Cleaning
Ensure the aircraft is powered-off before cleaning. Wipe the outside of the aircraft down with a damp cloth, including the VPS and FPS propellers. Use a combination of compressed air and a vacuum to remove dust from hard to reach areas and the inside of the aircraft.
Do not use strong solvents such as acetone or lacquer thinner to clean the aircraft. Doing so may damage the paint or composite structure of the airframe.
Never submerge or pour liquid on the aircraft when cleaning.
Do not blow compressed air directly into the pitot tube. Doing so will rupture the airspeed sensor.
Flying from a Dusty Environment
The thrust generated on takeoff and landing can generate large amounts of dust. Dust can obscure visibility, contaminate electronics, and reduce aerodynamic efficiency. Use a landing pad to reduce dust when flying from unimproved surfaces. The aircraft should be cleaned after each flight if dust has accumulated. Use a sizable landing pad or temporary planking, such as Marston Mat, to minimize blowing dust during takeoff and landing. Ensure the chosen surface remains secure and does not pose a hazard when the aircraft takes off.
The VPS motors in particular can be vulnerable to FOD when operating from an unimproved surface. Ferrous dirt is particularly problematic as it can adhere to the motor's magnets, potentially causing grinding or complete seizure. To check each motor, manually rotate it while listening and feeling for any signs of grinding, clicking, or irregular movement. A well-functioning motor should rotate smoothly, with the only noticeable sensation being the typical cogging of the motor magnets. If the motor grinds or seizes, it must be cleaned or replaced.
Since ferrous dirt is attracted to the motor magnets, it can be tricky to remove. First, try a combination of compressed air and vacuuming. Blow air directly through the motor from the top by aiming at the magnets and stator while holding a vacuum directly next to the motor. If the dust cannot be removed with compressed air/vacuum, and it caused grinding or irregular movement, the entire motor pod must be replaced.
Storage
Store the aircraft at room temperature, low humidity, no dust, no corrosive gas atmosphere, no salt air, and no ultraviolet light exposure. It is recommended to store all equipment in their transport cases. For long term storage, seal all cases with desiccant packets (Type I or II) per MIL-D-3464E.
Battery Storage
Refer to Battery Management for battery storage procedures.