HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

2015 AgDrone UAS 50-h Inspection Guide

HoneyComb Corporation

AgDrone UAS (2015 Edition)

Agricultural Scouting & Mapping System

Introduction

This inspection of aircraft condition and airworthiness is to be performed bimonthly (every two 

months) or at 50-hour intervals of operation by a qualified service technician. The purpose of this 

inspection is to ensure the safety and performance of the AgDrone UAS by identifying 

unsatisfactory operational and structural issues that may inhibit the AgDrone UAS from 

performing as intended. Finding of any discrepancies in this inspection merits repair and/or reevaluation before further operation of the AgDrone UAS, and should be documented in the 

discrepancies log.

The 50-h inspection is to be performed with all components of the AgDrone system powered-off. 

If powered components appear to malfunction during regular use of the AgDrone UAS, do not 

use the system until it has been cleared by HoneyComb and passes the 50-h inspection. If 

powered components are replaced on the AgDrone, then it must pass the 50-h inspection before 

being tested for full functionality. 

Before performing this inspection, clean all surfaces of dirt, oil, and other debris. Take note of 

any corrosion, structural defects, misalignments, or other cosmetic blemishes that may affect the 

functionality of the AgDrone UAS. Light scratches and dents are acceptable for maintaining 

ideal operation of the AgDrone UAS; but further damage should be thoroughly inspected and 

repaired before being cleared for use.

- Light scratches and dents: Considered “light” as long as the Kevlar-composite surface is 

intact and not flapping or tearing away from the airframe. 

- If a puncture has penetrated the exoskeleton and exposed the white sub-frame foam, do 

not operate the AgDrone UAS until it has been cleared by HoneyComb. 

- Document any discrepancies discovered in this general overview of the system in the 

discrepancies log and evaluate their significance after performing the 50-h inspection. 
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

The following checklist instructs the service technician on what and how to inspect the subsystems and components of the AgDrone UAS. All equipment and surface conditions are 

evaluated visually but some removal of parts is required to adequately check the components. 

The service technician should not disconnect wiring, loosen fasteners, or make any alterations 

other than what is specified in the instructions. 

UAS Make/Model: AgDrone UAS (2015)_ S/N: ___________________

Engine Make/Model: Brushless Electric____ S/N: ___________________

Date of Inspection: ___________________

Directions

As part of the bimonthly or 50-h inspection, the following components attached to body of the 

aircraft and all separate accessories should be visually evaluated. Mark for failure if any 

condition does not pass; passing marks must be absolute and certain. Document failures in the 

discrepancies log and do not operate the AgDrone UAS until the necessary corrective actions 

have been successfully completed.

- Ensure that all components are powered-off and batteries are disconnected from the 

equipment. 

- Access to some of the components requires a Phillips screwdriver (1/4 inch standard).

- Perform the inspection in a dry, well-lit and ventilated area on a clean, flat and level 

surface.
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

A. Avionics – Electronic aviation equipment residing inside the AgDrone UAS airframe.

Some components must be accessed in the payload bay, located underneath the lid cover. 

Remove the lid cover by loosening the three plastic thumb-fasteners and six plastic 

Phillips fasteners with a Phllips screwdriver. 

a. Flight Control – Aviation electronics that control the AgDrone’s flight behavior:

Do not remove or attempt any alteration to these components. Inspect only the 

surface-level integrity of the modules and wiring.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) Pixhawk Autopilot: located center of payload bay.

- Module securely fastened to payload floor

- Metal Phillips screws (x4) securely fastened

- Module casing free of cracks and corrosion

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(2) Electronic Speed Controller and fuse: located rear of payload bay.

- Module securely fastened to payload floor

- Fuse intact and securely connected to the ESC 

- Module free of visible cracks, chips and corrosion

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring

(3) Arming switch: located left of the payload bay, wires inside left 

wing.

- Button-light is securely fastened

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring (to autopilot)

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass 

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(4) GPS: module hidden inside left wing of airframe and not visible. 

Wiring from autopilot to the GPS module is visible.

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring

(5) Telemetry Radio: located right of payload bay, emerging from 

surface. Wiring visible in payload bay, connecting to autopilot.

