## 1 

# SOUDER, MILLER & A SSOCIATES

http : //www.soudermiller.co m



# U nmanned A erial V ehicle (UAV)



# P I LO T OPERAT I O N S HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

SECTION 1

- GENERAL

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 2

SECTION 2

- LI M ITATIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 4

SECTIO N 3

- E M ERGENC Y PROCEDURES

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 6

SECTION 4

- SET UP SUGGESTIONS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 8

SECTION 5

- NORMAL PROCEDURES

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 9

SECTION 6

- PERFOR M ANCE

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 14

SECTION 7

- W EIGHT AND BALANCE EQUIPMENT LIST

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 15

SECTION 8

- AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 16

SECTION 9

- HANDLING, SERVICE AND M AINTENANCE

................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 17

SECTION 10

- SUPPLEMENTS

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 19

Rev. August 11, 2016

## 2 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## 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.

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

 Economical due to extensive use of COTS product s

 Low Visual Signature

 Quick Launch and Recovery

 Short Training Period

 Simple Operation

 Waypoint Navigation

 VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing)

 Quick Repairs

 Redundant Flight Systems

 Safety Return to Home during lost link

 High Degree of Mission Success

 GPS navigation

 Flight Modes: Manual, Altitude Hold a nd GPS aided waypoint navigation, RTH(return

- to

- home)

 Takeoff: Manual or Automatic

 Landing: Manual or Automatic

AUTOPILOT

 Manufacturer: DJI

- Innovations

 Autopilot Model Number: Wookong

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

Lighting System, Data Transceiver, GCS Software

ANALOG WIRELESS LINKS

 Distributor: DJI

- Innovations

 Frequencies:

o 2.4 Ghz datalink with WiFi (50 waypoints)

## 3 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

o 2.4 Ghz Command & Control

o 5.8 Ghz Video

- Usable Range: <2 km.

FLIGHT BATTERY

 Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers

 Battery chemistry recommended: Lithium Polymer

 Battery Capacity: up to 16,000 mah or greater depending on max gross weight

 Battery cell count required: 4S (4 cells in series)

 Battery Voltage: 14V minimum during hover, 14.8V nominal, 16.8V maximum

 Battery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum

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

 Battery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 0

- 30 minutes

 Batteries used simultaneously: typically 1

 Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80

- 85%

FLIGHT PARAMETERS

 Flight Time: 12+ minutes typical

 Payload Max: 10 lbs for battery, sensor and gimbal

WARNINGS

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

occur.

 Read all information regarding batteries contained in this manual and sup plement s.

 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.

 Batteries fully charged must be handled with extreme care.

 Batteries must not be stored above 60% charged state.

 Store batteries between 20%

- 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

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

- 50% charged state.

 Discharging LiPoly batteries in excess of 80% of their rated capacity can cause harm to the

batteries.

 Using more than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the voltage is no

more than 16.8V. Over voltage will cause serious damage to electrical equipment.

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

performance. Airframe must not be overloaded.

 GPS/Compass must be facing forward.

 Do not use GPS Mode without GPS lock.

 Use low strength thread locking compound on all screws.

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

and obstructions.

## 4 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 2

- LI M ITATIONS

AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS

 Vne

– Velocity to Never Exceed: 15 m/s

 Va

– Typical Maneuvering Speed

– 5 m/ s

POWER & POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS

 40 Amps max per motor

 40 Amps max per speed control

 320 Amps max total

 Do not exceed 80

- 90% discharge of rated battery capacity

 Do not charge batteries which are warmer than air temperature

 Allow batteries to cool after use before charging

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

WEIGHT LIMITS

 Takeoff Weight Max: 10 lbs

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

CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS

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

o Must be checked before every flight to ensure batteries were installed in the proper location.

o Check all 4 pairs of arms before flight

MANEUVER LIMITS

 This aircraft is intended for non

- aerobatic operations

 G

- loading maximum: 2G

TEMPERATURE LIMITS

 Operating Temp Range:

- 10°C to +40°C

 In cold temperatures

o Keep IMU at room temperature if possible before the flight

o Keep Batteries above 5°C before flight

o Do not fly with any frost or ice on the propellers o In warm temperatures

o Batteries heat up when discharged

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

o 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

 Light dust and light rain require the use of a cover for the electronics in the center section.

## 5 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

RANGE LIMITS

 Battery capacity is a 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.

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 :

o A tmospheric conditions

o Other transmission devices in the area

o Jamming

o Antennas not aligned properly

o Improper voltage

o Antenna blockage from AV in certain positions

o Multipath

– reflection off buildings or ground which cause multiple signals to arrive at

different times and/or phase.

## 6 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



### SECTIO N 3

- E M ERGENC Y PROCEDURES

MOTOR FAILURE

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

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

controller to overcome the loss

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

exceeded by these two motors/ESCs

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

the remaining motors

COMMUNICATION FAILURE

 Video link failure

o 5.8 Ghz being the shortest wavelength in general UAV use has the least ability to penetrate.

