Firebird Flight Manual
  • Firebird Flight Manual
  • Record of Manual Revisions
    • Revision A
  • Introduction
  • General Information and System Description
    • Aircraft
      • Airframe
      • Flight Control Surfaces
      • Propulsion, propellers, and rotors
      • Avionics
    • Control Station
      • Hardware, buttons and joysticks
      • User interface overview
      • Vehicle status indicator
      • Vehicle overview menu
      • Flight mode selector
      • Connection manager
      • Quick actions sidebar
      • Vehicle dashboard
      • Flight Map
      • Camera View
    • Command and Control
    • Launch and/or recovery equipment
      • Parachute
    • Ground operational area set up
  • Performance and Limitations
    • Battery Specifications
  • Normal Procedures
    • Pre-flight planning
      • Mission planning
        • Area Survey
        • Corridor Scan
        • Structure Scan
    • System Assembly
    • Pre-flight Inspection Check
    • System Starting and Takeoff
    • In-flight monitoring
    • Cruise / Maneuvering in flight
    • Payload Operation
    • Landing
    • System Shutdown
    • Post-flight inspection
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Weight and balance, and equipment list
  • Handling, servicing, preventative and field maintenance and instructions for continued airworthiness
    • Ground Handling
    • Disassembly, storage and reassembly
    • Battery Handling
    • Cleaning and care
    • Owner/Operator Responsibilities
    • Authorized field-level or preventative maintenance
    • Return to service procedures
  • Supplements
    • Payloads Operation
    • Continued Airworthiness
      • Notices of Corrective Action
    • External References
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  1. Normal Procedures

Landing

PreviousPayload OperationNextSystem Shutdown

Last updated 5 months ago

The standard landing procedure through the PX4 autopilot is described under the Mission Planning section.

Manual Landing

The following steps are necessary to ensure a smooth and safe landing, especially when transitioning from forward flight to vertical descent. Follow the steps below for a safe descent and landing.

  1. Preparation and Setup:

    • Ensure the Firebird™ is in the appropriate flight mode for manual control on the Herelink controller. Use either Position or Altitude to provide better control for manual landings.

    • Monitor the drone’s battery level, wind conditions, and any obstacles in the area using Auterion Mission Control.

  2. Transition to Hover Mode:

    • Switch the Firebird™ from fixed-wing forward flight to multirotor hover mode. This is done using a transition switch on the Herelink controller, which will command the PX4 autopilot to gradually slow the drone down and initiate a vertical descent profile.

    • Wait until the drone completes the transition to hover mode, as this can take a few seconds depending on its speed and altitude. Ensure the drone is stable and positioned above the landing zone.

  3. Descent Control:

    • Use the throttle stick on the Herelink controller to carefully lower the drone’s altitude. PX4 will help maintain stability, but maintaining manual control allows you to adjust for wind or unexpected drift as you descend.

    • Keep an eye on the drone's altitude, descent rate, and proximity to the ground through telemetry feedback on the Herelink screen or Auterion Mission Control.

  4. Landing Confirmation:

    • As the drone approaches ground level, reduce the descent rate to prevent hard landings.

    • Touch down softly, and once on the ground, fully reduce the throttle to zero. Maintain a slight hold of the throttle to confirm a landing status in PX4.

  5. Post-Landing and Disarm:

    • Once the drone has landed, disarm the motors via the Herelink controller to ensure it stays securely on the ground in case it does not automatically disarm.

    • Monitor telemetry data for a few moments to confirm a safe shutdown before powering off the Herelink controller and Auterion Mission Control.

    • Follow the steps as described in the for proper aircraft disassemble and storage.

Mission planning
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