How to remember to remove Gimbal cover before flight

[Hi-Flyer]

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]

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

 

[bushie]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[AnzacJack]

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

 

[TrailH4x]

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]

This is a great one:

Laminated preflight checklist. Pretty cool.

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

Flight Checklist

 

[Gecko10]

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.

 

[wolfwater69]

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

Thats the best answer I have ever heard, I only did it once. Thanks, it means alot to my brain!