Propeller AEROPOINTS User manual

USER MANUAL

An up-to-date version of this manual is available at:
propelleraero.com/aeropoints-help.
Propeller PPK users should refer to the PPK User Manual
foradditional information on how to use their AeroPoints.
IC RSS-102 Compliance
This system has been evaluated for RF Exposure per RSS-102 and is in compliance with the limits
specied by Health Canada Safety Code 6. The system must be installed at a minimum separation
distance from the antenna to a general bystander of 8 inches (20 cm) to maintain compliance with the
General Population limits.
L’exposition aux radiofréquences de ce système a été évaluée selon la norme RSS-102 et est jugée
conforme aux limites établies par le Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada. Le système doit être installé
àune distance minimale de 8 pouces (20 cm) séparant l’antenne d’une personne présente en conformité
avec les limites permises d’exposition du grand public.
IC RSS-Gen 8.4 Compliance
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
silebrouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
AeroPoint 1.2
Contains FCC ID: 2AHMR-ESP12S
IC ID: 22439-APV102
Battery: 5000 mAh 3.2 V (16 Wh) LiFePO4

CONTENTS
4 Introducing AeroPoints
Product specications
Care instructions
6 Integrated cloud-based
processing
7 Activate online
8 Conduct a ight
Before your ight
During your ight
After your ight
10 Upload your AeroPoints data
11 Apply corrections and share
your AeroPoints data
Open the AeroPoints portal
Check all uploads are complete
Apply corrections
Share AeroPoints data
12 Turn your drone images
and ground control data
into 3D maps with the
Propeller Platform
13 AeroStencils:
For frequent yers
14 FAQ
15 Troubleshooting
18 Appendix I: AeroPoints
correction methods
19 Appendix II: Congure
your smartphone hotspot
to act as Propeller WiFi
network
20 Support

INTRODUCING
AEROPOINTS
AeroPoints are the world’s rst smart ground control points.
Purpose-built for drone surveying, each AeroPoint includes
asolar panel, battery, GPS, and WiFi inside a fully sealed,
durable, lightweight shell.
Just place and press.
Indicator light displays
current status.
One-button operation
1.5kg (3.3lb). Each set
includes acarry bag for
easy transport.
Lightweight
Records positioning data
every 10 seconds.
In-built GPS
Optimized for recognition
by processing software.
Strategic design
Store data from 100-plus
ights before upload
isrequired.
Large memory
Low maintenance. Charges
while running. Powerful
LiFePO4 battery for long
storage life.
Solar powered
Water-resistant.
Aerodynamic shape
prevents shifting and
aids water runoff.
Rugged and durable
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AeroPoints User Manual

AeroPoints are built tough, but you can extend their
life by keeping them clean and dry when not in use.
Simply remove dirt and dust with a damp cloth once
your job iscomplete or soon after.
Like a phone or a watch, AeroPoints are water-
resistant (they can handle some mud, splashes,
orlight rain) but not waterproof (they shouldn’t
besubmerged or left out in heavy rain).
Reduce the risk of sand or gravel scratching the solar
panels by stacking and storing AeroPoints with the
undersides together (illustrated on left). Keep your
AeroPoints healthy by charging them to full regularly
after use and before long-term storage.
Compatible drone
technology
Any GPS (including RTK)
enabled drone, including DJI
(Phantom, Matrice, etc).
Operating
temperature
14ºF (-10ºC) to 122ºF (50ºC)
ambient
Compatible
correction data
Propeller Corrections Network;
On-site base station (RINEX);
Known mark
Operating
humidity 100% (condensing)
Compatible image/
sensor types RGB only Battery life 45hrs (with no sun exposure)
Processed data
formats
View in Propeller Platform,
ordownload as CSV, PDF, KML
Charging time
forfull battery 16hrs in full sun
Software
compatibility
Any processing application that
accepts GCP data in CSV format
Regulatory
certications FCC, IC, CE, RCM
Product specications
Care instructions
AeroPoints are covered by a standard international
warranty for one year from activation.
Warranty
Above: Stack and store AeroPoints with their
undersides together.
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AeroPoints User Manual

INTEGRATED CLOUD-BASED
PROCESSING
If you’re looking to visualize your drone survey data, we recommend using
AeroPoints together with Propeller’s cloud-based visualization and analysis platform.
(Access to the Propeller Platform is available only with a software license purchase.
Without it, you only have access to the AeroPoints dashboard, where you can
process and export data to use elsewhere.)
With the Propeller Platform,
you can upload your geotagged
images and 24 hours later you’ll
get a 3D map of your survey
area. Powerful measurement
tools and calculators let you
track, map, and measure your
site from you browser and
share data with stakeholders.
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AeroPoints User Manual

