2015

Seth LeMaster

BNL Technical Services, LLC

3/6/2015

PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 1

Table of Contents

Section 1 General.....................................................................................................................3

General Characteristics........................................................................................................3

Important Dimensions...........................................................................................................3

Important Weights.................................................................................................................3

Motors ....................................................................................................................................3

Propellers................................................................................................................................3

Wireless Links..........................................................................................................................4

Fuel/Flight Battery..................................................................................................................4

Flight Parameters...................................................................................................................4

Warnings ................................................................................................................................4

Section 2 Limitations .................................................................................................................5

Airspeed Limitations..............................................................................................................5

Power & Powerplant Limitations ..........................................................................................5

Weight Limits..........................................................................................................................5

Center of Gravity Limits.........................................................................................................5

Maneuver Limits.....................................................................................................................5

Temperature Limits................................................................................................................5

Weather Limits .......................................................................................................................5

Range Limits...........................................................................................................................5

Wireless Limits.........................................................................................................................6

Section 3 Emergency Procedures...........................................................................................7

Motor Failure..........................................................................................................................7

Communication Failure........................................................................................................7

Low Battery power................................................................................................................7

GCS Failure ............................................................................................................................8

Compass Calibration Error....................................................................................................8

Fire ..........................................................................................................................................8

Forced Landings....................................................................................................................8

Section 4 Set Up........................................................................................................................9
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 2

Electronics Burn In .................................................................................................................9

GPS/Compass Mast Length .................................................................................................9

Radio Set up ..........................................................................................................................9

Timers......................................................................................................................................9

Batteries .................................................................................................................................9

Normal Procedures...............................................................................................................9

Preflight Checklist ..............................................................................................................9

Normal Takeoff.................................................................................................................11

Landing Checklist ............................................................................................................12

Post Landing.....................................................................................................................12

Flight Log Book.................................................................................................................12

Maintenance Log Book ..................................................................................................12

Pilot Log Book...................................................................................................................13

Section 5 Performance...........................................................................................................14

Flight Times...........................................................................................................................14

Wireless Transmission ...........................................................................................................14

Section 6 Weight and Balance List........................................................................................15

CG........................................................................................................................................15

Weight..................................................................................................................................15

Section 7 Air Vehicle and Systems Description ....................................................................16

Fuel/Battery Required.........................................................................................................16

Wireless Communications...................................................................................................16

Section 8 Handling, Service and Maintenance...................................................................17

Propeller Care .....................................................................................................................17

Battery Care and Use .........................................................................................................17

Preventative Maintenance ................................................................................................17

Section 9 Checklists................................................................................................................19

Inventory Checklist..............................................................................................................19

Preflight Checklist................................................................................................................19

Takeoff Checklist.................................................................................................................20

Landing Checklist................................................................................................................20

Section 10 Supplements.........................................................................................................21
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 3

Section 1 General

General Characteristics

 Primarily for photography and cinematography

 Economical due to extensive use of COTS products

 Low Visual Signature

 Low Aural Signature

 Quick Launch and Recovery

 Short Training Period 

 Simple Operation

 Waypoint Navigation

 VTOL

 Quick Repairs

 Redundant Flight Systems

 Safety Return to Home during lost link or low battery 

 High Degree of Mission Success

 GPS navigation aid 

 Various sensors

 3lb max take-off weight

 Operating Temp Range: -10°C to +50°C

 Flight Modes: Manual and GPS aided waypoint navigation 

 Maximum Operating Altitude: 1000 meters

 Maximum Operation Wind Conditions: 10 m/s 

 Propulsion System: LiPoly batteries

 Takeoff: Manual or Automatic 

 Landing: Manual or Automatic

 Takeoff/Recovery Area: 5m square

Important Dimensions

 Diagonal Length: 350mm

 Height: 335mm

Important Weights

 Weight including GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition, Zenmuse gimbal, A2 autopilot system,

landing gear, data transceiver, RC transceiver, video transmitter, regulators and all

wiring-everything except battery 2.2 lbs

 Maximum Takeoff Weight: 3 lbs

Motors

 Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations 

 Number of motors: 4

 Motor Max Power: 250 Watts ea

 Power rating: 1000 Watts maximum power consumption for all 4 motors 

Propellers

 Manufacturer: DSLRPros or DJI-Innovations 

 Material: Carbon Fiber

 Number of propellers: 4

 Propeller model number: DSLRPros CF
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 4

 Propeller Diameter: 9"

Wireless Links

 Distributor: DJI-Innovations

 Frequencies:

o 2.4 Ghz datalink with WiFi

o 2.4 Ghz Command & Control

o 5.8 Ghz Video

 Power Consumption: 1W

 Usable Range: Less than 2 km

Fuel/Flight Battery

 Manufacturers: DJI-Innovations

 Battery chemistry recommended: Lithium Polymer

 Battery Capacity: up to 5,200 mah

 Battery cell count required: 3S (3 cells in series)

 Battery Voltage: 11.2V nominal, 12.6V 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

 Recommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80-90%

Flight Parameters

 Flight Time: up to 25 minutes

 Payload Max: 3 lbs

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 supplements.

