How to remember to remove Gimbal cover before flight

Hi-Flyer · Sep 2, 2018

Being new to the Mavic Air I have inadvertently taken off once or twice without removing the Gimbal cover. Fortunately no damage resulted. I am about to ensure that this won't happen again by copying the behavior of (military) jet fighter planes while they are inactive. These planes have large air intakes, and while they are inactive the intakes are covered with large lids to prevent entry of foreign materials. In order to verify removal of all lids prior to ignition and take-off, large and long, flowing colorful ribbons are connected to the lids, thus rendering their presence visible from a distance. That is what I am about to do with my Gimbal protector.

MrsTreat · Sep 2, 2018

No worries. Nobody has ever damaged a gimbal because they left the guard on.

bushie · Sep 2, 2018

As a GA pilot i am used to check lists. Developed my own, laminated it and carry in my bag. Use it for every flight.

ksmusa · Sep 2, 2018

bushie said:
As a GA pilot i am used to check lists. Developed my own, laminated it and carry in my bag. Use it for every flight.

Agreed, I too use a preflight checklist.

Happy Flights
P

TrailH4x · Sep 2, 2018

Sort'a like this?

NOT my idea originally, but thought I'd try to clearly show a couple of high visibility mods in a simple pic set. I've substituted in a red thimble guard and added a tag.

I too use a checklist, but not before each and every takeoff. I have caught myself installing my gimble guard while reviewing taken footage, or during battery breaks only to attempt takeoff with guard still on. The gimble guard has been known to cause premature gimble motor issues if left on when in operation. I have pets and there are often others who lift my drone when "landed and resting" so below was my assurance step.

Mark10v · Sep 2, 2018

“Remove before flight” -Pulls cord and gimbal of the drone.
Seriously though, that looks awesome!

AnzacJack · Sep 2, 2018

I’d love 10c for every person that has “come up with this idea”

TrailH4x · Oct 21, 2018

anzacjack said:
I’d love 10c for every person that has “come up with this idea”

I'd love a dime for each troll post that contributes zero to the thread. "Fixed" it special for you. Hope you can sleep better now.

AMann · Oct 21, 2018

This is a great one:

Laminated preflight checklist. Pretty cool.

And here’s a free PDF to load in your phone:

Flight Checklist

Gecko10 · Oct 22, 2018

Hi-Flyer said:
Being new to the Mavic Air I have inadvertently taken off once or twice without removing the Gimbal cover. Fortunately no damage resulted. I am about to ensure that this won't happen again by copying the behavior of (military) jet fighter planes while they are inactive. These planes have large air intakes, and while they are inactive the intakes are covered with large lids to prevent entry of foreign materials. In order to verify removal of all lids prior to ignition and take-off, large and long, flowing colorful ribbons are connected to the lids, thus rendering their presence visible from a distance. That is what I am about to do with my Gimbal protector.

As others have said, include it as an item in you pre-flight checklist.