Each set of AeroPoints must be activated before rst use. Go to propelleraero.com/activate-
aeropoints and enter the unique eight-character code included with your AeroPoints Group.
If you have more than one code, please use all codes simultaneously to assure AeroPoints
are grouped together onyour user portal.
Under Portal Name, enter the business/entity you wish your AeroPoints to be assigned to.
ACTIVATE ONLINE
You may be prompted to log into your AeroPoints
portal before activating your AeroPoints. If you
don’t have an account, you can register for one
atapp.prpellr.com/accounts/register.
Your AeroPoints Account:
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AeroPoints User Manual

Go to propelleraero.com/aeropoints-coverage-map to see whether your site
iscovered by the Propeller Corrections Network.
If you’re ying inside the Network, proceed as normal. If not, turn to Appendix I
(page 16) to learn about alternative correction methods.
Distribute the full set of AeroPoints (10 units) around your site, paying special
attention to the perimeter.
For best results, place an AeroPoint near each corner and distribute the
remainder around the center, aiming to cover both high and low elevations.
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
CONDUCT A FLIGHT
Before your ight
Fail: AeroPoints are missing
from one part of the site
(protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too
far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distributed
evenly around the site perimeter,
with remainder near the center.
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AeroPoints User Manual

After you place each AeroPoint, press the button
to start recording. The light will turn on, indicating
AeroPoints are in “recording mode.”
Avoid placing AeroPoints beneath trees, walls,
buildings, power lines, or near running machinery or
site vehicles. For the best results, they should have an
unobstructed view of the sky in every direction above
a 15 degree angle (illustrated above).
Avoid placing AeroPoints where they will be disturbed
by people, animals, or vehicles. (You should notify site
manager/personnel that AeroPoints are in use.)
AeroPoints will begin recording data 60 seconds after
you press the button to start. Avoid adjusting the
position of an AeroPoint after this time.
If you change your mind about the position
ofaAeroPoint and want to start over, that’s ne.
Just push the button once to stop recording, move
your AeroPoint, then push button again to start
recording.
Made a mistake?
15°15°
Important: AeroPoints (and/or AeroStencil marks)
should have an unobstructed view of the sky in ever
direction above a 15˚ angle.
Each AeroPoint should be left in place
torecord at least 45 minutes of data.
To maximize recording time, we recommend
carrying out preight drone checks and
safety routines after you lay out AeroPoints,
and packing up your drone before collecting
AeroPoints.
Be aware that AeroPoints will automatically turn
themselves off (sleep mode) after ve hours.
Collect AeroPoints in reverse order to how you
laid them out (i.e. pick up the last-placed AeroPoint
rst; nish with the one you placed rst).
Press the button on each AeroPoint to nish
recording before you pick them up.
AeroPoints can store GPS data from at least
100 surveys before requiring upload.
Data from separate locations will
beautomatically grouped in your portal.
During your ight
After your ight
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AeroPoints User Manual

UPLOAD YOUR AEROPOINTS DATA
When you press the button on AeroPoints to nish
recording, they enter “WiFi search mode,” indicated
bythe light blinking once every 30 seconds.
In this mode, AeroPoints will search intermittently for
a WiFi network called “propeller” with the password
“propeller.”
Turn to Appendix II (page 19) for instructions onhow
toset up this WiFi network using the hotspot functionality
on your smartphone or device. Alternatively, you can
use a wireless router.
If AeroPoints nd the propeller WiFi network within
24hours, they’ll enter “upload mode” and automatically
connect to the network to upload recorded data. This
mode is indicated by a slow blink (connecting) followed
by a fast blink (uploading).
If more than 24 hours have passed since AeroPoints
nished recording, you’ll need to wake them up from
“sleep mode” (light off) in order to upload data. To do
this, simply press the button twice (once to switch
to“recording mode”; again to switch to “WiFi
search mode”).
In “upload mode,” the AeroPoint’s light will blink fast,
indicating that it is connected and uploading data to
Propeller. At the same time, you’ll see a blue bar at the
top of your device screen, indicating that your hotspot
connection is active.
If you’re logged into your AeroPoints processing portal,
you can also monitor upload progress there.
It takes approximately one minute to upload each hour
of recorded AeroPoint data (but can take longerwith
a slow connection). When upload is complete, the
AeroPoint light will turn off (sleep mode).
Establishing a WiFi network
Connecting AeroPoints
Above: A blue bar will indicate that your Personal
Hotspot is active as AeroPoint data uploads.
iOS devices allow only ve concurrent connections to your
Personal Hotspot.
If you’re using an iOS device, we recommend uploading
your data ve AeroPoints at a time.
Uploading Using iOS:
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AeroPoints User Manual