 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 50% - 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use

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

discharged to 50%- 60% charged state.

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

to the batteries.

 Propellers must be balanced to avoid excessive vibration.

 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. Be prepared for com failures.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 5

Section 2 Limitations

Airspeed Limitations

 Vne-Velocity to Never Exceed: 25 m/s

 Va-Typical Maneuvering Speed-10 m/s

Power & Powerplant Limitations

 10 Amps max per motor

 10 Amps max per speed control

 40 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: 3 lbs

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

Center of Gravity Limits

 3mm from the center of any of the two 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: 2 G

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

 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 shield for the electronics in the center

section

 Light dust and light rain are acceptable for the unshielded motor and ESC.

Range Limits

 Fuel

o Fuel capacity is a primary limiting factor.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 6

o 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.

o 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 Limits

 Wireless links will be stable in LOS (line of sight) in most conditions

 Wireless links are always susceptible to shorter ranges due to

o Atmospheric 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.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 7

Section 3 Emergency Procedures

Motor Failure

 Operation is not possible with one motor/ESC/propeller failure

Communication Failure

 Video link failure

o 5.8 Ghz being the shortest wavelength in general AV 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 AV. 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 "diversity" 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.

o Changing to 1.3 Ghz is an option, though there are other issues to be

considered.

 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’s 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.

o A LRS (long range system) can be used as a permanent solution. This is higher

in wattage and usually on 433 Mhz

 Data link failure

o 900 Mhz do not lose link without some warning. When drop outs are noticed to 

increase in frequency that is the limit of the range

 If using 900 Mhz, this is on cell phone frequency. If a cell tower is nearby it

can swamp the signal. 900 Mhz may not be usable in that area. Change to a

different freq. or remain closer to the AV

Low Battery power

 Fail-safes can be set such that in the event of low battery power, either due to a
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 8

failure or too long of a flight, the warning light on the AV will constantly flash amber.

This is the first level of warning.

 The second warning level is red flashing lights

 Auto landing will occur when battery power is low. It may land in a tree or a lake, so 

this is not desirable.

 Landing with 80-90% of battery depleted is best.

GCS Failure

 Takeover by the external pilot should happen ASAP using the RC link.

 Most often happens due to a low battery.

 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

 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.

 Recalibrate the compass following the instruction manual

Fire

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

 Disconnect the battery ASAP unless there is danger in doing so if there is

any electrical issue.

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

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

surrounding the battery. A C02 fire extinguisher is better than the powder or chemical 

type. C02 does not leave a residue. Water can be used though it may cause other 

electrical component failures.

Forced Landings

 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.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 9

Section 4 Set Up

Electronics Burn In

 We recommend that you put weights onto the landing skids to keep the copter on the

ground and run the copter at about 70% throttle for about 10 minutes to bum in the

electronics. Most electronic failures occur in the first 2 hours of operation.

GPS/Compass Mast Length

 If an external GPS with mast is used, we found that the higher the mast, the better the

GPS reception

Radio Set up

 Follow the instructions in the manual

 We prefer the switch assignment as shown in the checklists above though feel free to 

modify to your liking

Timers

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

power.

o Set the timer for 15 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. Set the timer such that you

have a minute or so to land after the alarm sounds so that you have adequate

time to return to base. Adjust to your preference.

Batteries

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

hours.

Normal Procedures

Preflight Checklist

 Confirm all communication radios are operational.

o Radio with ATC

o Radios with others in the group

 Set a perimeter of 100 meters

o Area must be clear of people to avoid collision

 Check for overhead power lines and other obstacles to avoid

 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!

 Turn on Pilot Tx
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 10

 Check Model Selection on Tx to be PH2

 Throttle on Tx Down

 Return to Home switch Off

 Adjust gain to correct position (if required)

 Manual Flight Mode Switch to manual (not ATTl or GPS mode)

 Flight Path Switch Off-Not Course or Home or POI

 Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

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

are in the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly which may cause some of

the functions like course lock or GPS mode to not operate 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 tum the power back on to the copter.

 Count down timer should be set to 15 minutes. This can be adjusted to your flying

style. The timer should engage at 1/4 throttle and trigger an alarm at the proper time.

