Implementing consistent maintenance practices into your unmanned programs ensures safe operations and extends the operability of your aircraft well into the future. Here are some suggestions directly from the FLYMOTION team to maintain your Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, including its airframe and battery systems.

Airframe Maintenance

Visual inspections are necessary before and after flight operations. The outer frame, sensors, sensors gimbal, and arms should be checked for signs of stress, especially after sending UAS into police or fire calls. Exposed systems like the camera sensor and gimbals need to be free of excessive dust or water and moisture. Take into consideration that both the camera and gimbal are sensitive elements that need to be cleaned carefully. If there is any damage, it’s suggested to replace parts only with OEM DJI products for a guaranteed quality repair.

Propellers are another major component to check during routine inspections and before flight time. Inspect your drone for any signs of stress, cracks, chips, or bent blades. Any one of these conditions can adversely affect the flight performance of the aircraft as well as life of the unit if never ignored. Even worse, they can pose a safety risk in an area of operations.

Most DJI drone packages come with spare propellers, which can be used to replace a damaged part within minutes to resume flight. Make sure to reference the DJI Manual for specific instructions regarding propeller replacement.

Battery Maintenance

Aircraft batteries are critical aspects of the aircraft and require special consideration when conducting maintenance. DJI has outlined a set of best practices for the upkeep of their Intelligent Flight Batteries to maximize their lifespan.

1. Check for battery firmware updates on DJI’s website. Batteries can be updated while conducting general aircraft firmware updates. If a battery-specific update is needed, you can use the BS60 battery charging station and the Smart Controller.
   1. For an overview of the BS60 Intelligent Battery Station, watch our product overview on our YouTube channel.
2. DJI suggests operators fully charge and discharge the battery at least once every three months for optimal battery health, following the below steps:
   1. Charge to 100%, making sure the cell voltage difference is less than 0.1v
   2. Leave the battery stationary for 24 hours, then install it in the aircraft
   3. Exhaust the battery down to 20%
   4. Charge to full capacity for use and store
3. Batteries should be stored between 40-60% capacity. Never store batteries fully charged or fully drained; both can shorten a battery’s lifespan.
4. Operators can set a time between 1-10 days for the battery to discharge on its own. Otherwise, they will do so automatically after ten days.
5. Avoid charging batteries immediately after a flight. Batteries pulled immediately after a flight will be hot and charging them can cause issues. Allow them to cool down before charging to avoid damage. In scenarios where immediate charging is necessary, do so in an open, ventilated space.
6. Replace batteries if:
   1. Visual swelling or leaking appears
   2. Terminals are bent
   3. A battery has reached 200 charging cycles
   4. Flight app notifies you of a battery issue

Battery care should not be dismissed as unimportant. Not monitoring battery health can, at best, decrease flight time and battery lifespan. At worst, it can bring serious damage to the aircraft and a threat to operators.

The Take-Away

Regular inspections don’t need to take long but should be a routine protocol pilots of all proficiency levels should follow. It should become a habit that can save a lot of money and headaches down the road for you or your agency. Make sure to consult the appropriate instruction manuals for your aircraft for the safest and most effective practices. Have any questions? Contact one of our representatives at FLYMOTION through our website.