Drone Operations - ASAR Reference Guide

🚁 Drone Operations for SAR

Guidelines and procedures for safe and effective drone operations during search and rescue missions.

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2026 Drone Master Map

Drone operations and pilot resources

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Airport Zone Map

Controlled airspace zones for drone operations

Aircraft Setup Checklists

Step-by-step procedures for unpacking and assembling each aircraft from its case. Tap an aircraft to expand. Complete the relevant setup before running the Pre-Flight Checklist below.

Matrice 30T — Setup

Open case (2 latches on the front).
Grasp drone by the top arms and lift vertically.
Swing upper arms into place, ensuring the button on the hinge lock pops up.
Swing bottom arms outward and into place, ensuring the button on the hinge lock pops up.
Rotate camera lens downward and check smooth movement of the camera.
Check props for damage by feeling along all edges and surfaces.
Check arms and body of the drone for damage or loose fasteners.
Check that a Micro SD card is installed — covered slot on the left side of the drone (from the back). Ensure the flap is securely refastened.

Spotlight (if used)

Remove spotlight from its case.
Slide into the rails on top of the drone until it clicks; ensure it is securely attached to both rails.
Insert the power cable into the covered receptacle on the right side top. The male end is on the cable, the female on the drone.

Matrice 350 RTK — Setup

On the M350 RTK case, locate and release the clasps (one on each side and two on the front).
Open the case and remove the rubber straps securing the props/arms.
Check the rubber gimbal mounts for grease leaking.
Remove the camera from the case.
On the drone, locate Gimbal Mount #1. Push the button to release the protective cap, then turn clockwise to remove.
Remove the small protective cap from the camera.
Store caps in the camera well.
Align the white dots on the camera mount with the red dot on the drone, visually confirm seated, and rotate clockwise until you feel the click — DO NOT FORCE.
Do not remove the lens cap from the camera yet, nor remove the drone from the case.

Spotlight (if being used)

Locate the case marked "350 Spot Light" / GL60Plus.
Release the catches on each side.
Lift vertically from the case (note how it is positioned so it can be put back the same way).
Check that the bright orange USB cap is securely in place.
Rotate and remove the gimbal caps from the drone (Mount #2) and spotlight, as with the camera (see above).
Locate the white dot on the spotlight gimbal and the red dot on the drone gimbal, match them, visually confirm seated, and rotate clockwise until you hear a click.

Landing Gear

Remove one leg from the case.
Line up the protrusion on the end of the leg with the recessed area on the drone base, and push into place.
Slide the locking collar down and rotate clockwise (red dots align).
Give the leg a gentle tug to make sure it is firmly seated and locked.
Repeat for the other leg.

Remove Drone from Case

Grasp the arms on each side and lift vertically, ensuring the props do not swing out and catch on anything.
Rotate the unit pitch-wise and set it down on its legs in takeoff position.

Drone Setup

Position the drone so the gimbal camera/spotlight faces away from you (batteries/back of drone toward you).
Rotate the front arm into position while ensuring props clear the other arms. You will need to move both at once to ensure clearance.
Slide the locking collar toward the body of the drone, covering the red patch.
Rotate the locking collar in the direction of the arrow to secure — white dots align.
Repeat for the rear arm.
Repeat for both arms on the other side.

Complete Pre-Flight Inspection

Unfold props, checking blades for damage or delamination. Carefully slide fingers along leading and trailing edges to feel for nicks or damage.
Spin motors to ensure free and smooth movement.
Check the body of the drone for damage or loose connections/screws.
Check that a Micro SD card is installed in the gimbal camera and ensure the covering flap is secure to prevent water damage.
Double-check all arm and leg connections/screws.
Check the battery locking lever is secure.
Check battery charge by pressing the button on each battery.
Remove the camera lens cap and secure it in the camera well in the 350 RTK case.
Close and secure the M350 and Spotlight cases.

