Freefly ALTA 8 Technical specifications

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
77000048 | REVISION A | 03.23.2016

REVISION HISTORY
ALTA 8 AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 77000048
REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION
A March 2016 Initial Release

3| AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
CONTENTS
2Revision History
3Contents
6ALTA 8 OVERVIEW
7Disclaimer and Warning
9Limitation of Liability
11 Introduction
12 Symbols, Abbreviations and Terminology
15 Dimensions
17 Included Items
18 Specifications
22 Limitations
24 System Diagrams
28 ALTA Mobile App
28 Additional Required Components (not included)
29 SETTING UP ALTA 8
30 Unfolding/Folding ALTA 8
33 Radio Installation
38 Radio Mapping
43 Configuring for MōVIs
45 Isolator Cartridges
46 Battery Installation
51 Compass Calibration
54 Propellers
56 First Person View (FPV)
63 Tuning ALTA 8
66 ALTA 8 Flight Parameters
69 Resetting ALTA 8 WiFi Password
70 OPERATING ALTA 8
71 Flight Controller Modes
74 Home Switch

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75 Disarm Safety Switch
76 Status Light
78 Alarms
79 Orientation Lights
80 ALTA App Monitor
81 Data Logging
82 NORMAL PROCEDURES
83 Unpacking and Setup
84 Before Starting
86 Before Takeoff
88 After Every Flight
90 After Last Flight
91 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
92 Emergency Guidance
93 Status Light Warning Indicator Illuminates
94 Pilot Disorientation
95 Unexpected Flight Controller Behavior
96 Battery Exhaustion
97 Loss of Radio Control Signal
98 Loss of FPV Signal
99 PERFORMANCE
100 Weight / Endurance Performance Data
101 Allowable Gross Weight Gross Weight
102 MAINTAINING ALTA 8
103 General Information and Techniques
104 Maintenance Items
108 Firmware Update Process
109 Motor Alignment
112 Guidelines Following an Accident

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113 TROUBLESHOOTING
116 APPENDIX
117 Appendix A. Default Tuning Values
118 Appendix B. Data Logging Fields

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ALTA 8 OVERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review
the ALTA 8 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) prior to flight. If you have any questions,
please contact support@freeflysystems.com prior to using the ALTA 8. You can review
the most current version of this AFM at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
By using ALTA 8, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to this
disclaimer. You agree that you are solely responsible for your conduct while using
ALTA 8, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use. You
agree to only use ALTA 8 for proper purposes that are in accordance with local and
airspace rules and regulations.
»ALTA 8 is not a toy and should be operated with extreme care, as improper
operation can cause damage to property, serious personal injury or death.
»As with any multi-rotor aircraft, ALTA 8 is a complex and technical
machine. Novice pilots should invest sufficient time on a flight
simulator and seek training from an experienced pilot prior to
operation. The ALTA 8 Aircraft Flight Manual and a flight simulator
are no substitute for training with an experienced pilot, particularly
when it comes to learning how to safely operate ALTA 8. Novice pilots
should never fly without the supervision of an experienced pilot.
»Always check ALTA 8 and its components prior to operation.
»Always maintain a safe distance from ALTA 8 when in use.
»Never attempt to touch ALTA 8 when the propellers are moving.
»Never fly ALTA 8 over or around people, power lines or other aircraft.
»Never fly with any propellers that have visible imperfections or damage.
»Always keep children and animals a safe distance away from
ALTA 8 when in use and when changing configurations.
»Only use propellers supplied by Freefly Systems
that are designed for use on ALTA 8.
»Always remove the propellers or power ALTA 8 using a low power
source when making a change to the configuration of ALTA 8 to
prevent propeller strikes in the event of unintentional motor starts.
»Always remove the configuration jumper when making
changes to the configuration of ALTA 8.
»Always test ALTA 8 with the propellers removed to make sure that the
motors are spinning in the correct direction and that the motor assignment
is correct with respect to the Synapse flight controller. If you have either
of these wrong, the ALTA 8 will be uncontrollable and dangerous.

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»It is your responsibility to perform a full system
check of ALTA 8 prior to every flight.
»It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate ALTA 8
and to adhere to all applicable rules and regulations.
»Fly at your own risk.
»ALTA 8 is a tuned system with custom components selected for each
application. Modification to, removal, or substitution of ALTA 8 components
will void the warranty and can lead to unsafe operating conditions.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OF ALTA OR FROM LOSS
OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY), EVEN IF FREEFLY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER
ASSERTED AS A TORT CLAIM, A CONTRACT CLAIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE
AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR SUCH PRODUCT. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING
HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO
FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT IN THE LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL
FREEFLY BE LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OR SUBSTITUTE GOODS BY
BUYER. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL APPLY TO ALL LIABILITIES
THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE
LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL
PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
Freefly shall not be liable for damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from
the use of ALTA 8 including, but not limited to, the following situations:
»Failure of operator to follow proper instructions and safety
warnings found at www.freeflysystems.com.
»Failure of the operator to understand and operate the aircraft within the
operating limitations described in this manual.
»Failure of the operator to follow onboard safety
warnings while using ALTA 8.
»Failure of the operator to follow and comply with local rules and
regulations.
»Failure of the operator to inspect ALTA 8 and
its components prior to operation.
»Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service ALTA 8 through
an authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine ALTA 8 parts.
»Use of third-party products on ALTA 8.
»Use of ALTA 8 in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
»Use of ALTA 8 without sufficient training.
»Use of ALTA 8 in unsafe conditions, including but not limited to, bad or
severe weather, such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms, etc.,
or in areas of magnetic or radio interference, such as power stations,
broadcasting and cell phone towers, government prohibited airspace, etc.
»Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using ALTA 8.

