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eBee Training documentation

 

Version Date Description Author

V1.0 10.20.2012 Document creation SenseFly

V2.0 09.13.2013 Document modification SenseFly
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Table of content

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1 MODULE A: OFFICE TRAINING (4 HOURS)....................................................................................... 3

1.1 FUNDAMENTALS (30 MINUTES) ................................................................................................................. 3

1.1.1 UAV and fixed wing technology......................................................................................................... 3

1.1.2 Basics: flight dynamics...................................................................................................................... 3

1.1.3 eBee technical parts........................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE INSTALLATION AND USE (3 HOURS)................................................................ 4

1.2.1 Download of eMotion 2 and Postflight.............................................................................................. 4

1.2.2 Mission planning and flight simulation ............................................................................................. 5

1.2.3 Plan and save locally different missions............................................................................................ 6

1.3 WEATHER AND TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS (30 MINUTES)............................................................................ 6

2 MODULE B: FIELD BASE TRAINING (5 HOURS) .............................................................................. 7

2.1 CHECKING THE WEATHER CONDITIONS OUTSIDE (10 MINUTES)................................................................. 7

2.2 SET-UP AND TAKE-OFF PHASES (30 MINUTES) ........................................................................................... 7

2.3 “LIVE” MISSIONS WITH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS (4 HOURS)......................................................................... 7

2.4 MISSION CONTROL AND ABORT TECHNIQUES (10 MINUTES)...................................................................... 8

2.5 IN-FLIGHT ERRORS AND CRITICAL WARNINGS (10 MINUTES) ..................................................................... 9

3 MODULE C: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND MAINTENANCE (2 HOURS) ............................... 9

3.1 ADVANCED FLIGHT PLANNING IN 3D (40 MINUTES) .................................................................................. 9

3.2 MANUAL CONTROL OF THE EBEE (20 MINUTES) ........................................................................................ 9

3.3 PRE/POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (20 MINUTES)........................................ 9

3.4 RECOVERING THE EBEE (20 MINUTES) .................................................................................................... 10

3.5 REPLAY A FLIGHT WITH EMOTION 2 (20 MINUTES).................................................................................. 10

4 MODULE D: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (1 HOUR).................................................................. 11

5 MODULE E: POSTFLIGHT DATA PROCESSING (2 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES)........................ 12

5.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE EMOTION 2 FLIGHT DATA MANAGER (30 MINUTES) ............................................... 12

5.2 USING POSTFLIGHT (2 HOUR).................................................................................................................. 12

6 MODULE F: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (1 HOUR)...................................................................... 12

6.1 QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE TRAINER TO THE AUDIENCE (15 MINUTES) .................................................... 12

6.2 QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE AUDIENCE (45 MINUTES)............................................................................... 14
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Introduction

The SenseFly eBee training is a 2 days training based on 6 different modules. These modules will 

allow any future eBee operator to acquire the essential information needed to conduct a mission

safely with the eBee and to process the data efficiently to create accurate 2D orthomosaics and 

3D Elevation Models. Moreover, the current UAV regulations in the country of operation will be 

explained and the different parameters to configure in eMotion 2 - in order to comply with those 

rules - will be reviewed.

1 Module A: Office training (4 hours)

1.1 Fundamentals (30 minutes)

1.1.1 UAV and fixed wing technology

Introduction to the UAV technology, the different categories and architectures of UAVs and the main 

differences between them (ability to glide, stationary flights...)

Figure 1: SenseFly fixed-wing eBee and Parrot AR Drone quadcopter

1.1.2 Basics: flight dynamics

How and why does the eBee fly and glide? Focus on the propulsion and control surfaces.

 

Figure 2: flight dynamics
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1.1.3 eBee technical parts

During that module, the SenseFly trainer will describe each component of the global system (eBee + 

ground station) and its specific role.

 

Figure 3: eBee parts

1.2 Software and firmware installation and use (3 hours)

1.2.1 Download of eMotion 2 and Postflight 

- Demonstration on how to install the updated firmware in the eBee autopilot.