This is a backup alarm in case the indicator lights on the copter are not visible.

 Engage power to copter

o Insert the battery pack.

 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. Solid green indicates full GPS 

lock.

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

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 where it can more easily see the satellites

 Check Copter Voltage from Tx's (transmitters)

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

 Engage GPS Mode

 Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position.

o To verify that the sticks are all centered properly:

o With throttle in the center position, use the trim buttons on the transmitter to

check that the sticks are centered. Trim the roll (the stick located on the right

side of the transmitter when moved to the right and left) to the right, counting the

number of clicks until a double flash occurs. Then center the trim. Then move

the trim to the left, counting the number of clicks until a double flash occurs. An

equal number of clicks should be counted each side of center.

o Do this check for the 3 stick movements other than throttle.

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.

 Calibrate GPS/Compass before the first flight each day or if receiving continuous red
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 11

blinks or continuous 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 turns.

A white flashing light indicates that this is complete. Repeat if necessary until

this is completed.

 After calibration, reset the copter by cycling battery with copter pointed in the correct

heading for course lock

 Engage Camera

 Verify data link if installed

 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 The altitude can be reset using the ground control software by going to altitude

offset

 Alternate Emergency Landing Sites Established

Normal Takeoff

 Confirm clear for takeoff with ATC

o Necessary if within 5 miles of an airport

o ATC clearance is required days or weeks before flying

 Engage GPS mode (Course lock)

 Announce loudly: "CLEAR PROP"

 Move both of the sticks to the bottom left comers 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.

 If all flight checks are passed, announce loudly: "TAKING OFF"

 Start timer

 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

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

 Verify links, GPS, Attitude, etc.

 Verify that the copter is holding position within .5m in all directions

 Verify camera operation

 Verify course lock is operational by rotating 90 degrees and pushing forward on stick

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

necessary

 Proceed with manual mission or

 For autopilot operation

o Ascend to 10 meters
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 12

o Command GS to proceed with mission

 Manual pilot/observer must monitor the informational LED and be ready to take over in 

manual mode when necessary

o Amber flashes indicates low battery

o Red flashes indicate loss of GPS or severe battery condition

 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

 Manual pilot to request copter flight battery voltage readout from AVO periodically.

o Also use the countdown timer on the transmitter. This gives a good indication of 

battery level because the current used is fairly constant from flight to flight.

Landing Checklist

 Verify the LZ is clear

 Note obstacles in flightpath

 Announce loudly: "LANDING"

 Land the copter

 Move both of the sticks to the bottom left comers to disengage the motors.

 Note elapsed time of flight

 Power down copter battery

 Power down camera 

 Turn off Tx

Post Landing

 Note flight time from transmitter. Write this down in the flight log

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

 ALWAYS disconnect the main power to the AV first, then tum 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

 Note in logbook which batteries were used to calculate life cycle

Flight Log Book

 Keep a log of all flights

o Date

o Time of Day

o Time in Operation (in minutes)

o Battery Number

o Location

o Pilot & Observer Names

o Flight Objective

o Remarks

Maintenance Log Book

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

 Date maintenance is performed
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 13

 Accumulated hours of operation

 Remarks

Pilot Log Book

 Keep a log of all flights

o Date

o Time of Day

o Time in Operation (in minutes)

o Aircraft flown

o Location

o Flight Objective

o Remarks
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 14

Section 5 Performance

Flight Times

 The 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 AV 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.

 Wireless communications utilized provide acceptable communication for LOS.

 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.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 15

Section 6 Weight and Balance List

CG

 CG is critical to the efficient operation of any AV

 When components are shifted, the CG will be altered

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

 The sensors are typically in the front of the AV, and the batteries 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 UV with fingers on the bottom of the arms. Check

all 2 pairs of arms. The CG should be no more than 2mm off in any on the 2 checks. The 

closer the CG is to the centerlines of the arms the more efficient and the more stable the

AV 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 12.6v. At

20% remaining capacity they have about 11v. This is a loss of 8% of the power available

which is significant.

