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PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK

FOR UAS
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHECKLISTS................................................................................................page 4

Bench Setup and Tests...........................................................................4

 Inventory Checklist..................................................................................4

 Preflight Checklist....................................................................................5

 Takeoff Checklist......................................................................................5

 Quick Preflight Checklist.........................................................................6

 Error Messages........................................................................................7

 Landing Checklist.....................................................................................8

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES...............................................................................8

 Motor Failure...........................................................................................8

 Communication Failure..........................................................................8

 Data Link Failure.................................................................................. 10 

Low Battery Power.............................................................................. 10 

GCS Failure.............................................................................................10.

 Compass Calibration Error................................................................... 11

 Fire...........................................................................................................11

 Forced Landings.....................................................................................11

SETUP SUGGESTIONS.......................................................................................11

 Electronics Burn In.................................................................................11

 GPS/Compass Mast Length..................................................................11

 Camera Setup........................................................................................12

 Radio Setup............................................................................................12

 Copter Command and Control............................................................12

 Zenmuse Command and Control........................................................12

 Timers.....................................................................................................13

 Batteries.................................................................................................13

NORMAL PROCEDURES...................................................................................13

 Preflight Checklist..................................................................................13

 Normal Takeoff......................................................................................17

 Post Landings....................................................................................... 18

 Performance........................................................................ ................19

WEIGHT AND BALANCE EQUIPMENT LIST.................................... ..............20
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AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION....................................................21

HANDLING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE....................................................21

 Preventative Maintenance...................................................................23

SUPPLEMENTS...................................................................................................23
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CHECKLISTS

BENCH SET UP & TESTS

All screws/bolts are tight

Timer alarm for flight time to not exceed 80% battery capacity set properly

Batteries are secure

Antennas are secure

Props balanced

Props aligned

Props not chipped

Check blades, arms, etc. for cracks/damage

Wiring Tight

No excessive flexing of motors or booms

Booms/motors will not twist

Center of gravity is correct

Warning lights set for low battery if used

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

Laptop Battery

Flight Battery

Handheld Rx Battery

RC Tx Battery

Video Rx Battery

Spare Laptop Battery

INVENTORY CHECKLIST

Load Flight plan

Aircraft

Camera with SD card

Spare parts/tools

Spare batteries

Two RC transmitters

Laptop

Battery Charger

Flight Controller Cable

Video monitor, stand, battery, antennas

Goggles

Datalink & cable

Battery Y-harness
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PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Check area to fly on Google maps

Confirm walkie talkie and 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 (5) installed and all pointing in correct directions

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

Remove lens cap / Clean lens

Camera On

Ensure camera has SD card installed.

Install batteries on copter.

Check battery voltage

Check CG

Level copter with front pointing in correct direction for course lock – do not turn on

On Copter TX - Set switches - Throttle Down, Return to Home switch Off, Manual Flight Mode

Switch On, Flight Path Switch Off – Not Course or Home Lock

Copter Transmitter On

Check Model Selection on Tx

Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

On Photo Tx – set switches - HDMI switch Off, Freestyle switch On

Photography Transmitter On

Check Model Selection on Tx

Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

Plug in battery black lead first.

Calibrate GPS/Compass if necessary

If calibrated, cycle battery with correct heading for course lock.

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 – Must Achieve Double Amber Flash

Engage GPS Mode – Must Achieve Double Purple Flash

While in GPS mode engage “Course Lock” mode. Must achieve green Flash

Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position. Must achieve single amber flash in Attitude

mode and single purple flash in GPS mode

HDMI switch On (video on camera itself should go off)

Freestyle switch On (FPV Off)

Verify camera operation (If problems, check Drive Mode – Remote Cmdr must be “on”, manual 

focus, intelligent auto)

Verify data link if installed – rolling copter manually should change gauges

Upload flight plan

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

Declare intentions for takeoff with ATC

Engage GPS mode – Double purple flash

Engage Course Lock mode (double green flash)

Start Timer

Announce loudly: “CLEAR PROP”

Position the sticks in the lower left hand corners, 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.

Raise landing gear

Proceed with manual mission

For autopilot operation

Ascend to 10 meters manually

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.

QUICK PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Landing zone clear

Level copter with correct heading

Battery 4.1+ full, 3.8 depleted

Camera on. SD card in.

