> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Unboxing and Powering Your Astro

Open up the Astro case and you will see the Astro, a quick start guide, and the controller.

Remove the[ Pilot Pro controller](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/controller/pilot-pro) from the case, peel off the sticker from the controller screen, and press the power button twice to power it on. The Pilot Pro app will automatically open.

Pull the Astro out of the case, and set it down on a hard, stable surface.

Align one [SL8 battery](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/power/superlight-batteries) onto the Astro, and slide it into place with enough pressure to hear two clicks. This means that the battery is electrically connected to the Astro.

If you have a [compatible payload](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/payloads/payloads-overview#freefly-payloads), such as the [Sony LR1](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/payloads/lr1-payload), you should [connect your payload](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/payloads/payload-maintenance/installing-removing-payloads) before powering on the Astro.

{% hint style="danger" %}
The Smart Dovetail is not designed for hot-swapping payloads. Ensure that the Astro is powered off when connecting or removing payloads.
{% endhint %}

Once your payload is connected and secured, press the button on the battery once to wake the battery, then again to send power to the Astro.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Powering Astro with only 1 battery will prevent arming, making it much safer to have powered on while the propellers are installed. This is not a substitute for the absolute safety of removing propellers.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Getting Hardware Charged and Ready

You should have received batteries in a separate shipment. The chargers for these batteries are going to be located in the Astro case, under the battery foam insert.

Connect the Astro batteries to the chargers and charge until complete.

Using the included 65W charger, plug in the Pilot Pro controller using the left-most USB-C port, and charge until complete.

Finally, ensure that your Astro [firmware is up to date](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/astro/maintenance/software-release-notes/software), and Pilot Pro has the [latest updates](/ecosystem/controller/pilot-pro/maintenance/software-and-firmware-updates.md).

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Learn How to Operate Astro

While your batteries and controller charge, read the [Flight section of this wiki](/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/operation.md), and learn how to control Astro.

If you are getting started with the **NDAA/Blue** version of the Astro, make sure to read the Doodle radio notes in our [Pilot Pro docs](/ecosystem/controller/pilot-pro/operating-handbook/radio-modules/doodle-labs-radio-module.md), as well as the different configurations and parameters in [DIU Blue sUAS](/astro/other-user-manuals/compliance/diu-blue-suas.md).

Learn about common workflows like [Photogrammetry Mapping](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/workflows/photogrammetry-mapping) and [LiDAR Mapping](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/workflows/lidar-mapping). Visit our [workflows page](/ecosystem/workflows/photogrammetry-mapping.md) for all our guides on how to put Astro to work. 

Check out the [Freefly Astro Training Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlKTld1e-W1wUvac10cbtM5Aru1su0QOO) on YouTube for some visual instruction.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Pilot skill with [Manual Mode](/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/flight-modes.md#manual) is required for[ Emergency Procedures](/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/emergency-procedures.md#emergency-procedure-checklists). 
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Go Flying!

To ensure that the Pilot is using best practices, there is a quick checklist card included in the Astro case. The digital version is found in[ Part 2 - Operation](/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/operation.md#astro-flight-checklist).

Freefly also offers [official Astro Training](https://store.freeflysystems.com/collections/astro/products/astro-training) for up to 5 students at a time! 

If you'd like to review the [flight logs](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/ecosystem/software/flight-logs), you can download and analyze them any time.

Now that you have completed your first flight, dive in, learn the details, and put Astro to work!
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.freeflysystems.com/astro/pilots-operating-handbook/getting-started.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.