Flying Procedures

CRD1 Check List

Below is a PDF you should print and keep to check before every flight.

Issues Preventing Arming

You may occasionally encounter issues that will prevent Aurora from arming; please follow the next steps to resolve any issues-

Compass Calibration

If AMC asks you to calibrate the compass and won't allow you to take off, follow the instructions to recalibrate sensors in an area without significant magnetic interference (far from large metal structures or magnetic/electric installations).

Everything else

Check if the AMC message you're encountering is on our Error/Warning Spreadsheet, and follow the associated instructions. If you're still experiencing the issue, don't hesitate to contact [email protected] for further troubleshooting.

Arming and Disarming

CRD1's propulsion system has two fundamental states: Disarmed and Armed.

State

Definition

Indication

Disarmed

Safe mode, no spinning propellers

None

Armed

Aircraft will spin propellers, ready to fly

None

CRD1 can be armed with or without GPS.

Pro Tip: Wait for GPS lock even if you don't plan to use Position Mode because Return Mode relies on GPS.

The manual transitioning between armed and disarmed states is via the pilot handset throttle stick. (The pilot's handset default configuration is Mode 2.)

State
Input

Arming (Mode 2)

Hold the throttle stick down and right for 2 seconds.

Disarming

When the aircraft has landed, continue holding the throttle stick down for 2 seconds.

It is not possible to disarm via the normal method while in flight.

To disarm during flight, perform an Emergency Stop.

If CRD1 does not arm, check Auterion Mission Control (AMC) for errors or warnings.

Only use the throttle stick to Arm & Disarm. CRD1 will not respond to two-stick input (i.e. DJI arming gesture). However, you can use the takeoff icon to arm and take of your Aurora automatically.

Missions may Arm and Disarm the aircraft automatically. For example, if a mission is started while the aircraft is disarmed on the ground, the aircraft will arm and take off.

Automatic Disarm Methods

Under these conditions, CRD1 will automatically disarm.

Method

CRD1 behavior

Gon the round timeout before taking off

If CRD1 sits on the ground at idle throttle for 10 seconds, it will automatically disarm.

Land mode

If CRD1 is in Land Mode and detects a landing, it will disarm after 1 seconds. For example, this applies if the last command in a mission is "Land."

Automatic Disarm Methods

Under these conditions, CRD1 will automatically disarm.

Method

CRD1 behavior

Ground timeout before taking off

If CRD1 sits on the ground at idle throttle for 10 seconds, it will automatically disarm.

Land mode

If CRD1 is in Land Mode and detects a landing, it will disarm after 1 second. For example, this applies if the last command in a mission is "Land".

Taking off

Position Mode is best for taking off in most cases, as it offers the most stabilization. However, taking off in Altitude, Manual, and Mission modes is certainly possible.

For 5 seconds after takeoff, the maximum pitch and roll angles are reduced to 12 degrees.

After takeoff, promptly climb out of the ground effect (i.e., to 3 feet / 12 meters of altitude) to avoid snagging landing gear on the ground.

Once you have armed the aircraft, ensure that the throttle stick is returned to its central position. At this point, the propellers will be spinning. To initiate takeoff, simply raise the throttle stick. As a result, the aircraft will lift off the ground.

Landing

Position Mode is best for landing in most cases, as it offers the most stabilization. However, it is also possible to land in Altitude and Manual modes. The aircraft behaves a little differently in each mode.

In Position and Altitude Modes, at altitudes below 6 feet, the maximum vertical speed is reduced to 0.7 m/s (from the normal value of 2 m/s).

CRd1 will disarm automatically after the autopilot detects a landing. Landing detection brings input from several sensors to determine when it is safe to disarm.

In order to successfully land your aircraft, you should first raise it to a height of at least 2 meters. Then, gradually decrease throttle input by pulling the throttle stick directly downward without making any pitch, roll, or yaw adjustments. The landing sensor on CRD1 will manage the descent speed automatically. Once the aircraft reaches the ground, keep the throttle stick down until Auroa disarms and the propellers stop completely. It's important to keep in mind that if you're operating at altitudes below 2 meters, the maximum pitch and roll angle is limited to 12 degrees. This limitation is in place to prevent any sudden maneuvers that could cause the aircraft to tip over.

Battery Changes / Hotswaps

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