D–Series (D800-X4, D800-X8, D800-V6, D1100-V8)

MASTER CHECKLIST MANUAL

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT. Distribution authorized to New Wave Systems, Inc. 

Components only (Company Proprietary Information) (October 2015).
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 2 October 2015

Table of Contents

Record of Changes..................................................................................................................................4

List of Affected Pages.............................................................................................................................5

List of Acronyms......................................................................................................................................6

1. Checklists...........................................................................................................................................7

1.1. Checklist Procedures - General ...........................................................................................7

1.2. Checklist Procedures – Warnings, Cautions, Notes.......................................................7

2. Briefs ...................................................................................................................................................9

2.1. Weather.......................................................................................................................................9

2.2. Mission......................................................................................................................................10

3. Mission Preflight ............................................................................................................................11

3.1. D-Series Pre-Flight.................................................................................................................11

3.2. GCS Pre-Flight........................................................................................................................13

3.3. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Pre-Flight................................................................14

3.3.1. Generator .........................................................................................................................14

3.3.2. Fire Extinguisher............................................................................................................14

3.4. Payload Pre-Flight .................................................................................................................15

3.4.1. Aurora Camera................................................................................................................15

4. Mission Checklist...........................................................................................................................16

4.1. Before Engine Start ...............................................................................................................16

4.2. Software Settings...................................................................................................................17

4.3. Engine Run-Up........................................................................................................................18

4.4. Take-Off ....................................................................................................................................19

4.5. Approach..................................................................................................................................20

4.6. Landing.....................................................................................................................................21

4.7. After Landing...........................................................................................................................22

4.8. Shutdown .................................................................................................................................23

5. Post Flight........................................................................................................................................24

5.1. D-Series Post Flight...............................................................................................................24

5.2. Payload Post Flight ...............................................................................................................25

5.2.1. Aurora Camera................................................................................................................25

5.3. GCS Post-Flight......................................................................................................................26
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5.4. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Post-Flight..............................................................27

6. Emergency Checklist....................................................................................................................28

6.1. Weather.....................................................................................................................................28

6.1.1. High Winds / Severe Turbulence................................................................................28

6.1.2. Rain / Lightning ..............................................................................................................28

6.2. Equipment................................................................................................................................29

6.2.1. Telemetry Loss / Lost Link ..........................................................................................29

6.2.2. GCS Loss of Hard Line Power....................................................................................29

6.2.3. GCS Complete Loss of Power....................................................................................30

6.2.4. Partial Motor / ESC / Propeller Loss..........................................................................30
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 4 October 2015

Record of Changes

Change No. Date Page Count

Baseline (Rev. 1.0) October 2015 N/A
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 5 October 2015

List of Affected Pages

Page(s) Change Cycle Page(s) Change Cycle

Title Baseline

2-30 Baseline
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 6 October 2015

List of Acronyms

AP – Auto Pilot

AV – Air Vehicle

CCW – Counter Clock Wise

CW – Clock Wise

C2 – Command & Control

ESC – Electronic Speed Controllers

GCS – Ground Control Station

GPS – Global Position System

GSE – Ground Support Equipment

HD – Hard Drive

ICS – Integrated Communications System

MAF – Maintenance Action Form

PCB – Pilot Control Box

PIC – Pilot in Command

RTL – Return to Launch

VLOS – Visual Line of Sight

VO – Visual Observer

WP – Waypoint
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 7 October 2015

1. Checklists

1.1.Checklist Procedures - General 

The approved procedure includes each item necessary for flight crewmembers to check 

for safety before starting engines, taking off, or landing; and in engine and system 

emergencies. The procedures is designed so that a flight crewmember will NOT need to 

rely upon his memory for items to be checked. 

The approved procedures must be readily available, and the flight crew shall follow 

them when operating the air vehicle (AV).

It is absolutely essential that the checklist manual be used properly by the flight crew at 

all times. The pilot in command (PIC) has the responsibility of seeing that no item on the 

checklist is left unchecked inadvertently. 

If power to the AV and or ground control station (GCS) is interrupted at any time during 

the Mission Checklist portion, the checklist must be restarted at the Before Engine Start 

section.

The flight crew team will perform the Pre-flight and Post-flight checks on the AV and 

GCS at the beginning and end of each mission.

