Drone(UAV) Pre-Flight – Flight – Post Flight Plan

Area & Environment

o Hazards / Site Selection

o Check for wires / cables

o Animals

o People / bystanders

o Property in the vicinity

o Site is away from nonessential participants

o Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and 

personnel;

o Minimize departures and landings over populated areas

o Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of 

sight towards the UAV at all times. Ensure the telemetry 

connection is not obstructed.

o Investigate potential alternative landing sites in case take-off site 

is obstructed.

o Psychological consideration (are you well rested, rushed, are 

you being pressured by client)

o Weather considerations

o Temperature

o Visibility

o Precipitation

o Wind Speed

o Upper winds / at altitude

o Rotor (lee side of large objects)

o Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions 

(permission)

o Discuss flight plan with your co-pilot or spotter

o If flying in controlled airspace, have you notified airspace authority

o NOTAMs

o Can you reach authorities

o Do you need to maintain communication?

! First Aid Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the 

area.
Equipment / UAV / Drone

Drone Serial Number .

o Walk-around

o Crack in joints and structural members

o Loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps

o Loose or damaged wiring

o Loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc.)

o Inspect prop mounts and screws and apply slight counter pressure on 

arms to check for loosened components

o FPV , inspect / clean FPV (Camera) Lens and insure it is secured and 

connects are firmly attached

o Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)

o Battery / Batteries are fully charged, properly seated and Secured

o Fail-safe equipment functioning

o RTH (return to home)

o Recovery chute

o Firmware Airport Proximity Detection Functioning

o Props are smooth and free of damage / defect (check blade, surface and 

hub)

o Prop adapters are tight / secure

o Ensure voltage alarm is connected

o Ensure arming / idle timeout is properly configured

o Correct model is selected in transmitter (if applicable)

o Check RC transmitter shows the right range and centering for all sticks

! Perform range test
Mission Plan

All actions and contingencies for the mission planned.

Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, 

degraded performance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists.

Mission plans and flight plans should be shared with other operators in the vicinity.

Public Awareness

Be courteous and polite

You are an ambassador and your actions will affect other pilots 

and the industry in general

Be professional / appear professional
Pre-flight / Run-up

o Verifying all transmitter, on-board aircraft and camera batteries are 

fully charged; (confirm voltages)

o Ensure no frequency conflicts with both video and transmitter / 

receiver

o Checking all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and 

overall condition; Looking over the wing/rotors to ensure they are in 

good structural condition and properly secured;

o Check motor/engine and mounting attached to the airframe;

o Study propellers / mounting hardware (tight) / rotor blades for chips 

and deformation;

o Check the landing gear for damage and function

o Test electrical connections, plugged in and secure

o Ensure photo / video equipment mounting system is secure and 

operational.

o Check location of GPS equipment controlling the autopilot.

o Check the IMU movements in the ground control software.

o UAV in stabilization mode, ensure control surfaces move towards the 

correct positions

o UAV / Drone is in a level location safe for takeoff

o FPV / Power up ground station

o FPV / Power up Video receiver / goggles

o If using Video recorder turn on camera system

o Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)

o SD camera memory clear and inserted into the camera

o Action / Start filming

o All transmitter controls move freely in all directions

o All transmitter trims in neutral position

o All transmitter switches in correct position( typically away)

o Transmitter throttle to zero

o Radio transmitter on

o Connect / power on battery to airframe

o Ensure led indicators and audible tones are correct

o Timer on (if applicable)

o FPV, confirm video is in monitor / goggles

o Scan for nearby cars / people / animals

o Say “CLEAR!”

o Arm flight controller

o Increase throttle slightly listening for any abnormalities

o Short 20-30 second hover at 3-5 feet (listen for vibrations / loose 

items)

! Confirm Voltage levels are correct
In-Flight

Not to Exceed 200ft AGL – and forward speed of 10mph

o Basics: If flying manually, always keep your fingers on the 

controller/transmitter.

o Never let the UAV out of your sight even for a second.

o Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and to reduce 

noise pollution.

o Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people, electric utility 

lines and buildings.

o If the UAV must be flown over buildings or people, use a lightweight 

UAV and maintain a safe altitude for recovery and make every effort 

to minimize exposure.

o Spotter: Use a spotter whenever possible and appropriate, especially 

when flying by First Person View (FPV).

o Do not fly UAVs within distance defined by local laws of any 

private/commercial airport/helipad

o Do not fly around a pre-existing UAV flying site without a frequencymanagement agreement.

o Do not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport

o Landing: Regardless of whether of a manual or automated UAV 

landing, scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards.

o Announce out loud “Preparing to Land”.

! Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.
Post-Flight

o Shutting Down: Turn the power off to the aircraft 

and/or disconnect the batteries.

o Turn off the transmitter.

o Turn the power off to the photo equipment.

o Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or 

excessive wear.

o Remove the unused fuel if applicable. Secure the 

aircraft.

o Check pictures: Verify that the UAV camera actually 

took the pictures.

LOG FLIGHT

Date:

Start Time:

Location:

Client:

Purpose:

Description: 

.