H6HL – Checklists

Pre-Flight Preparation

Mission Preparation

• Define the mission area: Set takeoff & landing, configure waypoints, and verify terrain levels.
• Define emergency landing & rally points: Establish points for emergency landings due to power loss or failsafe.
• Check weather conditions: Max wind speed >=30 MPH.
• Check Airspace: Apply for an LAANC if required.
• Visual Observer (VO): Have VO(s) stationed to maintain visual line-of-sight (VLOS).
• Safety Awareness: Be aware of potential flight hazards and safety concerns; notify all personnel in the mission area before flight.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM): Establish a CRM plan.
• Equipment Check: Verify all equipment is fully charged.
• Power Solution: Prepare a power/charging solution for GCS's and laptops during lengthy missions.
• Reserves: Prepare adequate fuel and battery reserves for lengthy missions.
• Checklist: Complete a Pre-Flight Checklist.

Arming/Takeoff

• Area Selection: Select a flat area for takeoff and landing that is free of obstructions (tall grass, trees, etc.).
• Flight Mode: Verify the aircraft is in "Loiter" flight mode before arming.
• Arm the vehicle: Use the following GCS options:

• C-GCS: Throttle down & Yaw Right
• C-ATLAS: Left Stick Down
• C-Navigator: Left Stick Down & Arm Button
• HereLink: Left Stick Down

• Status Confirmation: Confirm "ARMED" status in the Heads-Up Display (HUD).
• Takeoff: Ease throttle control up until takeoff & monitor climb out.

Disarming/Landing

• Positioning: Center the vehicle over the landing area.
• Descent: Reduce throttle and descend slowly until the vehicle has touched down.
• Disarm: Disarm the vehicle by holding throttle control down for 10 seconds, until propellers come to a full stop.

Final Confirmation: Confirm "DISARMED" status in the HUD.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Before Powering The Aircraft

• The takeoff and landing area is clear of debris or tall grass.
• Use the included Capacity Controller to verify the charge of each battery, and there are no faulted cells (EFI and Hydrone Only).
• All related equipment is present, which includes if applicable: Ground Control Station and power supply, Remote ID, Carrier Link, Laptop.
• The Ground Control Station is charged, or powered with a power supply.
• C-GCS throttle set to "low" (C-GCS only).
• Center of gravity is balanced with payload.
• GPS stands are locked upright.
• Antennas are secured and undamaged.
• All booms and legs are securely locked out.
• Propellers are fully extended, the orientation is correct, and propellers are undamaged.
• Motors spin freely without resistance.
• Payload and mount are secured.
• Fuel Tank, Hydrogen Tank, or Battery Rack are secured, and plunger assembly is locked.
• Fuel Tank or Hydrogen tank is filled and its cap is secure (EFI or Hydrone only).
• Fuel lines or gas lines are free of kinks, and are not leaking (EFI or Hydrone only).
• Backup batteries are secured into their mounts (EFI or Hydrone only).
• Generator or Fuel Cell mounts are secured (EFI or Hydrone only).
• Air filter and temperature sensor are secured (EFI only).
• Batteries connect with no sparking.

After Powering The Aircraft

• Pixhawk initializes properly (chiming). Do not move the aircraft after initialization.
• GPS lights up and flashes yellow.
• GPS position acquired.
• LEDs light up (green in front, red in rear).
• Carrier Link connectivity verified.
• HA-QGC or Mission Planner connect.
• Verify Remote ID connectivity.
• Verify that the Ground Control Station is working properly.
• Verify battery voltages (48.5V–49.5V).
• Check for error messages and pre-arm messages in the log.
• Telemetry window loads (EFI only).
• Fuel level has been set (EFI only).
• Verify flight modes.
• Verify RTL altitude.
• Verify the FPV camera is streaming.
• Perform a motor test.
• Verify flight mode is "Loiter" before takeoff.

EFI Checklist

• Generator fuel lines have been primed.
• Set engine control (C switch) to "Idle".
• Start the engine with the pull start.
• Allow the engine to warm up for 1 minute (60 celsius).
• Check for error messages or pre-arm messages.
• Set engine control (C switch) to "Run".
• Verify that voltage is between 49V–49.9V, and amperage is no more than 10A.
• Monitor voltage after take-off, if it falls below 48V, land the aircraft and report it to [e-mail]
• After flying, allow the generator to cool down in "Run" for 1 minute, switch to "Idle" and cool for another minute.

Post-Flight Procedures

After each flight, it's important to consider the order by which the vehicle should be powered down, and prepared for storage. The table below provides these steps listed in order of importance.

Procedures

• Cool down the EFI generator in IDLE mode, then select STOP. (EFI only)
• Power down the IE Fuel Cell. (Hydrone only)
• Power down any peripherals such as cameras or LiDAR.
• Power down the drone by unplugging the batteries.
• Power down Ground Control Station.
• Remove peripherals, batteries, and antennas and store them in their respective cases.

Post-Flight Inspection

• Check each propeller for chipping or delamination, and place propeller socks on each for protection.
• Check each boom arm for damage, and verify the locking/unlocking mechanism is functional.
• Check each motor for debris or damage to the grates.
• Check the airframe integrity, especially in the event of a hard landing.
• Fold landing gear (Electric only), and store the vehicle in its case.
• Align the vehicle in the case according to the diagram on page 6.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency or failsafe, one should familiarize themselves with the options/scenarios available below.

Additional Checks

• Inspect propellers, motors, and ESCs for damage or wear.
• Check the airframe, hinges, and landing gear for integrity.
• Verify all electronic connections and pins.
• Perform a complete aircraft cleaning.