First Flight Guide
A structured approach to your first flights — from pre-flight checks to full-range missions.
Pre-Flight Checklist
Complete these checks before every flight session.
1
Radio Calibration
Calibrate your transmitter endpoints and verify channel mapping in Mission Planner or QGroundControl.
2
Compass Calibration
Perform a full compass calibration away from metal structures and vehicles.
3
Accelerometer Calibration
Level calibration on a flat surface. Required after any transport.
4
Servo Test
Verify control surface deflection direction and range. Ailerons, elevator, rudder.
5
GPS Lock
Wait for solid 3D fix with HDOP below 1.5 before arming. Minimum 10 satellites.
6
Motor Spin Check
With props on, briefly arm and verify all four VTOL motors spin in correct direction.
Flight Progression
Follow this sequence to build confidence and verify performance before attempting long-range missions.
1
Flight 1 — FBWA Mode
Hover takeoff, transition to forward flight in FBWA mode. Trim the aircraft. Practice gentle turns. Land in QLOITER. Keep it close.
2
Flight 2 — Test RTL
Take off, fly 200–300m out, engage RTL. Verify the aircraft returns, transitions to hover, and lands at the home point.
3
Flight 3 — Simple AUTO
Create a 2–3 waypoint mission under 3 km total distance. Fly in AUTO mode and observe transitions, altitude hold, and waypoint tracking.
4
Flight 4 — Extended AUTO
Plan a 10–15 km mission. Monitor battery consumption and log Wh/km. Verify cruise current stays in the 5–7A range.
5
Flight 5+ — Gradual Extension
Incrementally extend mission distance. Verify Wh/km remains under 2.5 with VTOL phases included. Build confidence before full-range flights.