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»Infringement of third party data, audio or video
rights recorded when using ALTA 8.

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INTRODUCTION
ALTA 8 is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding
cinematic, television, and photographic applications. Within five
minutes, ALTA 8 can unfold from its carrying case to flying some of
the most capable cinema cameras on either the top or bottom of the
aircraft. The SYNAPSE flight controller is purpose-built for cinema
use, yielding precise yet smooth control.
This Aircraft Flight Manual has been prepared to describe the
complete operation of airframe and flight control systems, and the
normal maintenance of those items. Do not operate ALTA 8 without
reading and understanding this manual.
This manual is not a substitute for adequate flight training. Training
requirements can vary when operating in different countries or
under different flight conditions. Always consult local regulations
before flying ALTA 8. In areas where there are no flight training
requirements, it is the sole determination of the pilot-in-command
as to whether he or she has the appropriate level of training or
experience for a given flight. Always set and adhere to personal
minimums and fly within your own capabilities.

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SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
Throughout the manual, warnings, cautions and notes are used to highlight various
important procedures. These are defined as follows:
WARNING
Warnings are used to highlight proce-
dures which, if not strictly observed,
may result in personal injury or loss
of life.
CAUTION
Cautions are used to highlight proce-
dures which, if not strictly observed,
may cause damage to equipment.
NOTE
Notes are used to highlight specific
operating conditions or steps of a
procedure.
METEOROLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY
ISA International Standard Atmosphere in which:
The air is a dry, perfect gas;
The temperature at sea level is 15°
Celsius (59° Fahrenheit);
The pressure at sea level is 1013.2
mbar (29.92 inches Hg);
The temperature gradient from sea level
to the altitude at which the temperature is
-56.5°C (-69.7°F) is -0.00198°C (-0.003564°F)
per foot and zero above that altitude
MSL Mean Sea Level is the average height above
the surface of the sea for all stages of tide
AGL Above Ground Level is the height of
the aircraft above the ground
OAT Outside Air Temperature is the free air static
temperature surrounding the aircraft

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Pressure Altitude Altitude measured from standard sea level
pressure (1013.2 mbar, 29.92 in. Hg) by a
pressure or barometric altimeter
It is the indicated pressure altitude corrected for
position and instrument error. In this Manual,
altimeter instrument errors are assumed to be zero
POWER TERMINOLOGY
Maximum Continuous
Power Output
The maximum typical power output of a
motor averaged over the entire flight
Maximum Instantaneous
Peak Power Output
The maximum power output of a motor during
any phase of flight, such as when maneuvering
FLIGHT AND POWERPLANT CONTROL
Throttle Stick The radio controller stick responsible for
throttle control. For Mode 2 controllers, this
is the vertical movement of the left control
stick. For Mode 1 controllers, this is the
vertical movement of the right control stick
Yaw Stick The radio controller stick responsible
for yaw (also called pan) control
For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is the
lateral movement of the left control stick
Pitch Stick The radio controller stick responsible for
pitch control. For Mode 2 controllers, this is
the vertical movement of the right stick
For Mode 1 controllers, this is the
vertical movement of the left stick
Roll Stick The radio controller stick responsible for roll
control. For Mode 2 and Mode 1 controllers, this is
the lateral movement of the right control stick
Pitch/Roll Stick
or Cyclic Stick
The radio control stick responsible
for both pitch and roll control
For Mode 2 controllers, this is the right stick

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WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW)
Maximum allowable weight at liftoff
Standard Empty Weight Weight of a standard aircraft
Basic Empty Weight Standard empty weight plus optional equipment
Useful Load Difference between take off weight
and basic empty weight
Payload Useful load less battery weight
GENERAL TERMINOLOGY
sUAS Small Unmanned Aircraft System includes all
components of the system required for the flight of
an unmanned aircraft, including the radio controller,
data link and other related support equipment