APPLY CORRECTIONS AND SHARE
YOUR AEROPOINTS DATA
After uploading AeroPoints data, you
need to choose the corrections method
appropriate for your ight.
Log in to your Propeller portal, and click AeroPoints
inthe top navigation bar to open the interface.
Select your AeroPoints Group from the left-hand menu.
Click “Show all AeroPoints” to see the unique ID code
associated to each AeroPoint, along with the time
ofthemost recent upload, and the battery level at the
time ofthe most recent upload. (Note: battery level
isnot alive indicator.)
Under your ights, you’ll see a list of completed
surveys performed using your selected AeroPoint set.
Make sure that data from each of your 10 AeroPoints
units is visible for each survey.
If you’re missing data from any of your AeroPoints,
it’spossible that your upload may have failed.
In this instance, refer to Troubleshooting (page 15)
forfurther instruction.
Click Process Now for your selected ight and indicate
the appropriate corrections method for your site. Refer
to Appendix I (page 16) to understand the correction
options available.
Expect a short delay (up to a few hours) while
corrections are retrieved and applied.
Open the AeroPoints dashboard
Check all uploads are complete Share AeroPoints data
Apply corrections
For some locations, retrieving Propeller Corrections Network
data can take a little longer (several hours). In this case, your
interface will display the above message.
Please contact the support team by clicking the button in the
top right of your portal if this message persists past a few hours.
“Waiting for correction data”
Information is most useful when it’s shared, and sharing
your AeroPoints data with a colleague or client is easy.
To grant another user access, click on User Permissions
next to the AeroPoints Group name, and enter a valid
email address. An email will be sent to that address,
inviting the recipient to view your AeroPoints data.
To download corrected AeroPoints data, just click
Download.
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AeroPoints User Manual

TURN YOUR DRONE IMAGES
AND GROUND CONTROL
DATA INTO 3D MAPS WITH
THE PROPELLER PLATFORM
If you want more out of your AeroPoints data, Propeller’s cloud-based analysis and visualization
platform is the perfect solution.
With the purchase of a Propeller Platform software license, we’ll process your drone images
in24hours and integrate your corrected AeroPoints data to deliver accurate 3D site models.
Want to learn more? Find detailed articles on the drone image upload process and the Propeller
Platform at help.propelleraero.com or on our blog at propelleraero.com/blog.
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AeroPoints User Manual

Before you place each AeroPoint, spray an
AeroStencil mark (paying special attention to the
outside corners).
Remove AeroStencil and allow paint to dry. Place AeroPoint on top of AeroStencil mark, using
painted corners to align exactly. Activate each
AeroPoint and complete flight as usual.
1
32
Before you place each AeroPoint, spray an
AeroStencil mark (paying special attention to the
outside corners).
Remove AeroStencil and allow paint to dry. Place AeroPoint on top of AeroStencil mark, using
painted corners to align exactly. Activate each
AeroPoint and complete flight as usual.
1 3
2
Before you place each AeroPoint, spray an
AeroStencil mark (paying special attention to the
outside corners).
Remove AeroStencil and allow paint to dry. Place AeroPoint on top of AeroStencil mark, using
painted corners to align exactly. Activate each
AeroPoint and complete flight as usual.
1
3
2
Subsequent ights:
Carry out your drone ight without distributing
AeroPoints, and Propeller will use your existing
AeroStencil marks to calibrate your data set instead.
Alternatively, you can use a combination of AeroStencil
marks (in stable areas) and AeroPoints (in unstable
areas, like a pit oor) for subsequent ights.
You can rely on AeroStencil marks for up to three months.
After this time, we recommend you complete another
survey using AeroPoints to maintain the highest accuracy.
First ight:
Distribute the full set of AeroPoints around your
site as usual. But before placing each unit, spray an
AeroStencil mark (including outside corners) then place
your AeroPoint on top (using the corner marks to align).
Press the button on each AeroPoint to start recording,
and complete your survey as normal.
Do you y the same site every day? Ifso, you can avoid placing and
picking up your AeroPoints each time by using AeroStencils to mark
your AeroPoint positions semipermanently.
AeroStencil marks work best on hard, at surfaces that won’t move
orbe disturbed.
Use heavy-duty aerosol paint (like that used for line-marking) in a
high-contrast color like pink or yellow.
For PPK users,
please refer to the
PPK User Manual
for specic guidance
onAeroStencil use.
Before you place each AeroPoint, spray
anAeroStencil mark (paying special
attention to the outside corners).
Remove AeroStencil and allow paint
to dry.
AEROSTENCILS:
FOR FREQUENT FLYERS
Place AeroPoint on top of AeroStencil mark,
using painted corners to align exactly. Activate
each AeroPoint and complete ight as usual.
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AeroPoints User Manual