This link should be the first to be lost.

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

o 5.8 Ghz can lose link with little warning.

o Ensure that the GCS station antennas are perpendicular to the UAV. Do not point the

antenna at the AV.

o Yaw the AV to change the antenna position

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

o 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.

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

directional.

o Multiple antennas using “diversi ty” can be used. Diversity is a device which determines the

best signal, and uses that.

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

 RC link failure

o 2.4 Ghz antennas can lose link with little warning.

o Anything in between the two antennas can cause temporary signal loss especially a person.

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

vehicle).

o Ensure that the antenna is vertical. Do not point the antenna at the AV.

o The failsafe 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.

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

towards the GCS.

 Low Battery Power

o S ail

- 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. This is the first

level of warning.

## 7 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

o The second warning level is red flashing lights

o Landing with 80

- 90% of battery depleted is best.

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

 GCS Failure

o Takeover by the external pilot should happen ASAP using th e RC link.

o Most often happens due to a low battery.

o Keep a spare 3 cell LiPoly 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

o 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.

o Recalibrate the compass following the instruction manual

 Fire

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

o Disconnect the battery ASAP unless there is danger in doing so if there is any electrical

issue.

o It is not possible to put out a battery fire.

o Do not attempt to put out a battery fire. Use a fire extinguisher to put out fires surrounding

the battery. A CO2 fire extinguisher is better than the powder or chemical type. CO2 does

not leave a residue. Water can be used though it may cause other electrical component

failures.

FORCED LANDINGS

 If 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.

## 8 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 4

- SET UP SUGGESTIONS

GPS/COMPASS MAST LENGTH

 We found that the higher the mast, the better the GPS reception

RADIO SET UP

 Follow the instructions in the manual

TIMERS

 Use of the countdown timer is a good backup method to ensure landing with battery power.

o Set the timer for 10 minutes (or what you deem appropriate) and have it start when the

throttle is over 1⁄4. Then adjust the timer upwards until the amount of battery used is about

80

- 90% of the total available.

BATTERIES

 Replace the transmitter standard battery with a Lipoly battery to extend use times to 8 hours.

 Supplied batteries often last about 2 hours.

## 9 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 5

- NORMAL PROCEDURES

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

 Confirm all communication radios are operational

o Area must be clear of people to avoid collision o Check for overhead power lines and

other obstacles to avoid o Check structural integrity

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

indicating structural fatigue/failure

 Have a manual flight plan avoiding obstacles.

 Load auto flight plan if using one

o Be sure that the total flight time is under 15 minutes to avoid low battery

 Clean lens

o Remove lens cap

 Ensure camera has SD card installed

o Many flights have been wasted due to this!

 Install batteries

o Ensure that the straps are tight and the Velcro keeps the batteries from moving which

will avoid a shift in the CG (Center of Gravity

– or that it balances evenly)

 Check CG (Center of Gravity)

o Lift the copter on each of the 2 pairs of arms. The copter should balance properly. If

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

 IMU pointing forward

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

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

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

o 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.

 Level copter using a bubble level with front pointing in correct direction for course lock

– do not

turn on

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

keep the landing gear out of the shot when flying.

 Turn on Pilot Tx

 Confirm transmitter switch settings

 Check Model Selection on Tx to be Surv 800

 Throttle on Tx Down

 Return to Home switch off

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

the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly.

o 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.

 Do not move or vibrate the copter until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock

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

GPS

, lock.

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

## 10 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

copter.

o 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

w here it can more easily see the satellites.

o 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.

 Engage Attitude Mode

– Must achieve double amber flash

 Engage GPS Mode

– M ust achieve double purple flash Do not engage motors

.

o 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.

## 11 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

GPS/COMPASS CALIBRATION

 Calibrate GPS/Compass before the first flight each day or if receiving continuous red blinks or

con tinuous white blinks.

o 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 tur ns. 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.

ENGAGE CAMERA

 HDMI switch On

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

 Verify camera operation

o Operate the shutter

o Set the focus to auto.

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 rolls to the left

–

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

direction of the copter.

 Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer

o 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.

o Alternate Emergency Landing Sites Established

N ORMAL TAKEOFF

 Engage GPS mode

– Double pu rple flash when the throttle is down. instances.

 Announce loudly: “CLEAR PROP”

 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 is reached.

 Verify data and video links before lifting off. If anything is not working properly, move the 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.

## 12 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

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

 Verify links, GPS, Attitude, etc. Should be single purple flash. o Verify that the copter is holding

position within .5m in all directions.

 Verify camera operation

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

 Proceed with manual mission or

 For autopilot operation

o A scend to 10 mete rs

 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

POST LANDING

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

 ALWAYS disconnect the main power to the UAV first, then turn off the transmitter.

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

hot should be further inspected and possibly replaced.

