Apollo 11, Moon Dust, & Drones

 When Apollo 11 blasted off sending the first man to walk on the moon, NASA and the astronauts were prepared for just about everything. Yet, with all the planning and forethought, they never imagined what a menace a little dust from outer space would become.  Moon dust, that is. 

Moon dust is a fine powder, but it cuts like glass. It’s formed when meteoroids crash into the moon, pulverizing rocks and dirt. The tiny grains are sharp and jagged, and cling to nearly everything.  From the first moon mission to the last, moon dust was a nuisance, coating spacesuits and eating away layers of moon boots.

While moon dust probably won't be much of a problem for your drone operations, dust and airborne environmental debris can be; especially if you normally fly a drone over construction sites or dry and dusty environments. Schedule normal maintenance, and this shouldn’t become a problem. Here’s a list to get you started.

1.     Aircraft Body

Besides keeping a shiny clean aircraft, hull cleaning also gives you a chance to inspect the condition of your drone and find hidden cracks or damage. First, inspect the aircraft using a deliberate pattern.  I like to start on the top, work my way around the hull inspecting the arms, the main fuselage and then the undercarriage. Once inspected, I wipe the entire aircraft down (except the lens) using a soft cotton cloth with a non-abrasive, non-rinsing cleaner.

Make sure to check and clean the battery compartment paying special attention to connectors and guides.  For sensors, use a window cleaner and wipe with a clean cloth or cotton swab afterward.

 2.     Lens and Filter

Never touch or clean the actual camera lens unless something actually gets on the glass. It should always be covered with a filter; whether it's clear, ND, polarizing or other type, these are essential and protect the actual lens glass from damage.  Should something get on the lens, try removing it with compressed air first then a lens cleaning cloth that has not been used before. 

Never wipe a lens or filter with your shirt or other material as it can cause permanent damage.  Your lens is one of the most important components of your aircraft.  It should be treated that way.  For filters, regularly check for any unusual wear or marks that can indicate improper storage or other problems.  Replace any damaged filters immediately (you should always have a set of back-ups on hand).

3.     Propellers

Check the prop blades for nicks, cracks or chips and replace any that show damage or wear.  Also check the hub that connects to the motor and do the same.  Some pilots advocate replacing props on a regular basis, but as long as there’s no damage, I keep the same ones flying.  One exception is a hard landing or minor accident where the drone is not damaged.  In that case, replace all props as a precautionary measure.

4.     Motor Check and Maintenance

Inspect the motors for any damage or debris-especially if you store your drone in a soft foam case.  Foreign objects and debris can sometimes find its way into the motor openings and present a potential flight hazard.  Blow out motors to remove any dust or dirt after each flight, and use a vacuum to remove any visible debris that you can see.  When inspecting the motors, pay special attention to the tensioning springs on quick-mount props. Dirt and dust love to stick here and can cause prop mounting problems over the long haul. Clean any “sticky” dirt with a cotton swab.  It’s also a good idea to slightly lubricate the spring with another swab moistened with gear oil.   IMPORTANT: This should be just enough oil to get the swab slightly damp.  Do not drip oil directly on the spring or allow it to get into the motor.

5.     Screws, Fasteners and Torque

Your aircraft generates varying amounts of vibration while flying.  This can have the adverse effect of loosening screws and other parts on the drone.  Make sure to check all screws and connectors regularly. Use an ordinary screwdriver, Star Wrench or Allen Wrench; nothing fancy is required. And be careful not to over-tighten.

6.     Battery Cycling and Replacement

Batteries are the lifeblood of your aircraft.  Know how long to keep them in service.  Always rotate your batteries so that regular use is distributed evenly among all of your stock.  You can usually check the charging cycles and battery health in the flight app menus.  This should show you current battery status including times charged, voltage by cell, and pilot settings such as critical and low battery warning levels.

You may not be battling Moon Dust like an Apollo astronaut, but regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your drone from crashing due to failures that could have been prevented by a little care.