FAQ
For more AeroPoint FAQs, visit propelleraero.com/aeropoints-faq.
Can’t nd an answer to your question? Email us: [e-mail].
Do I need a Propeller platform license
touse AeroPoints?
No. If you’re just processing AeroPoints’ data, you need
access to your AeroPoints dashboard. Twelve months’
access is included in your rst AeroPoints purchase.
After that, we charge an annual fee of $600 USD.
The Propeller Platform license allows you to go a step
further to visualize your drone survey data as a 3D
model. Note that this license does include access to the
AeroPoints dashboard for free.
How big an area can I cover with one
setof AeroPoints?
A set of 10 AeroPoints can achieve accurate results for
an area up to 80ha/180 acres. For larger areas (up to
120ha/360 acres), we recommend using two sets.
Can I use AeroPoints with other cloud-
or desktop-based processing solutions?
Yes. You can export AeroPoints data in CSV, KML,
and PDF formats.
The site is windy. Will my AeroPoints
getblown out of position?
Their aerodynamic design means AeroPoints should
be unaffected by anything other than extreme winds.
It isn’t safe to y a drone in such conditions and we
recommend delaying your ight.
What kind of support do I get with
myAeroPoints?
AeroPoints customers have access to tech support,
which includes 24-hour chat support through
the AeroPoints dashboard and email support via
[e-mail] during Propeller
business hours (7am–5pm MST; 9am–5pm AEST).
Where does an AeroPoint
measure from?
AeroPoints’ measurements are taken from top of the
unit, where the checkerboard intersects.
Something went wrong when I was
uploading my AeroPoints data. Have
Ilost my data?
It’s pretty much impossible to “lose” data from
anAeroPoint. AeroPoints will retain all recorded
data until it is completely and successfully uploaded
toPropeller.
Data is automatically removed from AeroPoints
onceuploaded.
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AeroPoints User Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING
One of my AeroPoints isn’t
turning on.
Your AeroPoint may have an empty battery. Place
itinthe sun to charge for 8–10 hours.
Only a long, continuous period of use without sun
exposure will cause an AeroPoint battery to deplete
faster than it recharges. Before you store it, make sure
the AeroPoint has uploaded all of its data to avoid
draining the battery due to network search.
I can’t see any of the AeroPoints in my images.
It may be that your image resolution isn’t high enough,
your images are blurry, or your ground sample distance
(GSD) is too high.
Ensure your drone is set up to capture images atasufcient
resolution and ight height. You can use the GSD
Calculator (linked in your AeroPoints dashboard)
toachieve a GSD of <5cm pixel, which is optimal
forAeroPoints.
Alternatively, your AeroPoints may have been obscured
by trees, walls, or other objects.
Make sure that AeroPoints are placed with
anunobstructed view of the sky in every direction
(page 9).
Propeller is missing data from one
ofmy AeroPoints.
Your data upload may have failed. To try again, rst restart
your device, then activate your WiFi hotspot (instructions
on page 10). Press the AeroPoint button twice (once to
turn it on; a second time to commence upload).
A small number of users have reported difculty
uploading data using an iOS device. If this is you,
please try again using a Windows 10 Hotspot.
(Find information on various hotspot setups
at help.propelleraero.com.)
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AeroPoints User Manual