Both TX – all switches down

Both TX on

Copter on

Check GPS and Course lock checks

Video check

Photo check
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Takeoff

Raise Landing Gear

Unplug 6 batteries upon landing

ERROR MESSAGES

White flashes

IMU malfunction. Land and determine cause. Possibilities:

GPS/Compass not pointing forward

IMU not pointing forward

Set up of X, Y, Z for location of IMU and Compass is incorrect

Excessive rocking/instability possible causes:

Weak motor

Structure flexing from fatigue or cracks

Motor mount

Main frame

Booms

Loose bolts causing flexing or misalignment

Props

Mounts

Props out of balance

Props misaligned

Excessive wind speeds or gusts

Excessive Gains

Excessive motor power. Max motor power must a little more than typical ascent

power.

Red Flashes (1, 2 or 3 flashes with pauses) – GPS loss (3 is more serious). 

Land if loss lasts for more than 30 seconds. Possible causes:

Clouds

Structures

GPS mal-function

GPS too close to electrical components

GPS vibration
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LANDING CHECKLIST

Landing area clear

Lower landing gear

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)

Turn power off to transmitters, camera, goggles, monitors, Rxs, etc.

Touch motors to verify temperatures are similar

Complete flight log

Date and time of flight

Batteries used

Time of Flight

Contact ATC

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

MOTOR FAILURE

Operation is possible with one motor/ESC/propeller failure

The two adjacent motors/ESCs will be increased in thrust automatically by the flight

controller to overcome the lost

In cases where the airframe is highly loaded the maximum rating of 40 amps may be

exceeded by these two motors/ESCs

Operation should be terminated as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of damage

to the remaining motors

COMMUNICATION FAILURE

VIDEO LINK FAILURE

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.
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It is best to lose video first! It is the least likely to cause a crash when it fails.

5.8 Ghz can lose link with little warning

Ensure that the GCS station antennas are perpendicular to the AV. Do not point the

antenna at the AV.

Yaw the AV to change the antenna position

Other links should still be good. Return back to the GCS until link is restored.

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.

Higher gain antennas may be used, but do so with caution. High gain antennas are

directional.

Multiple antennas using “diversity” can be used. Diversity is a device which

determines the best signal, and uses that.

5.8 Ghz even at high wattages theoretically has less range than lower frequencies.

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

RC link failure

2.4 Ghz antennas can lose link with little warning.

Anything in between the two antennas can cause temporary signal loss especially a

person. Hold the transmitter up in the air and walk in the general direction of the 

AV (aerial vehicle).

Ensure that the antenna is vertical. Do not point the antenna at the AV.

The failsafes 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. The onboard equipment may block the signal. Yaw the AV so 

that the antennas point towards the GCS.

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

wattage and usually on 433 Mhz.
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DATA LINK FAILURE

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 

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. Therefore landing with 17,000 

mah used and 3,000 mah remaining of a 20,000 mah battery is desirable. 

Batteries should be drawn down equally when in use if they are both 

charged equally and both in relatively the same condition/age.

Do not mix partially charged batteries. Only use completely charged batteries.

Over discharging a battery below 19.8V can permanently damage the battery.

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 4-cell battery. 3-cell batteries may work.
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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 CO2 fire extinguisher is better than the powder 

or chemical type. CO2 does not leave a residue. Water can be used though 

it may cause other electrical component failures.

FORCED LANDINGS

If 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.

SET UP SUGGESTIONS

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 2 hours to 

burn in the electronics. Most electronic failures occur in the first 2 hours 

of operation.

GPS/COMPASS MAST LENGTH

We found that the higher the mast, the better the GPS reception
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CAMERA SETUP

Nex5N vs. Nex7 vs. Canon 5D vs. Panasonic GH3

These cameras are excellent for stills, and very good for video. The best 

for video is the Panasonic GH4 with 4k capabilities.

We found that the Nex 5N takes exceptional quality stills and video, 

though most professionals use the Nex 7. The Canon 5D is better 

than the Nex7 due to its larger sensor.

Use the Panasonic GH4 if you primarily shoot video

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

COPTER COMMAND AND CONTROL

We recommend the use of a dual rate switch for main copter operation.

High rate – used to initialize the motors. The flight controller will not 

engage unless it sees full down throttle, full left rudder, full left 

cyclic and full back cyclic. However, these may be too high for 

normal flying. On high rate it is helpful to utilize fairly high

exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to 

your preference.

Low rate – used for typical flying. Set the end point adjustments such that 

full stick deflection offers the maximum speed required in normal 

flying. If conditions require higher flight speeds, switch to high 

rate. On low rate it is also helpful to utilize a small amount of 

exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to 

your preference.

ZENMUSE COMMAND AND CONTROL

We recommend the use of a dual rate switch for gimbal operation.

