One question we hear a lot: “How do I get my flight logs into Nova if I can’t install Aircast on my controller?” It usually comes from DJI Mini pilots and from anyone flying with a DJI RC or DJI RC 2 screen controller. Those controllers don’t allow third-party apps.

The good news is you don’t need Aircast to keep your records current. This Just Ask Jake shows you how to export your flight logs manually so your hours still land in Pilot and Fleet Tracking.

In this Just Ask Jake, we’ll cover:

• Why manual flight log imports matter

• Step 1: Exporting flight logs from your DJI controller (Windows and Mac)

• Step 2: Importing flight logs into Pilot and Fleet Tracking

Why It Matters

Pilot and Fleet Tracking only works if your flight logs are accurate. Every log you import adds to your pilots’ flight hours and your aircraft’s time in service. That keeps your records complete for compliance, training requirements, and maintenance schedules.

When a drone can’t run Aircast, its flights don’t sync automatically. If nobody imports them, hours go unrecorded, pilot currency looks out of date, and maintenance intervals slip by.

Step 1: Export Your Flight Logs

The controller saves your flight logs as TXT files, one per flight. Each file is named with the date and time of the flight, so it’s easy to find the ones you need. How you get them off the controller depends on your computer.

On Windows

1. Power on your DJI RC or DJI RC 2.

2. Connect the controller to your computer with a USB-C data cable. A charge-only cable won’t work.

3. Open File Explorer and select the controller. It shows up as “DJI RC” or “DJI RC 2.”

4. Go to Internal shared storage > Android > data > dji.go.v5 > files > FlightRecord.

5. Copy the TXT files you want onto your computer.

*dji.go.v5 may change based on the drone type and version* 

On Mac

Macs can’t read Android-based controllers over USB, so you’ll copy the logs to the controller’s microSD card first and then move them to your computer from the card.

1. On the controller, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Settings icon in the top right. Then tap Storage.

2. Tap Music and audio, then Audio files.

3. Tap the menu icon (☰) next to Audio, then select DJI RC.

4. Go to Android > data > dji.go.v5 > files > FlightRecord.

5. Press and hold the FlightRecord folder until a blue checkmark appears. Tap the three dots in the top right and choose Copy to…

6. Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top left and select your microSD card.

7. Paste the FlightRecord folder onto the card.

8. Power off the controller and remove the microSD card. Insert it into your Mac with a card reader and copy the TXT files onto your computer.

Jake’s Tip: If you fly with DJI Fly on a phone or tablet instead of a screen controller, your logs are saved on that phone or tablet, not on the controller.

Step 2: Import Your Flight Logs into Pilot and Fleet Tracking

Once the TXT files are on your computer, upload them in Nova.

1. Log into Nova. Check that you’re in the right workspace using the Nova icon in the top-left corner. Logs uploaded to the wrong workspace won’t appear under your organization’s pilots and aircraft.

2. Open Pilot and Fleet Tracking.

3. Select Add Flight in the top right.

4. Select the TXT files you exported. You can upload several at once.

5. Assign a pilot to each flight.

6. Select Create Flight. The flight hours are added to each pilot’s and aircraft’s totals.

Jake’s Tip: Make it part of your end-of-day routine. Exporting and importing takes a couple of minutes and keeps logs from piling up.

Final Thoughts

Not every drone or controller can run Aircast, but your flight hours should still be recorded. A quick export from your controller and an upload into Pilot and Fleet Tracking keeps every pilot and aircraft in your fleet accounted for.