Matrice 4T — Setup

Open the case (2 latches on the front).
Remove the foam brace over the middle of the drone (note the cutout on the right side for reinsertion).
Grasp the drone mid-body and lift it out of the case.
Yaw the drone so the battery faces you.
Grasp the front arms and swing forward.
Grasp the rear arms, rotate downward and toward you.
Load the battery with contacts on the bottom; slide in firmly until a click is heard.
Carefully slide fingers along props, checking for nicks and damage.
Check the body for damage or loose parts.
Hold the camera securely and remove the lens cap; check the camera moves freely.
Check that a Micro SD card is installed in the compartment directly below the battery compartment, and that the cover flap is secure.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Equipment Check

Item	Check	Notes
Drone Battery	✓ Fully charged, no damage	Check voltage and cell balance
Controller Battery	✓ Fully charged	Minimum 80% recommended
Spare Batteries	✓ Charged and available	Minimum 2 spares for SAR ops
Propellers	✓ No cracks, secure mounting	Carry spares
Camera/Gimbal	✓ Clean lens, gimbal moves freely	Test thermal camera if equipped
SD Card	✓ Inserted, formatted, sufficient space	Minimum 32GB recommended
GPS Signal	✓ Strong satellite lock	Minimum 10 satellites
Firmware	✓ Up to date	Check before deployment

Environmental Assessment

Weather Check: Wind speed, precipitation, temperature
Visibility: Ensure sufficient visibility for VLOS
Airspace: Verify no flight restrictions (NOTAMs)
Obstacles: Note power lines, trees, buildings
Landing Zone: Identify safe takeoff/landing area

Battery Management

Flight Time Planning

Rule of Thirds: 1/3 out, 1/3 search, 1/3 return
Reserve Power: Always land with 20-25% minimum
Cold Weather: Reduce expected flight time by 30-40%
High Altitude: Reduce expected flight time by 20%
Strong Winds: Plan for 30% shorter flight time

Battery Care

Storage: Store at 50-60% charge for long-term
Temperature: Warm batteries to 20°C before flight in cold weather
Charging: Use manufacturer charger only
Inspection: Check for swelling, damage before each use
Cycle Count: Track charge cycles, retire at manufacturer limit
Transport: Use LiPo-safe bags for transport

In-Field Battery Management

Rotate batteries to allow cooling between flights
Keep spare batteries warm in cold weather (inside jacket)
Label batteries with charge level and cycle count
Never leave batteries in direct sunlight
Discharge hot batteries to 50% before recharging

Battery Charger Instructions

Proper battery charging procedures are essential for safe, reliable drone operations. Follow manufacturer guidelines carefully for each charging system.

BS65 Intelligent Battery Station (Matrice 350 RTK)

Overview

Capacity: Holds 8 TB65 batteries (4 pairs)
Charging Method: Charges 2 batteries simultaneously in pairs
Charging Sequence: Pairs A, B, C, D (highest power pair charges first)
Additional: Also charges WB37 batteries (4 ports) + USB-C/USB-A charging ports
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 40°C

Charging Modes

Mode	Charge Level	Purpose	Charging Time (2 batteries)
Standard	100%	Full charge for immediate deployment	60 min (220-240V) 70 min (100-120V)
Ready-to-Fly	90%	Rapid charge for quick deployment	~25 min (batteries above 20%)
Storage	50%	Safe long-term storage level	Varies (may charge or discharge)

How to Use BS65

Place station on flat, stable surface
Connect to AC power (100-240V)
Select desired charging mode using mode selector
Insert TB65 batteries in pairs (top and bottom ports auto-pair)
Station automatically charges highest power pair first
Monitor charging status via LED indicators

Cold Weather Feature: BS65 automatically warms batteries below 18°C before charging begins, ensuring safe and efficient charging in cold conditions.