- Telemetry antenna is securely fastened

- Telemetry antenna hinge bends forward (front of aircraft)

- No cracks or exposed wiring on telemetry antenna

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring to autopilot
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

b. Accessory Control – Non-flight related electronics for use with the AgDrone’s

accessory (imaging and telemetry data retention) systems: Do not remove or 

attempt any alteration to these components. Inspect only the surface-level 

integrity of the modules and wiring.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(6) PCB Module: rear of payload bay, not secured to payload floor

- Module free of visible cracks, chips and corrosion

- No loose, disconnected or exposed wiring

- Electronic connections to cameras secure

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(7) SD Card slots and Ribbon Cables: two camera-ribbons routed to 

front of payload bay. One telemetry ribbon attached to autopilot. 

Remove SD cards if inserted to inspect slot. Replace cards after 

inspecting.

- Slots free of debris and securely fastened

- Slot-brackets (blue plastic) intact and free of cracks and chips

- Ribbons not twisted or kinked

- Ribbons free of cuts, punctures and exposed wiring

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(8) SD Cards: two standard SD cards for imaging and one Wi-Fienabled SD card for telemetry.

- Cards free of visible cracks, chips and corrosion 

- Cards free of heat-warping

- Cards fit snuggly and smoothly into specified card slots

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(9) Camera system: one visible spectrum camera and one NDVI 

camera. Do not remove cameras from their mounting hardware. 

Inspect underside (lens area) of camera by looking underneath the 

airframe. Follow instructions for both cameras.

- Securely fastened to mounting hardware

- Camera screen and front lens free of cracks 

- USB connection (from PCB module) secure

- Casing and buttons free of visible cracks, chips and corrosion

- USB cable free of cuts, punctures and exposed wiring

* When Avionics inspection is complete, refasten the lid cover with the plastic Phillips fasteners, 

but leave the front (thumb-fastener side with battery and SD card slots) exposed for the next 

section.
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

B. Battery Power – LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries and complimentary equipment 

(chargers, adapters, connections) and other battery-related accessories.

The payload bay should be covered and the lid cover fastened to the AgDrone, except for 

the front-most area where the battery and SD card slots reside. 

a. AgDrone Battery Power – Battery power residing on the AgDrone airframe in 

the front of the payload bay. LiPo battery should not be connected or present

during this part of the inspection.

* When AgDrone Battery Power inspection is complete, secure the lid cover completely with the 

thumb-fasteners.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) LiPo battery lead cable and XT60 (female) connector: front of 

payload bay

- Lead cable free of cuts, punctures and exposed wiring

- Lead cable flexible and securely fastened to XT60 connector

- XT60 connector free of cracks, chips, corrosion and debris

b. Accessory Battery Power and Equipment– Battery power not residing on the 

AgDrone airframe. This includes LiPo and lithium batteries, charging adapters 

and cradles, and protective or handling accessories.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(2) LiPo battery pack and harness: all LiPo batteries included with 

system

- Lead cable free of cuts, punctures and exposed wiring

- Lead cable flexible and securely fastened to XT60 connector

- XT60 (male) connector free of cracks, chips and corrosion

- Balance plug free of cracks, chips and corrosion

- Lead cable and balance plug cable securely connected to battery 

casing

- Battery (x3) casing free of buckling, punctures, warping, 

bloating, leaking and misshapenness
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

__ Pass __ Fail

(3) LiPo battery protective storage and carrying bag:

- Free of holes and tearing in the material

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

 __ Fail

(4) HiTEC Multi AC charge station: LiPo battery charger and related 

equipment (lead cables, jumper cables, AC adapter).

- Unit casing free of cracks, chips and corrosion 

- LCD screens free of cracks and blemishes that obscure readout

- All ports free of debris and corrosion

- Cooling fan area free of debris and corrosion

- Jumper cable set free of corrosion and exposed wiring.

- AC adapter cable and plug free of bends, breaks, corrosion and 

exposed wiring

- Lead cables (x3) free of cuts, punctures, corrosion and exposed 

wiring

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(5) RC transmitter batteries (Lithium AA) and charger:

- Batteries (x4) free of punctures and corrosion

- RC transmitter AA contact terminals free of corrosion (open 

battery compartment of RC transmitter)

- Energizer AA wall adapter/charge cradle free of cracks, chips 

and corrosion

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(6) Microsoft Surface tablet battery and wall adapter: surface tablet 

inspected in later section, but check for evidence of failing internal 

battery).