APPENDIX I: AEROPOINTS
CORRECTION METHODS
For accurate positions, corrections must be applied to AeroPoints data using
one of the methods below. (Note: some methods have specic logging and/or
placement requirements that should be adhered to.)
If you’re ying within the Propeller Corrections Network,
then take advantage of our fully automated AeroPoints
correction. This is the simplest way to use AeroPoints.
In countries like Australia, where a national survey system
is in use on most worksites, this data will be accurate
and aligned with other site data and information.
In countries like the USA, the Propeller Corrections
Network is ideal for accurate general mapping, but most
worksites use a local calibrated system, and should
therefore use the known mark correction method
ifpossible.
Go to propelleraero.com/aeropoints-coverage-map
tosee if your site is covered by the Propeller Corrections
Network.
No? Let us know—we’re continually expanding our
network coverage.
Global accuracy:
20mm/20mm/50mm (the best available)
Consistency:
20mm/20mm/50mm (the best available)
Internal accuracy:
10mm or less (precise internal reconstruction)
Global accuracy:
20mm/20mm/50mm
(the best available—dependant on accurate placement
ofAeroPoint and accuracy of known mark itself)
Consistency:
20mm/20mm/50mm
(the best available—dependant on using the same
known mark each time)
Internal accuracy:
10mm or less (precise internal reconstruction)
You can place one AeroPoint at a known survey mark
orbenchmark location.
If you have access to GPS rover equipment, you can
use it to create a new known mark. This is the best
approach for worksites using their own site calibration.
Be sure to place an AeroPoint on the known mark rst,
and pick it up last—it must be recording data for the
duration of your ight.
We can use data from this AeroPoint, combined with
the coordinates of the known mark, as the reference
point for the other AeroPoints used in the survey.
The Propeller
Corrections Network
Using A Known Marka b
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AeroPoints User Manual

Local Site Calibration:
If your site has its own local calibration, we can correct
your AeroPoints to positions in your local site coordinates.
You’ll just need to upload a local site calibration le
(e.g., a Trimble .CAL) or send us or a point pair le
(i.e. a list of points in both global and local coordinates).
If you’re interested in using this correction method,
talk to us: [e-mail].
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AeroPoints User Manual

If there are no known marks available, the global accuracy
of your data will be reduced. However, you can still use
AeroPoints to get results that are internally accurate and
consistent over time.
Find a hard, at surface that will not move or be disturbed,
and establish your own “mark” (we recommend using
heavy-duty aerosol paint like that used for line-marking).
Place one AeroPoint at this mark and ensure it is left in
place to record at least two hours of data.
For your rst ight, we’ll use the data from this AeroPoint
to calculate an estimated point (accurate within 50cm). For
subsequent ights, we’ll treat that coordinate
as a “known mark.”
If none of the methods above are an option, the global
accuracy of your data, and consistency over time, will be
reduced.
However, you can still use AeroPoints to get an internally
accurate reconstruction—measurements and distances
will be precise.
If you’re only capturing a site once (like a damage
assessment or a trafc accident capture) and don’t need
to measure changes over time, this method may fulll your
requirements.
You might have access to a dual frequency L1/L2 RTK
rover, or your site may have an RTK base station receiver.
Provide us with RINEX formatted GNSS observations for
the period of your survey and we can use these as the
reference point.
Note: The RINEX le must have an accurate location for
the base in the header, as this is the location that the
AeroPoints will be measured against.
Global accuracy:
500mm/500mm/500mm
Consistency:
20mm/20mm/50mm (the best available—dependant
onusing same known mark each time)
Internal accuracy:
10mm or less (precise internal reconstruction)
Global accuracy:
20mm/20mm/50mm (the best available)
Consistency:
20mm/20mm/50mm (the best available)
Internal accuracy:
10mm or less (precise internal reconstruction)
Global accuracy:
500mm/500mm/500mm
Consistency:
500mm/500mm/500mm
Internal accuracy:
10mm or less (precise internal reconstruction)
Using an AeroPoint
to create a known mark
“Just lay them out”—PPP processing
Using your own
RINEX corrections
c
e
d
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AeroPoints User Manual

APPENDIX II: CONFIGURE
YOUR SMARTPHONE
HOTSPOT TO ACT AS
PROPELLER WIFI NETWORK
Above: Changing your device name on iOS.
Above: Opening your hotspot settings on iOS.
Using an Android device
The procedure for setting up a WiFi hotspot is different
for each Android device.
Refer to instructions from your specic device
manufacturer (or Google it!).
Using an iOS device
Change your device name
From Settings, navigate to General > About > Name.
Change the name of your device to “propeller.”
Change your Personal Hotspot password
From Settings, navigate to Personal Hotspot. Change
WiFi password to “propeller” and toggle Personal
Hotspot to On (green).
Important: Keep your iOS device open on the Personal
Hotspot screen to maintain connection and monitor
data upload.
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AeroPoints User Manual

Need help?
Visit help.propelleraero.com for how-to articles,
tutorial videos, and more.
Email [e-mail] to get
intouch with our tech support team.
SUPPORT
Propeller Aero
Sydney, AU | Denver, USA
Talk to us:
[e-mail]
propelleraero.com