1.2. Checklist Procedures – Warnings, Cautions, Notes

The following definitions apply to WARNINGs, CAUTIONs, and NOTES found

throughout this instruction.

Explanatory information about an operating procedure practice, or condition, etc., that 

may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.

Explanatory information about an operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that 

may result in damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 8 October 2015

Note

Explanatory information about an operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that

must be emphasized.
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 9 October 2015

2. Briefs

2.1. Weather

Temperature (Within Limits)...................................................................................[ ]

Winds (Within Limits)......................................................................................[ ]

Forecasts (6 / 12 hours).................................................................................[ ]

Adverse Weather (Storms / Turbulence / Precipitation)..........................................[ ]

Watches / Warnings / Advisories ......................................................................[ ]

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 10 October 2015

2.2. Mission

Overview.....................................................................................................[ ]

Times (Start / Duration / End) ..........................................................................[ ]

Crew Assignment Responsibilities (PIC / Visual Observer (VO))..................................[ ]

Frequencies.................................................................................................[ ]

System Configuration (System Number / Payload Type(s))....................................[ ]

Safety (Situational Awareness / Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) / Non-Flight Crew 

Participants)..................................................................................................[ ]

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 11 October 2015

3. Mission Preflight

3.1. D-Series Pre-Flight

AV / GCS / Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs).................................CHECKED (PIC)

AV Log Book (Prior 3 Entries).......................................................CHECKED (PIC) 

Propellers Balanced....................................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Propellers Not Chipped or Cracked................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Propellers Aligned / Extended.......................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Propellers Correct Clock Wise (CW) / Counter CW (CCW) Orientation..CHECKED (PIC)

Propellers Free Spin...................................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Motor Screws / Bolts...................................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Motor Wire Connectors ..........................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs).........................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

ESC Wire Connectors........................................... CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

ESC Wires Not Lose / Free Hanging.............................SECURED / CHECKED (PIC)

Boom Arms Up & Locked.............................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Boom Arms Bolt........................................................SECURED / CHECKED (PIC)

Boom Arms No Excessive Bowing.................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Global Position System (GPS) Antenna & Mast...........CONNECTED / CHECKED (PIC)

GPS Wire Connectors............................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

Auto Pilot (AP) .....................................................CONNECTED / CHECKED (PIC)

AP Wire Connectors..............................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

Radio(s) .............................................................CONNECTED / CHECKED (PIC)

Antenna(s)..........................................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

Radio Wire Connectors..........................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

Center Frame Screws / Bolts........................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Landing Gear Springs 70mm Stretched.....................CONNECTED / CHECKED (PIC)

Landing Gear Screws / Bolts ........................................................CHECKED (PIC)
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Landing Gear Retracts..................................CHECKED (PIC / Visual Observer (VO))

Battery Voltage 14.8VDC Min. Req................................................CHECKED (PIC)

AV Battery......................................................................CONNECTED / SECURED (PIC)

To prevent damage to the AV, DO NOT charge batteries while attached to the AV.

Payload Connection(s)................................................................SECURED (PIC) 

Payload Screws / Bolts................................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Tools................................................................................................SECURED (PIC / VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 13 October 2015

3.2. GCS Pre-Flight

GCS Computer Battery Voltage, 2x Time vs. Flight Time ....................CHECKED (VO)

GCS Computer Power Cable.........................................................CHECKED (VO)

GCS Computer Hardline / Generator Power ......................................CHECKED (VO)

GPS Antenna & Mast........................................................................CHECKED (VO)

GPS Wire USB Connector .......................................CONNECTED / SECURED (VO)

Radio........................................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Antenna...................................................................SECURED / CHECKED (VO)

Radio Wire USB Connector .....................................CONNECTED / SECURED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 14 October 2015

3.3. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Pre-Flight

3.3.1.Generator

Generator MAFs..........................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Generator Breaker (If Applicable)............................................................OFF (VO) 

Fuel ...........................................................................................CHECKED / FILLED (VO) 

Coolant (If Applicable).............................................................. CHECKED / FILLED (VO) 

Air Filter.................................................................................................... CLEANED (VO) 

Battery (Acid / Posts).............................................................................. CHECKED (VO) 

Oil / Fuel Leaks.........................................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Coolant Leaks (If Applicable)....................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Hoses ..................................................................................CHECKED / SECURED (VO)

