6
First Flights
If you can answer yes to the following checklist questions, then you are ready for your first flight:
Have you checked that you have all of the components of your system?
Have you completed simulator training, including the four practice lessons?
Have you charged both the transmitter and helicopter batteries?
Have you chosen an appropriate flying location based on our recommendations?
Have you removed and carefully stored the video system?
On The Field
Caution: The following startup sequence is mandatory. Failure to follow these steps can result in
the Draganflyer powering up suddenly and uncontrollably. This can injure you and damage the
Draganflyer.
1. Make sure the detachable antenna is installed and locked on top of the transmitter. Failure to do so can result
in problems when flying. Make sure the throttle control is at its lowest level.
2. Turn the transmitter “On.”
Open
the folded rotor blades and align them. (Do not skip this step!)
3. Set the transmitter flight mode switch to the “Training/Video Position.” Read the Details section to under
stand what this switch does.
4. You have two other modes of flight for the Draganflyer: with Thermal Intelligence “On” or with it “Off.” For
your first training flights we recommend that the Thermal Intelligence switch be turned “Off.” This involves
both turning the Thermal Intelligence transmitter switch “Off” and using the arming sequence shown below.
5. Install and connect the Draganflyer’s battery. Turn the Draganflyer power switch “On.”
6. Advance the throttle on the transmitter and observe the red light on top of the Draganflyer. It should confirm
that the transmitter and Draganflyer are communicating properly by blinking more rapidly as the throttle is
advanced and more slowly as the throttle is reduced. Return the throttle to its lowest setting.
7. The next step is “arming” the helicopter with one of the sequences below:
8. Your Draganflyer is ready to fly
Thermal Intelligence Off
i. Set the Thermal Intelligence
switch on the transmitter to
“Off.”
ii. Holding the helicopter on
the ground, reach into the
canopy with a finger and
press the “arming button.”
iii. The red light on top of the
‘copter will now blink more
slowly.
Thermal Intelligence On
i. Set the Thermal Intelligence switch on the transmitter to
“On”
ii. Hold the helicopter at arms length, base plate facing you,
LED’s facing up, while standing in a grassy area rather than
on concrete or asphalt.
iii. Check to see that either one or two of the green LED’s are
lighted.
iv. Reach into the canopy with a finger and press the “arming
button.”
v. The red light on top of the ‘copter will blink more slowly.
vi. Teach the Draganflyer what level is. Place the helicopter
on a level surface. Stand in front of it 1015 feet away and
hold the left control stick full down and right for a couple
of seconds. The two green LEDs will blink to confirm that
the level position has been saved.
