NC K9 Emergency Response Team

VikingUAS Multicopter (VTOL)- Aircraft Safety Checklist

Before Your First Flight....

Balance

• Is the longitudinal center of gravity (fore and aft) within the range 

shown on the plans?

• Is the model balanced laterally (side to side)?

Control Surfaces

• Are all control surfaces securely attached? (i.e., Props, booms, landing 

gear). Pull on each one to test.

• Are the sensor secured to the model?

Control Linkages

• Have all the linkages been checked to be sure they are secure?

Engine / Motor Security and Operation

• Are all engine mount screws tight, including mount to motor mount

• Are the propeller nut and/or spinner tight?

• Does the throttle work without binding?

• Does the throttle trim tab shut down the engine?

• Has the propeller been balanced and checked for damage?

• Are propeller tips painted a contrasting color? (whilst not essential it 

makes the propeller much easier to see)

• Has the engine been thoroughly test run? (engine idle and throttle up 

properly)

Radio Equipment

• Are the receiver and battery securely mounted and padded with foam 

to protect from vibration and shock?

• Are all electrical connectors are secure?

• Is the receiver's antenna fully extended and in good condition?

• Are the batteries charged and in good condition (check under load with 

a volt meter if unsure)?

• Are all servo/brushless motors securely fastened to the rails or trays?

• Are servo arms/ brushless motors firmly attached with screw in place?

• Are all push rods firmly secure in servo arms (again keepers or fuel 

tubing should be fitted)?  Are the control throws in the correct direction 

with proper amount of deflection (as per plan)?

• Has a full range check been performed? (see below)

General
• Is the covering tight with no visible signs of damage?

• Are all retaining bolts in place and secure?

• Are any hatches, cowls and canopies secure?

• Are all components structurally sound?

• Is your name and contact details marked on the model somewhere 

easily visible? (in case it's lost).

Range Checking the radio

• Verify Ground Station and Radio Frequency is linked with aircraft.

• Turn on transmitter check the correct model is selected (if applicable) 

and then turn on the receiver.

Important: make sure the transmitter aerial is down fully.

• Ask someone to help and walk away from the model until signs of loss 

of control are apparent.

• If electric powered ensure that the range is not worse with the motor 

running.

Before EVERY flight:

• Verify your frequency is available and mark it as yours if necessary.

• Check the receiver battery pack to ensure enough charge for the flight 

intended.

• Check for damage and the control throw direction of all surfaces.

• Turn on the transmitter and check the correct model is selected (if 

applicable).

• If the model has a receiver battery then, switch on the receiver.

• Ensure the throttle is in the correct position and connect the motor 

battery.

Flight Operations

• Flight operations are to be conducted outside 5 miles of any 

airport. If operations are to be conducted follow FAA instructions 

instructing ATC contact and time of operation requirements in 

advance of flight operation. 

• If operating near a local airfield contact Airport Manager of 

Operations in area. This is to insure all GA pilots are notified of 

the UAV/UAS operations in area.

WARNING:	The	motor	must	now	be	considered	live	as	the	motor	could	start	at	

any	time without	warning	(possibly	due	to	interference	or	faulty	controller).

• Arm	the	controller	if	necessary	and	briefly	check	the	motor	functions	

correctly.

• Take	the	model	out	to	the	strip	and	warn	people	you	are	about	to	take	off.

• As	soon	as	you	land	disconnect	the	motor	battery	and	switch	off	the	

receiver	if	necessary.

• Switch	off	the	transmitter	and	release	the	frequency	for	others	to	use.