 E384 Flight Procedure (/E384+Flight+Procedure)

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In this section we will discuss the procedure used to collect imagery, beginning with preparations for

flight.

Start by following the E384 Pre­Field Checklist.

When you arrive at the field, take a note of the wind direction and speed. Avoid flying in winds above

25 mph. When we plan a mission we want to fly crosswinds and make all our turns into the wind. Let's

start the mission planning process. Decide whether you will be taking off manually (in FBWA) or using

the automatic takeoff. If you are taking off manually (FBWA Takeoff) no further action is needed. If

you are taking off automatically, follow Auto Takeoff. Now plan the surveying portion of your mission

(Planning a Mapping Mission). Finally, decide on your landing procedure. Automatic landing follows

Auto Land. Manual landing follows FBWA Land.

Now we will turn our attention to the assembly of the E384.

Attach the propeller (Attaching E384 Propeller). Attach the tail (Attaching E384 Tail). Attach the wings

(Attaching E384 Wings). Place the batteries (but do not plug them in!!!) and camera into the E384 and

check the balance (Installing Camera, Batteries, and Finding GC).

Go through the E384 Preflight Checklist.

When everything checks out properly go to the Fight Plan screen and press Write WP. After the WP

have been written to the E384 press Read WP. This will read whatever WP the E384 has stored.

Verify all the WP are correct.

Start your camera (NX1100 Operations, S110 Operations, SX260 Operations) and prepare for take off.

If you are taking off manually, follow FBWA Takeoff.

If you are using an automatic takeoff WP;

Now the Launcher should pick the E384 up and hold it, fully prepared to launch. Never put body parts

near the propeller when the battery is plugged in!

The Launcher should communicate to the Ground Station Manager that he is prepared. The Ground

Station Manager shall then change the mode to Auto, using either the RC transmitter or the actions tab

under the HUD. The Grand Station Manager should confirm that the mode is Auto. The Launcher will

then proceed by throwing the E384 firmly at an angle of approximately 15 degress. Always throw the

E384 against the wind for best results.

When the E384 reads 3 m/s ground speed, the motor will begin rotating. The E384 will attempt to hold

heading during takeoff, but will likely drift to the right. When it reaches the takeoff altitude it will turn

and travel to the second WP.
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If you have completed a manual takeoff, and are now in RTL;

Watch the E384 circle at least twice to make sure that it is flying properly. Now go to your computer

and press Auto. This will start the mission.

During the mission keep an eye on the battery voltage. The voltage will fluctuate most notably at

higher throttle. If it no longer rises above 14.5V it is time to bring it in for a landing. During the mission

pay attention to the flight path and the altitude as well. If the E384 is struggling to maintain its flight

path, alterations to the mission may be necessary. Likewise if there is a large drop in altitude, greater

than 15m, alterations may be necessary.

When the E384 has reached the last WP of the survey portion of the mission it will go into RTL if there

is no Auto Land procedure. If there is an automatic landing procedure, the E384 will proceed through

those WP.

If you are landing manually, Switch back to FBWA. You now have control. During descent keep

throttle very low, and no throttle at all if speed is maintained. Always land with the wind at the nose of

the E384 to slow it down. Bring the E384 down and land on its belly.

Go to the E384 and unplug the battery. When you are sure the battery is unplugged you may

disassemble.