Freefly ALTA Technical specifications

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
77000042 | REVISION C | 10.07.2015

REVISION HISTORY
ALTA USER MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 77000042
REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION
A July 2015 Initial Release
B August 2015 Revised section order. Added Allowable Gross Weight table.
C October 2015 Revised for clarity. Added Disarm Safety function and WiFi password
reset information. Revised default tuning values to reflect SYNAPSE
version 3.4.

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CONTENTS
2Revision History
3Contents
6ALTA OVERVIEW
7Disclaimer and Warning
8Limitation of Liability
9Introduction
10 Symbols, Abbreviations and Terminology
13 Dimensions
15 Included Items
16 Specifications
20 Limitations
22 System Diagrams
26 ALTA Mobile App
26 Additional Required Components (not included)
27 SETTING UP ALTA
28 Unfolding/Folding ALTA
32 Radio Installation
37 Radio Mapping
42 Configuring for MoVIs
44 Isolator Cartridges
45 Battery Installation
49 Compass Calibration
51 Propellers
53 First Person View (FPV)
54 FPV On Screen Display Setup
59 Tuning ALTA
62 ALTA Flight Parameters
65 Resetting ALTA WiFI Password
66 OPERATING ALTA
67 Flight Controller Modes

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70 Home Switch
71 Disarm Safety Switch
72 Status Light
74 Alarms
75 Orientation Lights
76 ALTA App Monitor
77 Data Logging
78 NORMAL PROCEDURES
79 Unpacking and Setup
80 Before Starting
82 Before Takeoff
84 After Every Flight
85 After Last Flight
86 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
87 Emergency Guidance
88 Status Light Warning Indicator Illuminates
89 Pilot Disorientation
90 Unexpected Flight Controller Behavior
91 Battery Exhaustion
92 Loss of Radio Control Signal
93 Loss of FPV Signal
94 PERFORMANCE
95 Weight / Endurance Performance Data
96 Allowable Gross WeightAllowable Gross Weight
97 MAINTAINING ALTA
98 General Information and Techniques
99 Maintenance Items
102 Firmware Update Process
103 TROUBLESHOOTING

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106 APPENDIX
107 Appendix A. Default Tuning Values
108 Appendix B. Data Logging Fields

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ALTA OVERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review
the ALTA Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) prior to flight. If you have any questions, please
contact [e-mail] prior to using the ALTA. You can review the most
current version of this AFM at www.freeflysystems.com/software-manuals/.
By using ALTA, 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, and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use. You
agree to only use ALTA for proper purposes that are in accordance with local and
airspace rules and regulations.
»ALTA 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 helicopter, ALTA 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
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. Novice pilots should never fly without the supervision
of an experienced pilot.
»Always check ALTA and its components prior to operation.
»Always maintain a safe distance from ALTA when in use.
»Never attempt to touch ALTA when the propellers are moving.
»Never fly ALTA 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 when in
use and when changing configurations.
»Always remove the propellers or power ALTA using a low power source
when making a change to the configuration of ALTA to prevent propeller
strikes in the event of unintentional motor starts.
»Always remove the configuration jumper when making changes to the
configuration of ALTA.
»Always test ALTA 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 will be uncontrollable and dangerous.
»It is your responsibility to perform a full system check of ALTA prior to
every flight.
»It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate ALTA and to adhere to
all applicable rules and regulations.
»Fly at your own risk.

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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 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 follow onboard safety warnings while using ALTA.
»Failure of the operator to follow and comply with local rules and regula-
tions.
»Failure of the operator to inspect ALTA and its components prior to
operation.
»Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service ALTA through
an authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine ALTA parts.
»Use of third-party products on ALTA.
»Use of ALTA in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
»Use of ALTA without sufficient training.
»Use of ALTA 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.
»Infringement of third party data, audio or video rights recorded when using
ALTA.

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INTRODUCTION
ALTA is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding
cinematic, television, and photographic applications. Within five
minutes, ALTA 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 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. 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

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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
Pressure Altitude Altitude measured from standard sea level pressure
(29.92 in. Hhg) 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)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED PLAN VIEW WITH BOOM NUMBERING SCHEME MM (INCH)
457
(18.0)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED SIDE VIEW WITH LANDING GEAR MM INCH
457
(18.0)
1064
(41.9)
178
(7.0)
1126
(44.3)
1533
(60.4)
180
(7.1)
318
(12.5)
1
2
3
4
5
6
UNFOLDED FRONT VIEW WITHOUT LANDING GEAR MM INCH

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550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED SIDE VIEW MM INCH
550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED PLAN VIEW MM INCH
550
(21.7)
515
(20.3)
180
(7.1)
205
(8.1)
220
(8.7)
FOLDED FRONT VIEW MM INCH

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INCLUDED ITEMS
1. Case
2. ALTA
3. Case Lid Foam
4. Isolator Cartridges
a. (6) Teal (Installed)
b. (6) Black
c. (6) Red
5. Documentation
6. USB-Futaba Power Cable
7. Inverted Landing Gear
8. Antenna Tubes
9. FPV Cables
a. Skyzone/BOSCAM
b. ImmersionRC/Fat Shark
c. Ready Made RC
10. Fasteners
a. (4) M3 × 8 Socket Head for
Toad In The Hole Male Adapter
b. (2) M3 × 8 Flat Head for Accessory
Mount
11. Toad In The Hole Male Adapter
12. 5.5mm Wrench
13. Hex Drivers (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)
14. Accessory Mount
15. Double-Sided Tape

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SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
Unfolded Diameter
(does not include Props)
1126 mm
Folded Diameter
(does not include Props)
550 mm
Height to base of Toad In The Hole (TITH) 220 mm
POWERPLANT
Number of Motors 6
Motor Type Direct Drive 3-Phase PMAC Outrunner
Motor Model 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
Material Carbon fiber with balsa core
Propeller Orientation (3) CW and (3) 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)
Battery Connectors 2×EC5 (Parallel)
Required Minimum Battery
Discharge Rating
Dual Pack: 200A / 400A Peak
Single Pack: 300A / 600A Peak

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WEIGHTS
Maximum Gross for Takeoff113.6 kg (30.0 lbs)
Maximum Useful Load29.1 kg (20.0 lbs)
Maximum Payload36.8 kg (15.0 lbs)
Typical Standard Empty Weight: 4.5 kg (10.0 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

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PAYLOAD MOUNTING
Mounting Locations Bottom and Top Mount
Mounting System Freefly Toad In The Hole
(TITH) Quick Release
FPV Camera Mount Forward, underneath chassis
FPV Transmitter Mount Boom #5

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LIMITATIONS
NOTE
These limitations are advisory in nature and do not extend or
restrict limitations provided by Governing Aviation Authorities.
POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS
Maximum RPM 6300 RPM
Maximum Battery Voltage 25.2 Volts
Minimum Average Battery Voltage 19.2 Volts
ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS
Do not fly ALTA in temperatures exceeding 45ºC (113ºF) or below -20ºC(-4ºF).5
FLIGHT CONTROLLER LIMITS
Maximum Pitch/Roll Angle 45°
Maximum Yaw Rate 150° / second
5 Must additionally observe battery temperature ratings.