- USB connector free of debris and corrosion

- Cable free of cuts, punctures, corrosion and exposed wiring

- Wall adapter free of bending, breaks and corrosion
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

C. Power Plant – Powered motor and propulsion equipment.

Ensure that the motor and other components are disconnected from any batteries and other 

power sources.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) Brushless out-runner motor: E-flite power 15

- Spins freely and smoothly in both directions

- Motor mount and washer securely fastened to motor bracket

- Copper winding free of foaming and other signs of corrosion

- Outer-casing free of cracks, chips, corrosion and structural 

defects

- Wiring harness untangled, free of cuts, punctures, corrosion and 

exposed wires

(2) Propeller: APC 10x6 electric – should be in like new condition

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

- Free of marring, cracking, chipping and other structural defects

- Free of debris, surface flaws, and other potential imbalances 

- Securely fastened to shaft and collar (should not spin about the 

shaft)

D. Control Surfaces – Surfaces fixed to airframe that control flight behavior. Use 

caution when handling sharp edges

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) Elevons: elevator/ailerons at rear of both wings 

- Edges smooth and free of bends, breaks, cracks, chips, and 

corrosion

- Apparently clear of airframe edges and able to articulate (do not 

force range of motion, check area in range visually)

- Securely attached; not stuck or hanging loose

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

(2) Winglets: edges of wings 

- Securely fastened to airframe (two plastic thumb-fasteners)

- Free of bent edges, torn or punctured surface, and debris
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

E. Structures & Airframe – Functional and non-functional surfaces and equipment 

exposed outside of the AgDrone airframe.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) Airframe exoskeleton and textured surface: check top and bottom

- Kevlar composite exoskeleton free of tears or flapping

- No white sub-frame foam exposed

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(2) Lid cover (front and rear of payload bay)

- Securely attached with plastic Phillips and thumb-fasteners

- Surface free of punctures and tears

- Adequately covering payload bay 

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

(3) Motor bracket: rear-center orientation

- Does not deflect or tilt, securely fastened to airframe

- Free of cracks, chips, breakage and corrosion

__ Pass __ Fail

(4) Plastic Phillips and thumb-fasteners: lid cover and winglets

- Like new condition; not stripped or cracked

__ Pass

__ Pas

__ Fail

__ Fail

(5) Camera lens covers: under airframe

- Securely fastened by small Phillips screws (x4 each)

- Like new condition; free of blemishes and debris

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(6) Servo and elevon control: located alongside winglets; servo-gears 

hidden under wing (do not force servo movement manually).

- Servos free of visible debris and breakage

- Servo arms securely attached and free of corrosion

- Servo ball joints (front and rear) free of grime and securely 

attached

- Control (push) rods free of marring, chips, and cracks

- Control horns free of chips, cracks, breakage and debris

- Control horn screws (front and rear) free of corrosion and 

securely fastened
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

F. Remote Command & Control – Radio frequency and telemetry communication.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) RC transmitter: Spektrum DX6

- Outer-casing free of cracks, punctures, and corrosion

- Control-sticks, buttons, switches and triggers intact and unstuck

- Antenna area free of cracks, bending and breakage

- Screen intact and free of blemishes

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(2) Mission Planner computer and accessories: Microsoft Surface, SD 

card reader

- Outer casing free of cracks, punctures and corrosion

- Screen free of blemishes and grime

- All ports and connections free of debris and corrosion

- SD card reader free of debris and corrosion

- SD card reader free of cracks and exposed wiring 

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(3) Telemetry transmitter: USB connection to tablet

- Antenna free of cracks, bending or breakage

- USB (male) connector free of corrosion

- USB free of exposed wiring

- Outer-casing free of cracks or chips
HoneyComb Corporation | 7929 SW Burns Way STE A, Wilsonville, OR 97070

G. Maintenance Spares – Replaceable parts provided with the AgDrone UAS. All 

spare parts should be unused and in like new condition.

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

(1) Propellers: APC 10x6 electric

- Free of marring, cracking, chipping and other structural defects

- Free of debris, surface flaws, and other potential imbalances 

__ Pass __ Fail

(2) Winglets: unique left and right

- Free of bent edges, torn or punctured surfaces and debris

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

__ Fail

(3) Fasteners: (plastic Phillips, thumb, and small Phillips screws

- Plastic thumb-fasteners free of stripping and cracking

- Plastic Phillips fasteners free of stripping and cracking

- Phillips metallic screws free of stripping and corrosion 

__ Pass __ Fail

(4) Lens covers: clear plastic camera lens covers

- Free of blemishes, scratches, cracking and debris

__ Pass

__ Pass

__ Fail

__ Fail

(5) Fuses: 40A automotive fuse

- Connections free of corrosion

- Plastic casing free of cracks and chips