VDM 020 – Maintenance

Aircraft Maintenance
Drone operators are not to conduct any aircraft maintenance other than routine cleaning. It will be the responsibility of the Club Drone Captain to organise maintenance.

Battery Management

• Only use the supplied Lithium Polymer (LiPo) chargers. Using the incorrect charger or charge rate may cause damage to batteries and is potentially a fire hazard
• Batteries should always be balance charged according to their associated specifications
• Never charge hot or warm batteries, wait until they are less than 30 degrees
• If a battery is noticed to be swollen either during charge or flight operations, it should be disconnected immediately and placed in a bucket of salt water to neutralise. Swollen batteries should be replaced immediately
• If wires are accidentally shorted or connected incorrectly, the battery should be disconnected immediately and placed in a safe location for observation for 15 minutes
• Never charge in enclosed or hot conditions
• Avoid unnecessary charging of batteries. If not being used extended period, leave in uncharged state. DJI Smart Batteries will automatically discharge after 10 days
• Store batteries at room temperature between 15 and 27 degrees
• Do not expose batteries to direct sunlight for extended periods of time
• Charge in an open area on a non-flammable surface such as a concrete floor
• It is possible to transport or temporarily store batteries in warm temperatures, such as that of a vehicle, however this should be limited to no more than 2 hours at a time
  

Battery Replacement
The process for swollen or damaged batteries is below:

1. Remove battery from use
2. Clearly tag battery
3. Place any damaged/swollen batteries in a bucket of salt water to neutralise
4. Notify Club Drone Captain who will dispose of batteries through an authorised agent