Safety
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Wings: Ensure wings are securely mounted and linkage is intact
- Battery: Fully charged, properly secured, correct cell count
- Controls: Verify stick responses in Configurator receiver tab
- Failsafe: Test on bench before flight (see Failsafe)
- Arm Switch: Configure and test — never rely on stick arming alone
- Launch Area: Clear of people, obstacles, and overhead obstructions
Arm Safety
OrniFlight uses multiple safeties before arming:
- Throttle low: Throttle must be at minimum
- Level: Craft must be reasonably level
- RX Signal: Valid receiver signal required
- CPU Load: System must not be overloaded
- Calibration: Accelerometer and gyro must be calibrated
In-Flight Safety
- Fly within visual line of sight
- Maintain safe distance from people and animals
- Monitor battery voltage — land before warning threshold
- In FPV: always fly with a spotter
- Wind: ornithopters can be wind-sensitive — know your limits
Emergency Procedures
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Loss of orientation | Switch to INDEPENDENT mode, center sticks |
| Signal loss | Failsafe will auto-land (if LAND procedure configured) |
| Wing damage | Disarm immediately — wings stop |
| Bird strike | Disarm, assess damage before re-arming |
| Low battery | Land immediately — ornithopters have no autorotation |
Ornithopter-Specific Risks
- Pinch hazard: Flapping wings can cause injury — keep hands clear when armed
- Linkage failure: Pre-flight check all pushrods and ball joints
- Resonance: Certain flapping frequencies may excite airframe resonances — tune ONDAS sweep to avoid
- Glide lockout: If wing servos fail in non-neutral position, controlled landing is impossible — test servo failsafe positions