- Introduction to the safety/flight parameters in eMotion 2:
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Figure 4: eMotion 2 flight/safety parameters

1.2.2 Mission planning and flight simulation 

This part of the training will be performed with the flight simulation tool in eMotion 2. This feature

allows anyone to prepare, manage, and control a mission. It allows any operator to learn how to use 

advanced functions such as in-flight waypoint editing and camera control. When eMotion 2 is 

connected to a simulated eBee an extra set of buttons appears in the toolbar:

 

Figure 5: eMotion 2 simulation toolbar

The operator can set the take-off location of the eBee by clicking on the dedicated icon and placing

the point on the map. It simulates the action of switching-on the real eBee and letting it acquire a 

GPS position. The operator can test the flight plan by clicking the related icon, which simulates a 

take-off manoeuvre. The eBee will then go through its flight plan in the same way it would in a real 

mission. You can pause, play or speed up the simulation by clicking the corresponding buttons in 
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the simulation toolbar. The operator can monitor the state of the eBee while in flight using the Flight 

Monitoring tab and the Status Panel.

 

Figure 6: eMotion 2 simulation tool main screen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKzJdF_fk0U&feature=c4-overviewvl&list=PLNqEO2KyF8UmJC-SaRJ3XDlgvV4kH5-dv

Note: The simulator is a tool designed to aid in flight planning and to familiarize the operator with the 

advanced functions of the eBee. The simulated physics, however, are basic and do not always 

accurately reflect the true behaviour of the eBee in flight. In particular, estimation of battery level and 

reactions to wind are difficult to simulate with high accuracy.

1.2.3 Plan and save locally different missions 

During that part, the attendees will plan and simulate the missions that will be done in “live” during 

the second part of the training. Every mission will be reviewed and analysed by the SenseFly trainer

and then saved locally on the computer used for the live demo flights.

- Mission 1: 5 to 8 waypoints with parallel flight lines.

- Mission 2: 10 to 18 waypoints with perpendicular flight lines.

1.3 Weather and technical limitations (30 minutes)

- Rain (light rain), wind (< 27 mph), heat limitations

- Flight time limitations (< 45 minutes with light wind). Simulations will be performed using the 

simulator with different wind configurations to show how it changes the average mission time.
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2 Module B: Field base training (5 hours)

2.1 Checking the weather conditions outside (10 minutes)

- Learn how to “read the weather conditions outside”, especially wind direction – for take-off and 

landing operations.

- Learn in eMotion 2 how to detect - during the flight - the wind conditions with the eBee.

2.2 Set-up and take-off phases (30 minutes)

- Set up phase: description of the workflow to prepare the aircraft for a mission.

- Description of the pre-flight tests sequence and how to interpret the related errors: 

- Launch technique:

 

Figure 8: Take-off procedure

2.3 “Live” missions with different scenarios (4 hours)

The following missions will be done in an open area in compliance with the flight regulations of the 

country of operation:

1. Take-off + wind detection + linear landing using the “Go land” option.

2. Take-off + 5 - 8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines) + circular landing.

3. Take off + 5 - 8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines) + linear landing.

4. Take off + 10 - 18 waypoints mission (perpendicular flight lines) + linear landing + monitoring the 

evolution of the battery life.

5. Take-off + 5 - 8 waypoints mission (parallel flight lines) + emergency landing procedure.
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2.4 Mission Control and abort techniques (10 minutes)

During this part, the SenseFly trainer will show the operator how to monitor and control the eBee

during a flight through eMotion 2 by using the Map Area and the Flight Monitoring tab in the Sidebar.

The Map Area displays the current position of the eBee. It is updated live as the eBee executes its 

flight. A small arrow and info box shows the speed and direction of the wind as measured by the 

eBee. The Status Panel that follows the position of the eBee displays basic flight information 

including battery charge, flight time and height, both above the take-off location (ATO) and above

mean sea level (AMSL). This same information is reproduced in the Flight Monitoring tab, along with 

other useful flight data.

