OPERATIONS MANUAL FOR THE 3DR Pixhawk Hexacopter

The 3DR Pixhawk Hexacopter is a vertical takeoff and landing hexa-coptor and will be operated between 

0’ and 400’ AGL. The procedure for launch and recovery is described below.

Preflight

1. Pilot in Command (PIC) and Observer discuss the flight plan and mission objectives.

2. PIC and Observer will review the Operations Manual and discuss any mission sensitive safety 

contingencies. 

3. Forecasted and observed weather variables such as wind and rain will be considered before flight.

Aircraft Launch

1. Inspect aircraft and batteries for airworthiness. Verify battery voltage on the RC transmitter, 

ground station, and communication devices. 

2. Select an open area clear of any obstacles that may impede a safe takeoff or landing. 

3. Clear the takeoff area of any unnecessary or unauthorized personnel. 

4. PIC and Observer scan the sky and surrounding area to be sure that takeoff conditions are clear. 

5. The RC transmitter and/or Ground Station is powered on.

6. The aircraft is placed on the ground within the clear takeoff zone.

7. The aircraft is powered on.

8. The PIC and Observer watch the aircraft LED status indicator and/or the Ground station telemetry 

display to verify GPS fix and battery voltage. 

9. The PIC clearly announces the “arming” of the aircraft which indicates the rotors are engaged at 

below idle rpm.

10. The PIC and Observer re-scan the sky and surrounding area to be sure conditions are clear for 

takeoff. 

11. If clear for takeoff, the PIC clearly announces “takeoff” and increases motor power to bring the 

aircraft up to a 6’ hover.

12. PIC and Observer re-check the signal and battery status indicators.

13. PIC preforms short roll, pitch, yaw, ascend, and descend maneuvers to test control and system 

function. PIC and Observer check all radio and GPS status indicators. 

14. If all checks are clear, PIC and Observer fly the mission. 

Aircraft Recovery

1. The PIC and Observer clear the landing area of unnecessary people and/or equipment. 

2. The PIC and Observer scan the area to be sure the landing approach is safe and clear

3. Aircraft altitude is reduced as it is slowly descends to the landing area.

4. Aircraft transitions into a hover and is gently landed on the target landing spot. 
5. Motors are turned off.

6. Aircraft is powered off.

7. RC Transmitter is powered off.

8. Battery is removed from the aircraft

9. All equipment is put away.

10. Mission complete. 

FAILSAFE PROCEDURES FOR THE 3DR Pixhawk Hexacopter

The Pixhawk Hexacopter is equipped with the 3D Robitics Pixhawk flight controller. The Pixhawk flight 

controller is programmed with enhanced failsafe protection functionally. The lost link failsafe protection 

procedure is listed below. 

Lost Link Failsafe

1. When the aircraft is powered on, it will record its GPS “home” point location. This is the mission 

takeoff and landing point.

2. The aircraft will fly the mission as controlled by the Pilot in Control (PIC). 

3. If the transmitter signal is lost by the aircraft, the aircraft will hover in and attempt to regain 

signal link. 

4. If the signal is lost for more than 3 seconds, the aircraft will hover in place and transition into 

“ready to go home” mode.

5. The aircraft will begin to navigate back to its previously stored “home” point. If the aircraft is 

above 20 meters AGL, it will stay at its current altitude and navigate back to the home point. If 

the aircraft is below 20 meters AGL when the signal is lost, it will ascend to 20 meters first, then 
navigate back to the home point. The 20 meter AGL failsafe altitude can be changed in the 

aircraft software if mission conditions require. 

6. Once at the home point, the aircraft will hover for 15 seconds then slowly descend and land. 

The PIC can regain control at any point during the failsafe return home sequence once the transmitter is in 

range of the aircraft.