3.3.2.Fire Extinguisher

Service Date...............................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Fill Gauge..................................................................................CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 15 October 2015

3.4. Payload Pre-Flight

3.4.1.Aurora Camera

Correct Lens Installed for Mission ...........................................CHECKED (PIC / VO)

Lens Cap Removed.....................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Lens Clean & Unobstructed ..........................................................CHECKED (VO)

Hard Drive (HD) Storage Empty.....................................................CHECKED (VO)

HD Installed..............................................................SECURED / CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 16 October 2015

4. Mission Checklist

4.1. Before Engine Start

Integrated Communications System (ICS) / Radio Checks 

.......................................................................................... LOUD AND CLEAR (PIC / VO)

AV / GCS / GSE Preflight..............................................................COMPLETE (PIC / VO)

Radio Settings, Frequency, % Range, Power)..................................CHECKED (VO)

Software (Flight Genie)..................................................(Version / Date) CHECKED (VO)

Lights (If applicable)............................................................................SET (PIC)

Gross Weight (lbs)................................................................................RECORDED (PIC)

Battery Level, 22.2VDC Min. Req............................................................CHECKED (VO)

Pilot Control Box (PCB) AP / Manual Switch.......................................... CHECKED (PIC)

Radio (3DR), Solid Green Light .....................................................CHECKED (VO)

AP Light: Amber / Red Slow Blink..................................................CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 17 October 2015

4.2. Software Settings

Home Point / Take-Off Location .............................................................SET (VO)

GPS PDOP <5, Autonomous Flight ................................................CHECKED (VO)

GPS Timeout, 5 Seconds......................................................................SET (VO)

C2 Timeout, 5 seconds.........................................................................SET (VO)

Geo-Fence, Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Radius, <400’ Above Ground Level...SET (VO)

Compass Calibration...................................................................CHECKED (VO)

Accelerometer Calibration.............................................................CHECKED (VO)

PCB Flight Modes: Auto, Stabilized, Alt. Hold.................................CHECKED (VO / PIC)

Command & Control (C2) Telemetry Rate, 5 Hz Min..........................................SET (VO)

Flight Route(s)...........................................................................CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 18 October 2015

4.3. Engine Run-Up

AV Launch Point Area......................................................................CLEARED (PIC / VO)

Throttle..............................................................................................................IDLE (PIC)

Ignition ..........................................................................................................ARMED (VO)

AP Light: Amber / Red Solid.........................................................CHECKED (PIC)

Clear Prop Area...................................................................CLEARED (PIC / VO)

Engine ...........................................................................................................START (PIC)

Engine Kill...........................................................................................................SET (VO)

Engine..................................................................START / TIME RECORDED (PIC / VO)

AP Mode.................................................................................................STABALIZE (VO)

PCB Mode .............................................................................................STABALIZE (PIC)

Advance Throttle .........................................................................SET 25% (PIC)

Ensure Propellers Function Properly..............................................CHECKED (PIC)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 19 October 2015

4.4. Take-Off

“Go To” Initial Waypoint (WP).............................................................................SET (VO)

AP Mode.................................................................................................STABALIZE (VO)

PCB Mode .............................................................................................STABALIZE (PIC)

Launch........................................................................................LAUNCH (VO)

Takeoff Time.........................................................................................RECORDED (VO)

Ascend 10 Feet..................................................................................SET (PIC)

Raise Landing Gear.............................................................................SET (PIC)

PCB Mode.......................................................................................................AUTO (PIC)

AP Mode .....................................................................................AUTO / CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 20 October 2015

4.5. Approach

Approach Briefing..........................................................................COMPLETE (PIC / VO)

Auto Land Waypoint............................................................................................SET (VO)

Avionics / Engine Systems / Link .............................................................CHECKED (VO)

PCB Mode.......................................................................................................AUTO (PIC)

AP Mode .....................................................................................AUTO / CHECKED (VO)

Return to Launch (RTL) ........................................................................SET (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
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4.6. Landing

AP Mode...........................................................................................................LAND (VO)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 22 October 2015

4.7. After Landing

PCB Mode: Alt. Hold..........................................................................................SET (PIC)

AP Mode: Alt. Hold.................................................................................. CHECKED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
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4.8. Shutdown

Engine Kill..........................................................................................SET (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
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5. Post Flight

