Project archive guide. Technical instructions are awaiting hardware-team review; consult the documentation for your exact equipment.
Maintaining Flight Readiness
Keep your drone flying safely and reliably with regular maintenance and smart repair practices. This section covers essential tips, checklists, and fixes to help you prevent issues, handle common problems, and extend the life of your gear.
Common Practice Maintence
Routine Maintenance Before Flight
Performing basic checks before every flight helps prevent crashes and reduce wear.
- Inspect propellers for cracks, chips, or warping.
- Tighten all screws, bolts, and motor mounts.
- Check for loose wires, connectors, or solder joints.
- Clean dirt and dust from motors and arms.
- Ensure firmware is up to date and properly calibrated.
- Test battery condition and connector fit before takeoff.
Cleaning & Care
Regular cleaning keeps your drone running smoothly and prevents dirt buildup from affecting performance.
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean motors and tight areas.
- Wipe down the frame and arms with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
- Avoid water or harsh chemicals on electronics and exposed components.
- Never spin motors by hand aggressively — it can cause internal wear.
Troubleshooting Problems
Not sure what's wrong? Use these tips to identify and fix common flight or hardware issues.
- Drone won’t arm? Check the radio link, GPS lock, or failsafe settings.
- Wobbling or drifting mid-air? Inspect motor alignment and run a gyro calibration.
- Motors stutter or don't spin? Look for ESC errors or damaged motor windings.
- No video feed? Check camera connections and make sure VTX and antennas are secure.
- Weird behavior? Review flight controller logs or settings in Betaflight/INAV.
When Not to Fly
Flying in unsafe conditions can damage your drone or cause accidents. Always do a quick risk check before takeoff.
- Do not fly with cracked frames, bent arms, or loose mounts.
- Avoid using puffy, overheated, or damaged batteries.
- Postpone flights during high winds, rain, or extreme temperatures.
- Never fly if you suspect a GPS, radio, or sensor malfunction.
- If anything feels off during your pre-flight check, land and inspect first.