 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.

 Inspect all components especially the propellers for wear. o Note in logbook which batteries were

used to calculate life cycle.

 Remove the props using the “quick

- disconnects” for return storage in case.

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

 Keep a log of all flights.

o Date

o Time of Day

o Time in Operation (in hours)

o Mah used in flight

o Location

o Pilot, Observer, Sensor Operator Names

o Flight Objective

o Remarks

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

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

o Date maintenance is performed

o Accumulated hours of operation

o Remarks

PILOT LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

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

o Aircraft flown

o Aircraft serial number

## 13 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

o Date

o Time of Day

o Time in Operation (in hours)

o Location

o Flight Objective

o Remarks

## 14 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 6

- PERFOR M ANCE

FLIGHT TIMES

 T he UAV 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.

 All the weight of the UAV 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 is constantly

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

recommended. While the UAV 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.

 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.

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

 As weight increases flight times decrease.

WIRELESS TRANSMISSION

 Refer to the specific manuals for performance ratings. o Wireless communications utilized provide

acceptable communication for LOS (loss of signal).

 In general:

o LOS is required

o The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range

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

towers

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

communication drop out.

## 15 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 7

- W EIGHT AND BALANCE EQUIPMENT LIST

CG

 CG is critical to the efficient operation of any AV o When components are shifted, the CG will be

altered.

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

 The sensors are typically in the front of the AV, and the b atteries are located in the correct position

to offset all the components on the AV.

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

 The CG should be tested by lifting the UAV 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 closer the CG

is to the centerlines of the arms the more efficient and the more stable the UAV will be

. WEIGHT

 Weight is critical to the operation of any aircraft

 Weight is especially critical to a rotor wing aircraft. At full throttle the motors have a finite amount

of thrust. All the weight is lifted by the battery power, there is no wing to assist in providing lift.

 As the batteries are operated, they lose power. At full charge they have about 16.8v. At 20%

remaining capacity they have about 14.0v.

 Do not overload the aircraft or there will not be sufficient reserve power to maneuver at low battery

levels.

## 16 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 8

- AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

FLIGHT BATTERY REQUIRED

 Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers

 Battery chemistry recommended: Lithium Polymer

 Battery Capacity: up to 16,000 mah or greater depending on max gross weight

 Battery cell count required: 4S (4 cells in series)

 Battery Voltage: 14V minimum during hover, nominal,

 16.8V maximum o Battery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum

 Battery Minimum

 Charge Rate: 1C (2C preferable)

 Battery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 0

- 30 minutes

 Batteries used simultaneously: typically 1

 Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80

- 90%

WERELESS COMMUNICATIONS

 Refer to the specific manuals for performance ratings.

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

occur.

 Wireless communications utilized provide acceptable communication for L OS.

 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 antenna s

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.

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

substituted. They must be verified before use.

 Alternate freqs may be utilized to improve link/range.

## 17 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 9

- HANDLING, SERVICE AND M AINTENANCE

PROPELLER CARE

 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

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

 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.

 Batteries fully charged must be handled with extreme care.

 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.

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

 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.

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

recycler such as a home improvement store.

 Always charge flight batteries under “balance” mode.

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

 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.

 Battery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 30 minutes minimum, 1 hour maximum.

 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.

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

decrease the life cycles

 As battery temperature approaches freezing the capacity of Lithium Polymer batteries decrease.

Keep warmer than 5°C before installing into the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

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

rate of each battery thereby extending individual battery capacity slightly.

 Lower discharge rates improve the life cycles.

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

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

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

 Store batteries between 40%

- 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.

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

- 60%

charged state using the battery discharger.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE (Annual Inspection Recommended)

 I f the airframe has in excess of 300 hours in a one year period, an annual inspection must be

## 18 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015

completed by an approved technician.

 An approved technician should disassemble the UAV and inspect all components for wear and

replace any components as required.

 Test all batteries for capacity.

 Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions

500 HOUR PM (SUGGESTED)

 An approved technician should disassemble the UAV and inspect all components for wear and

replace any components as required.

 Replace all motors.

 Test all batteries for capacity.

 Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions.

## 19 UAV Pilot Operations Handbook

Rev August 11, 2015



## SECTION 10

- 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. Components which may have

separate documentation follow. Print out the significant documents and keep in a notebook with the copter at

all times.

AIRFRAME

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM

BATTERIES

BATTERY CHARGER

CAMERA MANUAL

DATA WIRELESS LINK

GIMBAL CAMERA MOUNT

GIMBAL CAMERA MOUNT MOTORS/CONTROLLER

LAPTOP COMPUTER

MOTORS

ONBOARD REGULATOR

PROPELLERS

RC/MANUAL COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEM

SPEED CONTROLS (ESCs)

VIDEO CAPTURE HARDWARE

VIDEO CAPTURE SOFTWARE

VIDEO WIRELESS LINK