At the top of the Map Area is the Control Bar, which can be used at any time to send commands to 

the eBee as well as to acknowledge warning and failure messages if they occur. 

 

Figure 9: eMotion 2 manual controls

The eBee will control its flight autonomously from take-off to landing and the operator does not need 

to use any of the control buttons. The control buttons can however be useful in case of unexpected 

situations to temporarily hold position by pressing the ‘HOLD POSITION’ button or to send the eBee

to the Home or Start waypoints with the ‘GO TO HOME WPT’ or ‘GO TO START WPT’ buttons,

respectively. 

Note: During the flight simulations (see Module A), we will use the simulator to show the effects of 

these control buttons on the eBee during a flight. 
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2.5 In-flight errors and critical warnings (10 minutes)

- Description of the different failures that can occur and how to react in each case.

3 Module C: Advanced techniques and maintenance (2 hours)

3.1 Advanced flight planning in 3D (40 minutes)

The senseFly trainer will show the ability to use elevation data to set the altitude of mission 

waypoints and the resulting flight lines of a mapping mission. This not only improves the resulting 

ground resolution but also increases mission safety (particularly in uneven terrain) by keeping a 

more even distance between the eBee and the ground.

The operator can activate the 3D mission planning feature by selecting the ‘Use elevation data to 

set absolute waypoint altitudes’ parameter in the ‘Mission Planning’ tab. Once activated, eMotion 2

will download elevation data for the mission area that is currently defined. Elevation data is 

displayed in the Map Area above the current map using a range of colours based on the legend in 

the bottom-right corner of the Map Area.

3.2 Manual control of the eBee (20 minutes)

- Full Manual Mode.

- Assisted Manual Mode.

3.3 Pre/Post-flight inspection and preventive maintenance (20 minutes)

Before a new mission and after every flight, the trainer will teach that the pilot in charge, or one of 

the observers, shall make a visual inspection of the eBee to look for cracks or damages.

The following components of the UAV shall be inspected:

(a) Body: Fabric and skin - for deterioration, distortion, and other evidence of failure;

(b) Flight controls - for deterioration or improper installation;

(c) Batteries - for improper installation;

(d) Engine section - for improper installation;

(e) Propeller section (blades and rubber bands) - for cracks, nicks, binds or deterioration;

(f) All components of the wings, body-section assembly and flight surfaces for poor general 

condition, fabric or skin deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure, and insecurity of attachment;
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(g) Camera system for improper installation, poor general condition, defects, and insecure 

attachment;

(h) Radio and electronic equipment, sensors (Pitot, optical ground sensor) - for improper 

installation and/or cracks/obstructions.

3.4 Recovering the eBee (20 minutes)

- Write the address and phone number of the operator on the eBee in case it gets lost and 

subsequently found by a third party. 

- In case the operator loses its eBee in the field, whether from a loss of communications, a critical 

failure or an accidental collision, the trainer will teach the operator how to recover it:

(a). Do not disconnect the connection in eMotion 2! If it is simply out of communication range the 

eBee should reconnect automatically as it returns to the Home waypoint after completing its 

mission.

(b). Note the last known location of the eBee in eMotion 2 by printing the screen or writing down the 

location displayed in the Flight Monitoring tab.

(c). Move towards this last known direction with the computer running eMotion 2 in the hope of 

regaining a connection. Be sure to take the remote control with you as well.

(d). If you have reached the last known location of your eBee and have not yet found it, turn on the 

remote control.

(e). Try moving both the control sticks around. If the eBee is within range it may start making noise 

with its main motor or servos.

(f) Try moving downwind from the last known location in case the eBee was pushed by the wind 

while still in the air.

3.5 Replay a flight with eMotion 2 (20 minutes)

Using eMotion 2 and the flight log of the eBee allow the operator to replay a flight. It can be useful to 

understand the cause of an issue with the eBee and is also useful to gain experience in flying the 

aircraft by doing post-flight analysis.
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Figure 11: eMotion 2 log player

4 Module D: Regulatory framework (1 hour)

- Regulations in the country of operation.

