Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklist

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Im a noob and Im trying to put together a pre flight checklist as well as a maintenance checklist. However, I could use some advice on the frequency of maintenance and Im sure there are things Im missing. Are there checklists already out there or does anyone want to add to this one?

This is what I have:

PHANTOM PRE FLIGHT CHECKLIST

1) VISUAL INSPECTION:
Check battery pack
Go pro mount
Battery door
External wires.

2) GOPRO:
Turn on.
Place in video mode.
Check battery life.

3) Controller: Power on Futaba T8J.
Confirm

3) GREEN LIGHT GO ONLY:
Turn on phantom and wait 1-3 min until you get a slow flashing GREEN LIGHT ONLY.
If you don't get a flashing green light, it has not found its home point and won't come home if it goes in safe mode. Bye bye phantom.
If no green light, DO NOT FLY IN GPS MODE. Fly in Att mode only or Bye bye Phantom!!!

2) SPIN PROPS:
Are props spinning evenly?
Do motors sound good?


GENERAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

1) Oil bearings - once every 8 flights.

2) Balance props - How often?

3) Check motors to see if they are balanced. - How often?

4) Link to NAZA Assistant to see if it is properly calibrated - As needed.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

I would include:

* Checking prop nuts
* Check for loose body screws
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

i would also include in pre-flight:

flight plan
hazards
emergency procedures (exits are located to the front and rear of the plane..j/k :lol: ) on a more serious note, known if you can ditch with and emergency landing or bringing her up higher is always a good thing to know.
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

I do a lot more pre-flight check:
* Batteries charge meassure (with mini voltage metter)
* TX sticks positioned (GPS on - IOC off)
* Timer alarm ON (or phone timer alarm) ON (my safe flight time is 6-7 minutes max)
* Compass cable tightly connected (mine now has been covered with electrical tape)
* Compass calibration (required if you change flight site !)
* Battery door right closed
* Take off and hover check all stick controls befor fly away.

After landing is safe to do a checlist too.
* Batteries voltage meassure (I write a bitacora for each battery, voltage before flight, voltage after flight, flight duration, date, time)
* Nuts secured
* Cameras secured
* Screws complete.
.....
more to come...
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

Oil bearings? I was told NOT to do that. It does not need it and the oil will just attract dirt, causing premature bearing failure.
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

Wow!!! By the time I get through that checklist, it will be time to go home. :lol: On serious note, it's worth starting out with that list but once you get a routine, the list won't seem as long. Happy Flying!!!
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

Hi guys

I'm a beginner to this.

¿How do you "2) Balance props" ?

Thanks in advance
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

Manupa said:
¿How do you "2) Balance props" ?

This way:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXuNnYQO2s4[/youtube]
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

FangsCPO said:
Wow!!! By the time I get through that checklist, it will be time to go home. :lol: On serious note, it's worth starting out with that list but once you get a routine, the list won't seem as long. Happy Flying!!!

The day some guys had lost their phantom sure they asked themselves: why... what happended.... what did I do wrong...? Easy answer.... didn't follow pre-flight checklist :ugeek:
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

I would add ensure wifi is off on the gopro. I actually made a label and placed it right next to the power button of my controller. I also have one that says power on remote first.

My biggest worry is forgetting about the wifi being on.
 
Re: Creating a pre flight checklist and maintenance checklis

Pre-Flight checklist... High Voltage Power Sation
I will be shooting a property this weekend and it is near a high voltage power station in the mountains... proximity maybe a half mile away from take off point to the west... Highway to the north... heavy forrest to the east and south.. Is 1/2 mile away far enough away to avoid any interference? my magnetic declination is currently +8.9

High Voltage station is in the middle-left third of the back ground
:shock:
 

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Consolidated items from all posts. Organized for Printing...

PHANTOM 1 - PRE FLIGHT CHECKLIST

1) VISUAL INSPECTION:
Check battery pack - wires ok? connector ok? damage? voltage (safe full charge = 12.56v)?
Go pro mount - tight?
Battery door - secure? any damage?
External wires - all secure?
Check prop nuts - secure?
Visually inspect Propellers for damage or cracks
Check for loose body screws
Transmitter Batteries - check charge level - measure (with voltage meter)
TX mode selector switches - positioned both all the way up? (GPS on - IOC off)
Timer alarm ON (or phone timer alarm) ON (my safe flight time is 6-7 minutes max)
Compass cable tightly connected (mine now has been covered with electrical tape)
Compass calibration (required if you change flight site !)
Battery door fully closed


2) GOPRO:
Turn on.
Place in video mode.
Check battery life.


3) CONTROLLER

Power on


4) PHANTOM - Power On
GREEN LIGHT GO ONLY:
Turn on phantom and wait 1-3 min until you get a slow flashing GREEN LIGHT ONLY.
If you don't get a flashing green light, it has not found its home point and won't come home if it goes in safe mode. Bye bye phantom.
If no green light, DO NOT FLY IN GPS MODE. Fly in Att mode only or Bye bye Phantom!!!


5) PROPELLERS CHECK:

Spool up Props - Are props spinning evenly? Is there vibration?
Do motors sound good?


6). Lift Off
Take off and hover - check all stick controls before flying Phantom away.


GENERAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
1) Oil bearings - once every 8 flights.
2) Balance props - How often?
3) Check motors to see if they are balanced. - How often?
4) Link to NAZA Assistant to see if it is properly calibrated - As needed.
 
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