High rate – used to initialize the gimbal. The gimbal may not engage 

unless it sees full motion. However, these may be too high for 

shooting video smoothly. This is best for still photography so as to 

put the camera on target quickly. On high rate it is helpful to
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utilize fairly high exponential to make the stick feel soft around 

center. Adjust to your preference. Low rate – used for 

videography. Set the end point adjustments such that full stick

deflection offers the maximum speed required for videography. If 

conditions require higher gimbal speeds, switch to high rate. On 

low rate it is also helpful to utilize a small amount of exponential 

to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your

preference.

TIMERS

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

battery power.

Set the timer for 20 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. If using 

20,000 mah batteries, a total of 17,000 mah would be the target. 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 Lipo battery to extend use times to 

8 hours. Supplied batteries often last about 2 hours

NORMAL PROCEDURES

PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

Confirm all communication radios are operational

Radio with ATC

Radios with others in the group

Set a perimeter of 100 meters

Area must be clear of people to avoid collision

Check for overhead power lines and other obstacles to avoid

Check structural integrity

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

Be sure that the total flight time is under 10 minutes to avoid low battery
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Clean lens

Remove lens cap

Ensure camera has SD card installed

Many flights have been wasted due to this!

Install batteries

Ensure that the straps are tight and the Velcro keeps the batteries from moving 

which will avoid a shift in the CG (Center of Gravity – or that it balances 

evenly)

Check CG (Center of Gravity)

Lift the copter on each of the 3 pairs of arms. The copter should balance properly. 

If not, do not fly. Rearrange the equipment such that the CG is

IMU pointing forward

The Inertial Measurement Unit is set so that it must face forward

GPS/Compass installed, limited free play, pointing forward

This device must be installed with a screw to hold it in place. It cannot 

vibrate easily. If it does not point forward, the corrections in ATTI and 

GPS mode will be incorrect and it will crash. The FC will provide a 

warning with constant flashing white lights.

Level copter using a bubble level with front pointing in correct direction for 

course lock – do not turn on

Keep in mind the best angle for pointing the landing gear in the direction that will

keep the landing gear out of the shot when flying.

Turn on Pilot Tx

If using the rate gyro, set it at the correct position. This is usually a slider switch. 

Gains should have the range set from 200 – 350. Use the highest gain 

possible which does not cause oscillation.

Check Model Selection on Tx to be S800

Throttle on Tx Down

Return to Home switch Off

Adjust gain to correct position (if required)

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

Flight Path Switch Off – Not Course or Home or POI

Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

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.

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 turn the power back on to the copter.
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Count down timer should be set to 20 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.

Turn on Photography Tx

Check Model Selection on Tx – should read Zenmuse

Check Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)

HDMI switch Off

Freestyle switch Off (FPV On)

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

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

of the functions like live video or gimbal operation to not operate properly.

If the camera or gimbal do not function properly, disconnect the copter power. Then

put all the switches in the proper position for initialization and turn the power 

back on to the copter.

Engage power to copter

Plug in the 2 battery packs. Typically the battery packs use red T-style connectors in a

parallel wire harness. This Y-harness has a yellow connector. It is preferable to

connect the batteries to the Y-harness first, then plug in the yellow connector. 

This reduces (but does not eliminate) electrical arcing.

6 quick chirps should be heard confirming 6S LiPoly batteries are recognized by the

ESCs.

Hearing less than 6 chirps indicates fewer cell battery packs are being

recognized which is incorrect. Check for improper or damaged batteries.

Do not move or vibrate the UAV until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock

Initial 3 red blinks is normal meaning no GPS lock. No red flashes indicates full GPS

lock.

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

copter.

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 both Tx’s (transmitters)

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 – Must achieve double amber flash

Engage GPS Mode – Must achieve double purple flash

Engage course cock mode – Must achieve double green flash
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Disengage course lock mode. Must achieve double purple flash. Stay in this mode until 

just prior to takeoff, after takeoff at any time, or do not use.

Do not engage motors. Set throttle to center position. Must achieve single purple flash 

when in GPS mode.

To verify that the sticks are all centered properly:

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.

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

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 

blinks or continuous white blinks.

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

 HDMI switch On

This will stop video from playing on the back of the camera and will send the video

 signal to the video transmitter via the HDMI connection.

 Freestyle switch On (FPV Off)

This allows the camera to be operated freely through the transmitter

 Verify camera operation

Operate the shutter

Set the focus to auto or manual. Manual setting is usually set to infinity to stop

 constant focusing of the camera.