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DIMENSIONS
457
(18.0)
220
(8.6)
1325
(52.1)
220
(8.6)
360
(14.1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1325
(52.1)
1720
(67.7)
UNFOLDED PLAN VIEW WITH BOOM NUMBERING SCHEME MM INCH
457
(18.0)
220
(8.6)
1325
(52.1)
220
(8.6)
360
(14.1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1325
(52.1)
1720
(67.7)
UNFOLDED SIDE VIEW WITH LANDING GEAR MM INCH
457
(18.0)
220
(8.6)
1325
(52.1)
220
(8.6)
360
(14.1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1325
(52.1)
1720
(67.7)
UNFOLDED FRONT VIEW WITHOUT LANDING GEAR MM INCH

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660
(25.9)
615
(24.2)
250
(9.8)
260
(10.2)
FOLDED SIDE VIEW MM INCH
660
(25.9)
615
(24.2)
250
(9.8)
260
(10.2)
FOLDED PLAN VIEW MM INCH
660
(25.9)
615
(24.2)
250
(9.8)
260
(10.2)
FOLDED FRONT VIEW MM INCH

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INCLUDED ITEMS
1. Case
2. ALTA 8
3. Case Lid Foam
4. Isolator Cartridges
a. (6) Teal (Installed)
b. (6) Black
c. (6) Red
5. Documentation
6. Electronic Luggage Scale
7. USB-Futaba Power Cable
8. Inverted Landing Gear
9. Antenna Tubes
10. FPV Cables
a. Skyzone/BOSCAM
b. BOSCAM, small connector
c. ImmersionRC/Fat Shark
d. Ready Made RC
11. (2) M3 × 6 Flat Head for Accessory Mount
12. Quick Release Battery Tray
13. 5.5mm Wrench
14. Hex Drivers (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)
15. Accessory Mount
16. Double-Sided Tape
16

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SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
Unfolded Diameter
(does not include Props)
1325 mm
Folded Diameter
(does not include Props)
660 mm
Height to base of Toad In The Hole (TITH) 263 mm
POWERPLANT
Number of Motors 8
Motor Type Direct Drive 3-Phase PMAC Outrunner
Motor Make and Model Freefly F45
Motor Max Continuous Power Output 350 W
Motor Max Instantaneous
Peak Power Output
950 W
Maximum RPM (flat rated) 6300 RPM
Equivalent Kv 384
Electronic Speed Controller Freefly Silent-Drive Sine Wave ESC
PROPELLERS
Make and Model Freefly ALTA Propeller
Material Carbon fiber with balsa core
Propeller Orientation (4) CW and (4) CCW Props
Propeller Type 18 ×6 Folding
BATTERY
Nominal Battery Voltage 6S / 22.2V
Maximum Battery Size 240 ×180 ×80 mm
Maximum Battery Quantity 2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Minimum Battery Quantity 2 Battery Packs (Parallel)
Battery Connectors 2×EC5 (Parallel)
Required Minimum Battery
Discharge Rating (Per Pack)
250A / 500A Peak

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WEIGHTS
Maximum Gross for Takeoff118.1 kg (40.0 lbs)
Maximum Useful Load212.0 kg (26.4 lbs)
Maximum Payload39.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
Typical Standard Empty Weight: 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs)
WARNING
Always refer to the following aircraft limitations section for
complete information on allowable maximum gross weights
at different altitudes and temperatures before any flight.
SPECIFIC LOADINGS
Typical Specific Power4145 W/kg
Thrust Ratio at MTOW11.85 : 1
1 At sea level, ISA. Refer to the Weight Limitations section for complete loading
information.
2Top and bottom mount. Includes batteries.
3Payload weight top or bottom mount. Battery weight not included and mounted on
opposite side from payload.
4At MTOW, sea level, ISA.

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FLIGHT CONTROLLER
Model Name Freefly SYNAPSE flight controller
Flight Modes Manual, Height Mode, Position
Mode, Return-To-Home, Autoland
Supported Inputs: DSMX, DSM2, S.Bus,
S.Bus2, PPM, FPV SD
Supported Radios Futaba S.Bus & S.Bus2, DSMX,
DSM2 (Spektrum/JR), PPM,
PPM Invert, PPM Graupner
Supported Radio Controller
Telemetry Systems
Futaba w/ built-in voltage sense port
Minimum Radio Controller
Channels Required
›5
Supported GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Supported SBAS QZSS, WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS
First-Person View System
Video Formats
NTSC, PAL
Supported First-Person
View Transmitters
Skyzone, BOSCAM,
ImmersionRC, Fat Shark
Supported First-Person View Cameras Ready Made RC
First-Person View OSD Telemetry User Configurable
Installed Transceivers Wi-Fi
Data Logging Rate 25 Hz
LIGHTING AND INDICATION
Status Light 1 Watt Red, 1 Watt White LED
Orientation Lights 3-Watt RGB LED
Orientation Light Color Options Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, White
ISOLATION SYSTEM
Vibration Isolation System Silicone O-Rings
Option 1: Soft / Light Payloads Red O-Rings
Option 2: Medium / Medium Payloads Teal O-Rings
Option 3: Stiff / Heavy Payloads Black O-Rings