Drone maintenance | How to avoid making mistakes

drone maintenance scene

Drones are ultra-modern, remote-controlled aircraft that enable you, thanks to an on-board camera, to see places that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Drones are strong yet delicate at the same time and they are also mechanically and electronically complex. Drones are classed as aircraft and their maintenance must be carried out in accordance with the Flight Manual and maintenance handbook.

Regular maintenance of the drone allows safer flights and significantly extends its life with optimum functionality. It is important to remember that if the drone falls, it could injure people or damage property. Carrying out proper maintenance enables us to avoid risks. This drone maintenance must be carried out on all drones, whatever their weight and class, but when using heavy and expensive equipment, it is especially important for drone maintenance to be scrupulous and regular.

Things you will need

Step 1

PROPELLER MAINTENANCE

The propellers must be kept in perfect condition. Before and after each use, all propellers and propeller adapters must be checked to ensure that they are free from scratches, cracks or visible deformation. Take particular care to keep them clean, as they can easily become covered in dirt, sand and grass during landing operations. This alters the propeller’s airfoil, jeopardising its efficiency. If the propellers are damaged or scratched, replace them. Check that left and right propellers are correctly positioned on the correct motors. Check that they are tightly secured (propellers are often “self-locking”), avoiding overtightening during assembly to avoid damaging the plastic threads. Also check that the propeller screws are securely tightened. Propellers are normally cleaned with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Apply a little WD-40 Multi-use product to properly clean hard-to-reach areas.  In any case, it is good practice to replace the propellers after more than 300 hours of flight time or after using them for a year.

Step 2

ARM MAINTENANCE

In many drone models, the propellers are placed at the ends of arms that must be checked and rotated to tighten them, without exerting excessive torsion, which could cause the loosening of the joint sleeve. Examine the arms regularly to ensure that their joints are not cracked or damaged. A simple test consists in holding each arm and shaking it gently to make sure they are secure. Inspect every and tighten it without excessive force.

Step 3

THE UNDERCARRIAGE

If your drone is equipped with an undercarriage, check the sleeves that connect it to the chassis for damage or cracks. Again, make sure the screws on each base of the undercarriage are tightly secured. When storing the undercarriage, its carrying case, take care not to exert force on the sleeves, as the propellers could be crushed when the case is closed. Check the condition of the undercarriage to make sure it is not damaged and that the rubber feet are still in good condition, replacing them if necessary. Check that the landing gear is perfectly level.

Step 4

MOTOR MAINTENANCE

It is essential to prevent friction, off-axis rotation or the presence of bearings that do not do their job. As soon as you hear a strange noise during flight, check the motor immediately. Check the motor  and the copper wires inside for oxidation. Dry the wires and motor thoroughly if they come into contact with water during flight. Treatment with WD-40 Multi-use product is ideal for successful maintenance.

Step 5

BATTERIES AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Check the condition of the battery contacts. Remove any oxidation because it could cause considerable electrical resistance, reducing the power necessary to propel the drone. If the battery is old and shows signs of surface damage, due to impacts, it is best to replace it immediately. Lastly, make sure that the battery support is clean and shows no signs of corrosion due to the possible leakage of material. Remove any water or dust. Use WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner to treat the connectors and battery compartment.

Step 6

OTHER CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE

Given the electronic-mechanical complexity of the drone, there are several other checks and maintenance operations that should be carried out before and after the flight. The most important include:

  • Checking the aerials
  • Checking the seals of various openings
  • Cleaning the air intakes
  • Checking the shock absorbers for damage, looseness or defects
  • Examining the gimbal and make sure it can rotate without problems
  • Cleaning the camera – camcorder with a microfibre cloth and non-abrasive detergent.

IT's THAT EASY!

In conclusion, proper drone maintenance is paramount for safe and efficient flights. Regular checks on propellers, arms, undercarriage, motors, and batteries ensure optimal performance and extend the drone's lifespan. This meticulous approach is especially crucial when dealing with heavy and expensive equipment. By investing time in these routine tasks, users not only prevent potential risks but also contribute to a seamless and enjoyable flying experience. Ultimately, a well-maintained drone is the key to unlocking the full potential of aerial exploration.

Disclaimer

The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.