 Verify data link if installed

Roll the copter about 45 degrees on its side by lifting one side of the copter and resting

 one side of the landing gear on the ground

A corresponding roll should be seen on the gauge.

If the copter is rolled to the right, it will appear on the gauge that the horizon rolls to

 the left – not the right because the view from inside the copter is that the horizon 

rolls the opposite direction of the copter.
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Verify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer

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.

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

Necessary if within 5 miles of an airport

ATC clearance is required days or weeks before flying.

 Engage GPS mode – Double purple flash when the throttle is down.

 Switch to Course Lock flight mode if required. Purple flashes are replaced with 

green flashes. Flying in course lock is not required, but helpful in many 

instances.

 Announce loudly: “CLEAR PROP”

 Move both of the sticks to the bottom left corners 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”

 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. Should be single purple flash.

 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

Ascend to 10 meters
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Command AVO to proceed with mission.

Pilot should say “It’s yours”

Response from AVO “I have it”

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

over in manual mode when necessary.

White flashes indicates flight controller issue

Amber flashes indicates low battery

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.

Reset the first and second indicator lights as required for your set up.

When recharging the batteries, the goal is to put 4,000 mah into a 5,000 mah 

battery pack. Adjust the voltage warnings to your style of flying.

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.

POST LANDING

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

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

 ALWAYS disconnect the main power to the AV first, then turn 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.

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

 Keep a log of all flights.

Date

Time of Day
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Time in Operation (in hours)

Battery serial numbers

Mah used in flight

Location

Pilot, Observer, Sensor Operator Names

Flight Objective

Remarks

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

 Keep a log of significant inspections, tests, repairs, alterations, equipment 

changes.

Date maintenance is performed

Accumulated hours of operation

Remarks

PILOT LOG BOOK (Can be purchased inexpensively)

Keep a log of all flights. Include the following:

Aircraft flown

Aircraft serial number

Date

Time of Day

Time in Operation (in hours)

Location

Flight Objective

Remarks

PERFORMANCE

FLIGHT TIMES

 The AV 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 AV 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.
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 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:

LOS is required

The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range

Any freq. at may have severe degradation due to location to other 

admitters such as cell towers

RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) should be monitored for indication of

 communication drop out.

WEIGHT AND BALANCE EQUIPMENT 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 and the 

batteries.

 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 3 pairs of arms. The CG should be no more than 2mm off in any 

on the 3 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 25v. 

At 20% remaining capacity they have about 21v. 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.
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AIR VEHICLE AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION

FUEL/BATTERY REQUIRED

 Manufacturers: Various COTS suppliers.

 Refer to manufacturer data sheet.

 Battery chemistry required: Lithium Polymer

 Battery Capacity: 16,000 mah (minimum)

 Battery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)

 Battery Voltage: 21V minimum at hover, 22.2V nominal, 25.2V maximum

 Battery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum

 Batteries used simultaneously: 1-4 typical

 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:

 LOS is required.

 Lower frequencies penetrate objects such as trees better than higher freqs.

 Lower freqs have longer range than high freqs

 Higher freqs can transfer more data than lower freqs

 Higher freqs use smaller/shorter antennas

 The higher the GCS antennas, the better the range and reception

 Any freq at may have severe degradation due to location to other admitters 

such as cell towers

 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.

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.
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 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.
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Using more than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the 

voltage is no more than 25.2V. Over voltage will cause serious damage to 

electrical equipment.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

 ANNUAL INSPECTION (SUGGESTED)

If the airframe has in excess of 300 hours in a one year period, an annual 

inspection must be completed by an approved technician.

An approved technician should disassemble the AV and inspect all components 

for wear and replace any components as required.

Test all batteries for capacity.

Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions

500 HOUR PM (SUGGESTED)

An approved technician should disassemble the AV and inspect all components 

for wear and replace any components as required.

Replace all 8 motors.

Test all batteries for capacity.

Upgrade firmware and software to latest revisions

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. Links to these documents are 

available on the website. Print out the significant documents and keep in a notebook with the 

copter at all times.

AIRFRAME

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM

BATTERIES

BATTERY CHARGER

CAMERA MANUAL

CAMERA GCS

DATA WIRELESS LINK

GIMBAL CAMERA MOUNT

GIMBAL CAMERA MOUNT SERVOS

LAPTOP COMPUTER

MOTORS

ONBOARD REGULATOR

PROPELLERS

RC/MANRC/MANUAL COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEM

SPEED CONTROLS (ESCs)