📗Overview

Introduction to Equipment

Learning Objectives

• SWBAT: Describe drone mechanical operations

• SWBAT: Describe types of equipment for specific purposes

• SWBAT: Demonstrate equipment maintenance and cleaning

• SWBAT: Use an equipment checklist

Key Objectives

This module teaches students the equipment needed to fly drones. The module also introduces students to equipment care and regulations, revealing the importance of regular maintenance and consistent documentation.

• What is the basic equipment that drone pilots utilize?

  • Drone, Controller, and Camera/Sensor

• What are the different parts of a drone and their use case?

  • Antenna, Battery, Camera/Sensor, Chassis/Hull, Flight LEDs, Gimbal; 3-axis, Landing gear, Mini SD Disk Slot, Mini USB Port, Motors, Obstacle avoidance sensors, Propellers, RTK_GNSS

• What are the different parts of a controller and their use case?

  • Antennas, Display Screen, Control Stick, Return Home (RTH) Button, Battery Level LEDs, Status LED, Power Button, RTH LED, Speaker

• Why are following pre and post flight checklists and maintaining a drone log book key to ensuring successful flights?

  • Pre and post flight checklists help drone operators identify issues with their drone beforehand, reducing in-flight risk. Further, consistent documentation with checklists and drone log books can help reveal potential causes.

• How does a drone operator conduct routine drone maintenance?

  • 3 parts: Structural Inspection, Battery Check, Software/Firmware