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

low battery levels.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 16

Section 7 Air Vehicle and Systems Description

Fuel/Battery Required

 Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers or DJI

 Battery chemistry required: Lithium Polymer

 Battery Capacity: up to 5,200 mah

 Battery cell count required: 3S (3 cells in series)

 Battery Voltage: 11.2V nominal, 12.6V 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: 80-90%

Wireless 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 LOS

 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 antennas

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
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 17

Section 8 Handling, Service and Maintenance

Propeller Care

 Propellers must be checked each flight for nicks or cracks

 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 UV (unmanned 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

 Daily Maintenance Inspection

o Aircraft is within 100 hr and annual inspection periods

o Review maintenance logbook
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 18

o Review flight logbook maintenance issues.

o All screws/bolts are tight

o Battery is secure

o Antennas are secure

o Props balanced

o Props not chipped

o Props tight

o Check aircraft for cracks/damage

o Wiring Tight

o Motors will not twist

o Motors free of debris

o Center of gravity is correct

o Warning light working properly

o Batteries charged. Replace any battery which cycles below 80% of rated capacity

 100 hour Maintenance Inspection 

o Inspection must be certified by a trained DJI Phantom inspector

o Replace any component with obvious substantial wear which could cause concern 

in the next 100 hours or 1 year time period.

o Check amp draw at idle. If out of specification determine cause and possible 

remedies.

o Test all battery capacities against specifications.

o Check solder connections

o Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions

 500 hour Maintenance Inspection

o An approved technician should disassemble the AV and inspect all components

for wear and replace any components as required

o Replace all 4 motors

o Test all batteries for capacity

o Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 19

Section 9 Checklists

Inventory Checklist

 Load Flight plan 

 Aircraft

 Camera with SD card

 Spare parts/tools 

 Spare batteries

 RC transmitters

 Laptop

 Battery Charger

 Flight Controller Cable

 Video monitor, stand, battery, antennas

 Datalink & cable

 Tablet or cell phone

Preflight Checklist

 Check area to fly on Google maps

 Confirm ATC coms operation

 Inform ATC of your flight plan if required

 Determine emergency flight plan and alternate landing zones avoiding power lines and

obstacles 

 Check wind direction

 Set a perimeter of 50-100 meters – area must be clear of people 

 All antennas installed and all pointing in correct directions

 Engage GCS, monitor, laptop, etc. (bring up flight plan)

 Remove lens cap I Clean lens 

 Camera On

 Ensure camera has SD card installed. 

 Check battery voltage

 Install battery on copter.

 Check CG

 Level copter with front pointing in correct direction for course lock-do not tum on

 On Tx - Set switches – all switched down

 Copter Tx On

 Check Model Selection on Tx

 Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.4v)

 Power up Copter

 Do not touch the Copter until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock. Initial 3 red blinks is

normal meaning no GPS lock. Wait until no flashes. Continue with checklist. 

 Check Copter Voltage from GCS

 Engage Attitude Mode

 Engage GPS Mode-Must Achieve solid green

 Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position.

 Calibrate Compass

 Verify data link if installed

 Test camera and Gimbal

 Verify Video

 Verify photo

 Upload flight plan
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 20

 Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer/GCS/video monitor/goggles 

 Timers set properly

Takeoff Checklist

 Declare intentions for takeoff with ATC

 Engage GPS mode

 Announce loudly: "CLEAR PROP"

 Position the sticks in the lower left hand comers, then immediately raise the throttle 2

clicks, and center the right stick.

 Advance throttle to 1⁄4 power for 5 seconds. Assure all motors are operating.

 Verify that left/right and forward/back stick movement engages the proper motors

 Verify data and video links are still operational 

 Announce loudly: "TAKING OFF"

 Advance throttle to full. Copter must jump off of the ground.

 Ascend to 3 meters. Center throttle stick. Should be single green flash. Verify wireless

link, GPS hold, camera operation, gauges, etc. are working properly.

 Verify course lock is operational by rotating 90 degrees and pushing forward on stick.

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

necessary.

 Proceed with manual mission 

 For autopilot operation

o Ascend to 10 meters manually

o Engage autopilot

 Manual pilot/observer must monitor the informational LED and be ready to take over in 

manual mode when necessary.

 Manual pilot to request copter flight battery voltage readout from camera operator 

periodically.

Landing Checklist

 Landing area clear

 Note obstacles in flightpath

 Announce loudly: "LANDING"

 First cut power to the aircraft 

 Note elapsed time of flight

 Adjust any parameters (camera servo speed, exponential, etc)

 Tum power off to transmitters, camera, goggles, monitors, Txs, etc.

 Touch motors to verify temperatures are similar 

 Complete flight log

o Date and time of flight

o Batteries used

o Time of Flight 

 Contact ATC
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK PHANTOM 2 21

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.

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM 

BATTERY CHARGER 

CAMERA MANUAL 

DATA WIRELESS LINK

GIMBAL CAMERA MOUNT

LAPTOP COMPUTER

MOTORS

PROPELLERS

RC/MANUAL COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEM

VIDEO CAPTURE HARDWARE 

VIDEO CAPTURE SOFTWARE 

VIDEO WIRELESS LINK