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Pre-Flight check list

Pre-Flight check list

Owned by Yuchen Lin
Last updated: 2024-05-22
3 min read

 

 

Ardupilot and Mission Planner configuration correct
Compare against the latest baselines and verify no params changed or changes approved by comp-ft-team
LTE tested
Autopilot Orientation checked

Power system(battery and connection)

Batteries are inserted and plugged in
No exposed wire
all the soldering looks good

Propulsion system(motor and propeller)

Motor direction tested
Prop direction check

Sensory system(sensors)

Sensors output healthy & within range
The sensor is connected to Pixhawk
No pre-arm warning for sensors

Controller system(Control links and ground station system)

Controller is connected to Pixhawk using elrs
Controller link stats are shown on the controller
Radio testing is working
Controller input mappings correct
Controller input choices correct for pilot preferences
Pilot are sure all the button function
Wireless trainer tested & working per pilot preferences. (optional)
LTE connected to ground station
Mission planner are updating data from pegasus

Video system (VTX)

The video tower tested & working
Google and monitors are receiving video feed
OSD output is shown in the screen

Hardware

Cabin

Barbies cabin is working
Cargo is secured with rubber bands
Ramp is closed properly, both Velcro are aligned
Cabin skeleton is not loose/cabin won’t fall off mid-flight
Registration #, WARG logo, and Canada flag are on the cabin frame

X-frame & Landing Gear

No loose or dangling screws/mounts/PCB
Carbon fiber arms are sturdy and tight through the arm clamping blocks. Tighten the clamp if an arm is too loose
Carbon fiber arms do not rotate about the center block
No loose bolts on the landing gear T-joint

Sensors and Electronics

OFS is attached securely to its mount and the mount is not loose. Mount cannot rotate about the arm and it does not shift along the arm
FPV cameras are mounted tight and do not pitch easily
Nothing obstructing the FOV of the FPV cameras
Sensors connected to Pixhawk - check if any sensors are popped out
VTX antenna is taped sufficiently and does not come in contact with the propeller
ELRS antennas are exposed and easily accessible (not trapped between battery covers)
ELRS ep2 is taped securely

 

Wires, Motors, and Batteries

All 4 batteries fully connected
Batteries are Velcroed properly and do not shift
Motor phases follow the pattern as labelled
Prop direction inward and props mounted correctly
Battery harnesses are strong
Motor bullets fully inserted
Battery covers are fully clipped on
Wires secured away from propellers

 

Hardware (wiring)

  • Wires are not too tight or too loose (comfortable, not strained, not flapping around)

    • No cut/exposed wires

    • Shrouding is neat + presentable

    • Solder joints look good

      • no cracks

      • no corrosion

      • no exposed contacts (unless expected)

      • no exposed pad without solder on ESC caps

      • ESCs all have a touch of hot glue to secure the cap to the board

    • Connectors fully plugged in

    • Connectors in good health

raining checklist(optional)

conformal coat on all the main electronics
The cover is on the drone

Hardware (airframe)

  • Bolts secure (nothing loose)

    • Carbon fibre not cracked

    • 3D prints not failing/crushed / cracked

    • No loose items

Logging

  • Logging correct

  • Data looks correct

Flightline Kit

  • Spare tools

    • Metric allen keys

    • Pliers (flat nose + needle nose)

  • USB-C cable (short & long)

  • Power supplies for ground station computer

  • Ground station computer

  • Spare bolts

  • Radio Controllers

  • VTX tower

  • Googgle and FPV camera

  • Mission plan is clear and briefed

  • Flightline roles clear to all members

  • Communication hierarchy established

  • Incident procedures & roles in-place & briefed to all flight line team members

  • Timeline for day-of clear

  • The battery charging plan and flight line kit are ready to go.

  • Batteries in safety bag

  • Equipment

    • Zip tie

    • duck tape

    • label maker

    • Type c cable

    • charged WARG laptop

    • spare bag for small electronics

    • controller box

      • two-controller

      • battery tester

    • VTX box

    • VTX tower

    • Spare tools

      • Metric allen keys

      • Pliers (flat nose + needle nose)

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