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First Flight Checklist

Before your first flight with SAMPATHI 1, complete all checks in this section.
Skipping steps may result in unstable flight, loss of control, or damage to equipment.

This checklist is intended to ensure a safe and predictable first flight.

Mechanical Checks (Before Powering On)​

  • Frame is fully assembled and rigid
  • Flight controller is securely mounted
  • Board orientation matches configuration
  • Motors are firmly mounted
  • Propellers are removed during configuration
  • All screws are tightened and secured

Wiring & Connection Checks​

  • Battery polarity is correct
  • No exposed or loose wires
  • ESC signal wires are secure
  • Receiver connection is secure
  • Digital video unit wiring is correct
  • GPS (if used) is securely mounted and connected
  • SD card (if used) is properly inserted

Power-On Checks (No Propellers)​

Power the FCU using the battery.

Verify:

  • Status LEDs indicate normal boot
  • No excessive heat from the board
  • No unusual sounds or smells

If anything abnormal occurs, disconnect power immediately.

Betaflight Configuration Verification​

Connect to Betaflight Configurator and verify:

  • Board orientation is correct
  • Receiver inputs move correctly
  • Arm switch functions correctly
  • Failsafe is configured and tested
  • Motor protocol is correctly selected
  • GPS is detected (if enabled)
  • SD card is detected (if installed)

Save and reboot after any changes.

Motor Direction & Order Check​

⚠️ Propellers must still be removed.

  • Use the Motors tab to spin each motor
  • Confirm:
    • Correct motor number
    • Correct rotation direction
  • Correct any mismatches before proceeding

Never skip this step.

Reinstall Propellers (Final Step)​

After all configuration and motor checks are complete:

  • Install propellers in correct orientation
  • Confirm propeller direction matches motor rotation
  • Tighten propellers securely

Pre-Arm Safety Check​

Before arming the aircraft:

  • Aircraft is placed on level ground
  • Area is clear of people and obstacles
  • Transmitter is powered on
  • Correct flight mode is selected

Arm the aircraft only when ready.

First Takeoff Recommendations​

For the first flight:

  • Use a low throttle hover test
  • Stay close to the ground
  • Avoid aggressive manoeuvres
  • Monitor stability and responsiveness

Land immediately if the aircraft behaves unexpectedly.

After First Flight​

After landing:

  • Power down the aircraft
  • Inspect for loose connections
  • Check motor and ESC temperatures
  • Review any Blackbox logs if enabled

Make incremental adjustments before subsequent flights.

If Something Feels Wrong​

If at any point:

  • Controls feel reversed
  • Aircraft oscillates excessively
  • GPS behaves unexpectedly
  • Video feed is unstable

⚠️ Do not continue flying.

Land safely and review configuration before retrying.