with 502 glue.

3.3.5. Ensure that there are no obstacles on or around the GPS module or around the antennas 

on the landing gear. Remove any obstacles (such as tapes with conductive material) that might 

affect or block the signal.
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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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3.3.6. Check that the right and left landing gear rest at the same tilt angle.

3.4. Check the motors.

The motors are essential for operation and must be operating properly at all times. To check it, 

follow these steps:

3.4.1. Check the rotors to confirm that they have not become loose.

3.4.2 Detach the propellers and start the motors. Listen carefully. If there is any abnormal noise, 

please replace the motors. This may be a sign that the bearings have been worn out.

3.4.3. Detach the propellers and start the motors. Carefully examine the edge of the rotor and 

confirm that the shaft is perfectly centered on the motor. Check for any abnormal or excessive 

vibration. If any problems are detected, contact DJI Support to order replacement motors.

3.4.4. Check for deformities by confirming that the gap between the motor and motor base is 

even. If not contact DJI Support to order replacement motors.

3.4.5. Ensure that the screws used to secure the motor base are tight and the plastic 

components around the motors are in good condition. If not please tighten the screws and 

contact DJI to repair any broken plastic components. 

3.5. Propellers

The air speed sensor is connected to the Pitot probe by a pair of tubes. To check it, follow these 

steps:

3.5.1. Check the propellers. If there is any bending, breakage or cracking on a propeller, do not 

use it.

3.5.2. Attach the propeller to the motor, turn on the aircraft, and place it on the ground. Stand 1 

meter away from the aircraft and observe the rotating propellers. If you can see two distinct 

propeller outline layers, when looking at a spinning propeller from the side, this propeller is 

damaged and should not be used..

4. Corrective maintenance

4.1. Small repairs of cracks in the airframe can be done using foam glue such as UHU POR. If 

you have doubts about the extent of the damage, consider replacing the entire component.

4.2. If you detect cracks in the propeller, change it by referring to Propeller in chapter 2 of the 

user manual.

5. Functional Check Flights

5.1. Requirements. A Functional Check Flight (FCF) determines whether an aircraft airframe, 

motor, or equipment is functioning according to established standards while the aircraft operates 
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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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in its intended environment. An FCF is required when the aircraft has undergone maintenance 

or alterations that affect its operation or flight characteristics. The flight is performed when it is 

not possible to determine proper operation by a ground check. Some of the situations that 

require an FCF include the following: 

5.1.1. A first flight of an aircraft after purchase

5.1.2. After the installation or reinstallation of a motor or autopilot

5.1.3. When a control surface has been installed, reinstalled, or re-rigged 

5.1.4. When the barometric altimeter has been installed or reinstalled

5.1.5. After repairing a crack longer than 2 cm 

5.2. Documentation. The requirement for a check flight will be documented as a 

"Discrepancy" writeup in the aircraft logbook. The writeup should contain a listing of pertinent 

items or aircraft systems to be observed during the check flight and for the disposition of 

telemetry recorded during the flight. A "Corrective Action" writeup will indicate satisfactory or 

unsatisfactory performance of all listed items or systems. Finally, the writeup should contain 

recommendations about the flight and the aircraft's return to service.

Example maintenance logbook entries:

DISCREPANCY:

Functional Check Flight Required. 

(Description of major maintenance performed.) 

Discovered by: (PIC Name and ####)

CORRECTIVE ACTION:

Functional Check Flight Accomplished: 

All systems check OK. 

Corrected by: (PIC that accomplished the flight and ####.) 

CORRECTIVE ACTION:

Functional Check Flight Accomplished: 

(Describe discrepancies). 

Additional maintenance required. 

Corrected by: (PIC that accomplished the flight and ####.)

5.3. Conducting the Flight. Functional Check Flights should begin with a thorough 

understanding of the maintenance the occurred prior to flight and the potential effects on aircraft 

systems. 

5.3.1. Prior to flight conduct a Full Airframe and Avionics Inspection IAW paragraph 3 as well as 
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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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a complete Preflight Visual Inspection accomplished IAW paragraph 2.3 of this manual.

5.3.2. The aircraft should remain within 1/4 mile of the launch location and avoid the overflight of 

persons, property, and vehicles on the ground. The mission should terminate with a normal 

descent to landing. 

5.3.4. Note any discrepancies or anomalies in aircraft performance and save the telemetry file 

for future analysis and reference. Document the flight in the aircraft logbook with remarks and 

recommendations IAW the above paragraph.
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Date: 20150516 Revision: 1.0 Revision:1.0

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6. Component Inspection and Replacement Requirements

COMPONENT OR

INSPECTION

INSPECTION

INTERVAL

REPLACEMENT

INTERVAL

MAINTENANCE 

LEVEL

REQUIRED

SERVOS PR1FAULT MANUFACTURER

MOTOR PR FAULT MANUFACTURER

PROPELLER PR/TH2 AS NEEDED PIC6

ELECTRONIC SPEED 

CONTROL PR FAULT MANUFACTURER

BATTERIES PR FAULT PIC

REMOTE COMMAND & 

CONTROL 

TRANSMITTER

PR FAULT PIC

GROUND CONTROL 

STATION PR WHEN UNABLE TO CONNECT PIC

GCS SOFTWARE 

UPDATE

CHECK FOR UPDATES 

WEEKLY (7 DAYS) WHEN PUBLISHED PIC

AIRCRAFT SOFTWARE 

UPDATE

CHECK FOR UPDATES 

WEEKLY (7 DAYS) WHEN PUBLISHED PIC

SAFETY BULLETIN 

CHECK

CHECK FOR UPDATES 

WEEKLY (7 DAYS) WHEN PUBLISHED AS DIRECTED

AIRWORTHINESS 

DIRECTIVE

CHECK FOR UPDATES 

WEEKLY (7 DAYS) WHEN PUBLISHED AS DIRECTED

PR/TH2 BEFORE FLIGHT N/A PIC

BPO3 AFTER LAST FLIGHT

OF THE DAY N/A PIC

FULL AIRFRAME AND 

SENSOR INSPECTION4

EVERY 10 HOURS

OF FLIGHT N/A PIC

FCF5 AFTER MAJOR

MAINTENANCE N/A PIC

1. PR: Preflight performed by the Pilot in Command. See paragraph 2.4.1 for tests conducted.

2. PR/TH: Preflight/Thru-flight. See paragraph 2.3 for inspection requirements.

3. BPO: Basic postflight visual inspection conducted IAW paragraph 2.3 after the last flight of the day.

4. Full Airframe and Avionics Inspection conducted IAW paragraphs 3.1 through 3.4 of this manual

5. FCF: Functional Check Flight performed after the aircraft has undergone maintenance or alterations 

that affect the operation or flight characteristics, such as the replacement of a flight critical component. 

Requirements and procedures defined in paragraph 5 of this manual.

6. PIC: Maintenance performed by Pilot in Command