Drone Flight Operations & Emergency Procedures

Mission Preparation

• Mission Area: Define area, set takeoff/landing points, configure waypoints, and verify terrain levels.
• Emergency Planning: Define landing and rally points for power loss or failsafe.
• Weather & Airspace: Check for wind (Max >= 25 MPH), verify airspace, and apply for LAANC if req'd.
• Personnel: Station VOs for VLOS and notify all personnel in the mission area.
• CRM: Establish a Crew Resource Management plan.
• Equipment: Verify all gear is charged; prepare power solutions and fuel/battery reserves for long missions.
• Pre-Flight Checklist: Ensure all checks are completed, including battery levels, propeller integrity, and component security. Confirm strong GPS signal and flight control system functionality.

Software Setup

• Open the flight control software on your GCS.
• Navigate to the arming section in the software.

Arming / Takeoff

• Area Selection: Use a flat surface free of obstructions (tall grass, trees, etc.).
• Flight Mode: Ensure aircraft is in "Loiter" mode before arming.
• Readiness: Arm only when the flight readiness indicator shows "Ready to Fly".
• Arming Procedures:

• C-GCS: Slide throttle fader to zero, then twist control stick right (Yaw right) until HUD displays "ARMED".
• C-ATLAS / HereLink: Push left stick down and to the right (throttle down, yaw right).

• Arming Details: Engage the arming switch/button on the GCS. Confirm status via software and drone LED color changes.
• Safety Checks: Double-check the area is clear of people, animals, and obstacles. Announce loudly that the drone is armed.
• Takeoff: Ease throttle up until takeoff and monitor climb out.

Disarming / Landing

• Landing: Center over the landing area and descend slowly until touchdown on a flat, stable surface.
• Disarming Procedures:

• C-GCS: Slide throttle fader to zero until HUD displays "DISARMED".
• C-ATLAS / HereLink: Hold the left control stick straight down for 10 seconds until propellers stop.

• Disarming Process: Disengage the arming switch/button on the GCS. Confirm status via software and LED indicators.
• Confirmation: Verify "DISARMED" status in the HUD.

Post-Flight & Storage

• Post-Flight Checks: Inspect for damages or loose parts. Power off the drone and related equipment.

Procedures	Post-Flight Inspection
Cool EFI generator in IDLE, then select STOP (EFI only).	Check propellers for chipping/delamination; apply socks.
Power down IE Fuel Cell (Hydrone only).	Inspect boom arms and locking mechanisms.
Power down peripherals (Cameras/LiDAR).	Check motors for debris or damage to grates.
Unplug drone batteries.	Verify airframe integrity.
Power down GCS.	Fold landing gear (Electric only).
Store all components in respective cases.	Align vehicle in case per page 6 diagram.

Emergency Procedures

Familiarize yourself with these scenarios and procedures in the event of a failsafe.

Scenario	Procedures
Risk of harm/damage	Emergency Stop (Disarm) - Stops all motors; results in total loss in flight.
GPS Flyaway	Select "ALT HOLD" to sever GPS function.
Lost Comms	Verify VLOS; check for radio interference.
GCS/Radio Failsafe	RTL is automatic; or perform manual landing (C-GCS).
Low Voltage	RTL is automatic; manual landing if distance to home is too far.