5.1. D-Series Post Flight

Walk-Around Inspection ........................................................................COMPLETE (PIC)

Propellers .........................................................................CLEANED / INSPECTED (PIC)

Aircraft Log Book ...................................................CHECKED / COMPLETED (PIC / VO)

Aircraft.............................................................................................SECURED (PIC / VO)

Tools................................................................................................SECURED (PIC / VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 25 October 2015

5.2. Payload Post Flight

5.2.1.Aurora Camera

Lens Clean & Unobstructed..........................................................CHECKED (VO)

Lens Cap Installed...............................................................................SET (VO)

HD Removed............................................................SECURED / CHECKED (VO)

HD Storage Downloaded.......................................................................SET (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 26 October 2015

5.3. GCS Post-Flight

AV Mission Telemetry Logs: (MM/DD/YYYY_VOLast_PICLast).................SAVED (VO)

GCS Computer Power Off ............................................................SECURED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 27 October 2015

5.4. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Post-Flight

Walk-Around Inspection.........................................................................COMPLETE (VO)

GSE Log Book ...............................................................CHECKED / COMPLETED (VO)

END OF CHECKLIST
Master Checklist D–Series

Revision 1.0 28 October 2015

6. Emergency Checklist

6.1. Weather

6.1.1.High Winds / Severe Turbulence

PCB Mode.......................................................................................................AUTO (PIC)

AP Mode .....................................................................................AUTO / CHECKED (VO)

Closest Alternate Land Position..........................................................................SET (VO)

At Alternate Land Position

AP Mode ..........................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

PCB Mode: Alt. Hold..........................................................................................SET (PIC)

AP Mode: Alt. Hold.................................................................................. CHECKED (VO)

Engine Kill..........................................................................................SET (VO)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)

6.1.2.Rain / Lightning

PCB Mode.......................................................................................................AUTO (PIC)

AP Mode .....................................................................................AUTO / CHECKED (VO)

RTL..............................................................................................................SET (VO)

At Launch Position

AP Mode .................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

PCB Mode: Alt. Hold..........................................................................................SET (PIC)

AP Mode: Alt. Hold.................................................................................. CHECKED (VO)

Engine Kill..........................................................................................SET (VO)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)
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6.2. Equipment

6.2.1.Telemetry Loss / Lost Link

PCB Mode.......................................................................................................AUTO (PIC)

AP Mode .....................................................................................AUTO / CHECKED (VO)

Radio (3DR), Solid Green Light .....................................................CHECKED (VO)

If No Radio Indicator Light

Radio, Connected ..........................................................................CHECKED / SET (VO)

If Radio Connected, No Indicator Light, and Upon UAVs RTL

At Launch Position

PCB Mode: Manual............................................................................................SET (PIC)

Land...............................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

Throttle, 0%........................................................................................................SET (PIC)

Engine Kill.........................................................................................SET (PIC)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)

6.2.2.GCS Loss of Hard Line Power

Generator Running.....................................................................CHECKED (VO) 

Power Cable Connected...............................................................CHECKED (VO)

Battery Life < 25%, RTL..................................................................................SET (VO)

At Launch Position

AP Mode ..........................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

PCB Mode: Alt. Hold..........................................................................................SET (PIC)

AP Mode: Alt. Hold......................................................................... CHECKED (VO)

Engine Kill..........................................................................................SET (VO)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)
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6.2.3.GCS Complete Loss of Power

Generator Running.....................................................................CHECKED (VO) 

Power Cable Connected...............................................................CHECKED (VO)

PCB Mode: Manual............................................................................................SET (PIC)

RTL.................................................................................................SET (PIC)

At Launch Position

Land...............................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

Throttle, 0%........................................................................................................SET (PIC)

Engine Kill.........................................................................................SET (PIC)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)

6.2.4.Partial Motor / ESC / Propeller Loss

PCB Mode: Manual............................................................................................SET (PIC)

AP Mode ................................................................................MANUAL / CHECKED (VO)

Closest Alternate Land Position..........................................................................SET (VO)

At Alternate Land Position

Land...............................................................................................................LAND (VO)

UAV Touchdown

Throttle, 0%........................................................................................................SET (PIC)

Engine Kill.........................................................................................SET (PIC)

Land Time.............................................................................................RECORDED (VO)