- How to find the mission area on an aeronautical chart and detect the proximity with airports.

- Configure eMotion 2 in order to comply with the regulations.
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5 Module E: Postflight data processing (2 hour and 30 minutes)

5.1 Description of the eMotion 2 flight data manager (30 minutes)

After completing a flight, the next step is to import the raw images and log files to a computer. The 

eBee records flight data onboard in a special Drone Flight Log file. The Drone Flight Log tracks 

important information throughout a flight, such as sensor data, GPS location and control inputs. The 

file is required for assigning GPS location information to the images taken by the eBee. The file is 

also required and must be sent to senseFly in case an issue occurred during the flight. A similar 

eMotion Flight Log file is created within eMotion 2 during a flight and serves as a backup in case the 

Drone Flight Log file cannot be recovered. The log file is compulsory for any warranty cover to be 

applied.

eMotion 2 features a Flight Data Manager to help the operator transfer and consolidate all the data 

related to a mapping mission.

5.2 Using Postflight (2 hour)

1. How to import the pictures and the flight log in order to do the geo-tagging.

2. How to create a Postflight project.

3. How to process data, how to select the output formats and define the processing parameters.

4. How to post-process the data and interpret them.

6 Module F: Questions and Answers (1 hour)

6.1 Questions asked by the trainer to the audience (15 minutes)

- How to react after a take-off crash?

Answer: Disconnecting the battery + visual inspection of the motor and propeller + check that the 

sensors (Pitot, optical ground sensor) are not obstructed.

- How to react if a manned/unmanned aircraft enters in the flight envelop?

Answer: Depending on the case, Hold position OR modify in real time the position of the next 

waypoint OR Go Land OR Emergency landing procedure.

- How to react after a computer crash?

Answer: Do not panic! Restart your computer. Since the flight path of the eBee is recorded into the 

autopilot, the eBee will continue its mission. Restart eMotion 2 and you will retrieve the link with the 
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aircraft! Depending on regulatory region, the observer or additional person attending should 

maintain visual line of sight with the drone with the RC controller in hand ready to take control in 

case of emergency while the operator is rebooting the laptop.

- How to react when there is only 30% battery remaining?

Answer: Go land.

- How to react if you want to land on a landing zone with discontinuous elevation?

Answer: Deactivating the optical ground sensor.

- How to react if a person or an object enters in the landing zone during the approach?

Answer: Abort Landing!

- How to react if the wind conditions change during a flight?

Answer: Manually readjust the landing approach or set a new approach sector.

- How to react if it starts raining?

Answer: Go Land or Emergency landing depending on the distance of the eBee to the Home Point 

and the type of rain (drizzle, rain showers, rain).

- How to make sure that the right flight path is loaded into the drone?

Answer: Click on “set flight plan as default in drone” and not on “upload” again!

- How to orient my flight lines according to the wind direction?

Answer: Flight lines and the wind direction should be as crossed as possible to keep the needed 

longitudinal overlap.

- How to react if there is a problem with your eBee?

Answer: If there is a problem with your eBee, whether it is a software malfunction, damaged 

airframe or any other problem, we recommend the following actions:

a. If there is an error message displayed in eMotion 2, begin by checking section ‘Troubleshooting’ 

on page 101 of the user manual to see if there is a solution to the particular message.

b. Check the on-line Questions & Answers section on SenseFly’s website to see if there is a solution 

to your problem: http://www.sensefly.com/faq.html

c. If you have still not found a solution, contact your eBee reseller. Please include the following 

information with the inquiry:

- The serial number of the eBee.

- A short description of the problem.

- The Drone Flight Log file of the flight that had a problem, if available.

- The eMotion Flight Log file of the flight that had a problem. 
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6.2 Questions asked by the audience (45 minutes)

To be determined...