Andrew Cross (DBA AC Aerial Photography) RCAPA mod Checklist For Phantom II and Tarot 810

Flight Operation Checklists

Flight operations checklists are typically separated into six phases 

of flight checks which are Pre-Flight, Control Systems Check, Before 

Take Off, In-Flight Operations, Landing, and Post-Flight Operations. 

Pre-Flight:

 1 Before the first flight of the day, verify all transmitter, on-board 

aircraft, and camera batteries are fully charged. 

 2 Check all electronics and wiring for secure attachment and 

integrity

 3 Check the multicopter to make sure it is in good structural 

condition and all structures are properly secured and aligned 

to the airframe. 

 4 Check the motors and mounting system to make sure it is 

firmly attached to the airframe. 

 5 Check the propellers for chips, cracks, looseness and any 

deformation. 

 6 Check the landing gear for damage and secure attachment. 

 7 Check that the transceiver, GPS, and receiver are firmly attached 

to airframe

 8 Check that the photography equipment and mounting system 

are secure and operational. 

 9 Perform an overall visual check of the aircraft prior to arming 

any power systems. 

 10 Repair or replace any part found to be unairworthy in the preflight prior to take-off. 

 11 Ensure Batteries are fully charged and at full capacity 

 12 Perform assessment of operational area to identify hazards 

that may interfere with operation. 

 13 Determine if barriers or crowd control personnel are needed to 

protect public from harm. 

 14 Install barriers and/or assign duties to crowd control personnel 

as needed. 

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Andrew Cross (DBA AC Aerial Photography) RCAPA mod Checklist For Phantom II and Tarot 810

Control Systems Check:

 

 1 Make sure that all of your body parts, clothing, other 

obstructions, and bystanders are well away from any propeller 

or rotor and its arc before turning power on to any systems. 

 2 Turn on the transmitter. If it displays information such as 

aircraft memory and battery voltage, be sure these numbers are 

correct. 

 3 Make sure that the throttle stick on the transmitter is in the 

power off position. 

 4 Connect the battery and/or turn on the power switch to the 

aircraft. 

 5 Follow the recommended range test procedures as outlined in 

your radio transmitter/receiver owner’s manual. 

 6 Wait and verify GPS lock is achieved.(per DJI manual) 

 7 Calibrate Compass per DJI manual if aircraft is a large 

distance(>50Miles) from previous flight. 

 8 Announce out loud – “CLEAR ”. 

 9 Check the motor/engine for proper operation at idle then 

check that the motor stops completely when the throttle stick 

is at the off position. 

 10 Check that photo/video equipment power is on. Check to make 

sure the triggering device is working correctly. 

Before Take Off:

 1 Confirm transmitter antenna is fully extended. 

 2 Confirm transmitter trims settings in proper position. 

 3 Confirm receiver antenna is fully extended. 

 4 Check that the take off area is clear of obstructions and people. 

 5 Double check weather conditions and review potential 

emergency landing areas. 

 6 Set flight timer alarm. 

 7 Announce out loud – “TAKING OFF”. 

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Andrew Cross (DBA AC Aerial Photography) RCAPA mod Checklist For Phantom II and Tarot 810

 8 Launch aircraft. 

In-Flight:

 1 Climb to a safe altitude away from potential hazards and check 

control systems. Land if necessary. 

 2 Keep aircraft at a safe operating distance from people and 

buildings. 

 3 If aircraft must be flown over buildings or people, maintain a 

safe altitude for recovery & make every effort to minimize that 

time. 

 4 Continually scan the flight and ground areas for potential 

hazards. 

Landing:

 1 Check the control systems. 

 2 Scan landing area for potential obstruction hazards and 

recheck weather conditions. 

 3 Announce out loud – “LANDING”. 

 4 Always be prepared to go around. 

 5 Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people. 

Post-Flight:

 1 Turn the power off to the aircraft and/or disconnect the 

batteries. 

 2 Turn off the transmitter. 

 3 Turn the power off to the photo equipment. 

 4 Visually check aircraft for signs of damage and/or excessive 

wear. 

 6 Secure the aircraft. 

Maintenance and Log Books

Any damage or worn out parts need to be replaced or repaired 

before the next flight occurs. Log books are not only used to log 

aircraft flight times with a running total, but to record all 

maintained, i.e. component installation, repairs, and replacement. 

Each aircraft should have an identifying number that can be 

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Andrew Cross (DBA AC Aerial Photography) RCAPA mod Checklist For Phantom II and Tarot 810

connected to the aircraft and corresponding aircraft log book. The 

logbook should be kept with the aircraft. All repaired aircraft shall 

be tested, deemed airworthy, and so noted in the maintenance 

logbook before resumption of Aerial Photography duties.

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