Controller Charging

Controllers can be rapid charged via USB-C when plugged into the charger's rapid charge port
Charges the controller's internal battery first, then the external battery
Controller batteries do not self-discharge like the drone batteries

Battery Pairing

Pair A: Top-left and bottom-left ports
Pair B: Second from left (top and bottom)
Pair C: Second from right (top and bottom)
Pair D: Top-right and bottom-right ports
Batteries in each pair charge simultaneously
Pairs charge in sequence based on power level

BS30 Intelligent Battery Station (Matrice 30T)

Overview

Charging Method: Charges batteries in pairs
Priority: Charges batteries it can get to full quickest first
Rapid Charge: Batteries above 20% charged to 90% within 25 minutes

Charging Modes

Mode	Charge Level	Charging Time
Ready-to-Fly (Center Setting)	90%	~25 minutes (batteries above 20%)
Standard	100%	Varies based on battery level

How to Use BS30

Open the battery charging station
Set the selector switch to the center setting (for 90% Ready-to-Fly mode)
Insert batteries in pairs that require charging
Charger charges batteries it can get to full quickest first
Verify power switch is ON and lit with green light
Monitor charging progress

Important: Always verify the power switch shows a green light before leaving the charging station. The selector switch center setting charges batteries to 90% for quick deployment in SAR operations.

Controller Charging

Controllers can be rapid charged via USB-C when plugged into the charger's rapid charge port
Charges the controller's internal battery first, then the external battery
Controller batteries do not self-discharge like the drone batteries

DJI Matrice 4 Series Battery Charging Hub (Matrice 4T)

Overview

Capacity: Holds 4 batteries
Charging Method: Sequential charging (one battery at a time)
Priority: Highest power battery charged first
Required Adapter: DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter
Operating Temperature: -10°C to 40°C
Ideal Charging Temperature: 22°C to 28°C

Charging Modes

Mode	Charge Level	Charging Time (per battery)
Standard Mode	100%	~78 minutes
Ready-to-Fly Mode	90%	~60 minutes

How to Use M4T Charging Hub

Place charging hub on flat, stable surface
Connect DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter to hub
Toggle mode switch to select Standard or Ready-to-Fly mode
Insert up to 4 Matrice 4 Series batteries into battery ports
Hub automatically charges highest power battery first
Monitor LED indicators for charging status
Remove batteries when charging complete

Critical: Only use DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter. Do NOT charge batteries immediately after flight - wait for batteries to cool to safe charging temperature.

LED Status Indicators

LED Pattern	Status
Solid yellow	No battery inserted
Pulses green	Charging in progress
Solid green	Charging completed
Blinks yellow	Recoverable error (will auto-recover)
Solid red	Unrecoverable error (remove battery or unplug adapter)

Battery Protection Indicators (on batteries)

LED2 blinks 2x/sec: Overcurrent detected
LED2 blinks 3x/sec: Short circuit detected
LED3 blinks 2x/sec: Overcharge detected
LED3 blinks 3x/sec: Over-voltage charger detected
LED4 blinks 2x/sec: Charging temperature too low
LED4 blinks 3x/sec: Charging temperature too high

Safety Notes

Charging automatically stops if battery cells exceed 55°C
Do NOT touch metal terminals on battery ports
Clean terminals with dry cloth if buildup is noticed
Ensure proper ventilation around charging hub
Only use with Matrice 4 Series Intelligent Flight Batteries

General Battery Charging Best Practices

✓ Always charge batteries in well-ventilated areas
✓ Monitor charging progress, especially first few cycles with new batteries
✓ Never leave charging batteries unattended for extended periods
✓ Allow hot batteries to cool before charging
✓ Store batteries at storage mode (50%) if not using within 10 days
✓ Use appropriate charging mode for operational timeline
✓ Charge batteries before SAR callouts when possible
✓ Keep charging equipment clean and free from debris
✓ Verify power indicators before leaving charging station

Drone Comparison Chart

Specification	Matrice 350 RTK (H30T)	Matrice 30T (M30T)	Matrice 4T (M4T)
Wide Camera Sensor	48MP, 1/1.3" CMOS	12MP, 1/2" CMOS	48MP, 1/1.3" CMOS
Photo Resolution	8064 × 6048 pixels	4000 × 3000 pixels	8064 × 6048 pixels
Field of View	82.1° diagonal	84° diagonal	82° diagonal
Aperture	f/1.7	f/2.8	f/1.7
Focal Length (equiv.)	24mm	24mm	24mm
GSD at 120m	~1.2 cm/pixel	~2.4 cm/pixel	1.2 cm/pixel