AREA	AND	ENVIRONMENT	PRE-CHECK

Hazards	/	Site	Selection:

• Check	for	wires	/	cables

• Animals

• People	/	bystanders

• Property	in	the	vicinity

• Site	is	away	from	nonessential	participants

• Ability	to	maintain	adequate	buffer	zones	between	aircraft	and	personnel;

• Minimize	departures	and	landings	over	populated	areas

• Take	into	account	local	topography,	ensuring	a	visible	line	of	sight	towards	

the	UAV	at	all	times.	Ensure	the	telemetry	connection	is	not	obstructed.

• Investigate	potential	alternative	landing	sites	in	case	take-off	site	is	

obstructed.

• Psychological	consideration	(are	you	well	rested,	rushed,	“get	there-itis”,	are	

you	being	pressured	by	client)

• Weather	considerations

• Temperature

• Visibility

• Precipitation

• Wind	Speed

• Upper	winds	/	at	altitude

• Rotor	(lee	side of	large	objects)

• Notify	any	bystanders	or	nearby	property	owners	of	your	intentions	

(permission)

• Discuss	flight	plan	with	your	co-pilot	or	spotter

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

• NOTAMs

• Can	you	reach	authorities?

• Do	you	need	to	maintain	communication?

• First	Aid	Kit	stocked,	readily	accessible	and	visible	to	anyone	in	the	area.
DRONE	WALK-AROUND	INSPECTION

• Crack	in	joints	and	structural	members

• Loose	or	damaged	screws,	ties,	fasteners,	straps

• Loose	or	damaged	wiring

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

• Inspect	prop	mounts	and	screws	and	apply	slight	counter	pressure	on	arms	

to	check	for	loosened	components

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

are	firmly	attached

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

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

• Fail-safe	equipment	functioning

• RTH	(return	to	home)

• Recovery	chute

• Firmware	Airport	Proximity	Detection	Functioning

• Props	are	smooth	and	free	of	damage	/	defect	(check	blade,	surface	and	hub)

• Prop	adapters	are	tight	/	secure

• Ensure	voltage	alarm	is	connected

• Ensure	arming	/	idle	timeout	is	properly	configured

• Correct	model	is	selected	in	transmitter	(if	applicable)

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

• Perform	range	test

PRE-FLIGHT/RUNUP

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

charged;							(confirm	voltages)

• Ensure	no	frequency	conflicts	with	both	video	and	transmitter	/	receiver

• 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;

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

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

deformation;

• Check	the	landing	gear	for	damage	and	function

• Test	electrical	connections,	plugged	in	and	secure

• Ensure	photo	/	video	equipment	mounting	system	is	secure	and	operational.

• Check	location	of	GPS	equipment	controlling	the	autopilot.

• Check	the	IMU	movements	in	the	ground	control	software.

• UAV	in	stabilization	mode,	ensure	control	surfaces	move	towards	the	correct	

positions

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

• FPV	/	Power	up	ground	station

• FPV	/	Power	up	Video	receiver	/	goggles
• If	using	Video	recorder	turn	on	camera	system

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

• SD	camera	memory	clear	and	inserted	into	the	camera

• Action	/	Start	filming

• All	transmitter	controls	move	freely	in	all	directions

• All	transmitter	trims	in	neutral	position

• All	transmitter	switches	in	correct	position(	typically	away)

• Transmitter	throttle	to	zero

• Radio	transmitter	on

• Connect	/	power	on	battery	to	airframe

• Ensure	led	indicators	and	audible	tones	are	correct

• Timer	on	(if	applicable)

• FPV,	confirm	video	is	in	monitor	/	goggles

• Scan	for	nearby	cars	/	people	/	animals

• Say	“CLEAR!”

• Arm	flight	controller

• Increase	throttle	slightly	listening	for	any	abnormalities

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

• Confirm	Voltage	levels	are	correct

IN	FLIGHT

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

controller/transmitter.

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

• Climb	to	a	safe	altitude	away	from	potential	hazards	and	to	reduce	noise	

pollution.

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

and	buildings.

• 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.

• Spotter:	Use	a	spotter	whenever	possible	and	appropriate,	especially	when	

flying	by	First	Person	View	(FPV).

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

private/commercial	airport/helipad

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

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

• Landing:	Regardless	of	whether	of	a	manual	or	automated	UAV	landing,	scan	

landing	area	for	potential	obstruction	hazards.

• Announce	out	loud	“Preparing	to	Land”.

• Carefully	land	the	aircraft	away	from	obstructions	and	people.
POST	FLIGHT	SHUTDOWN

• Shutting	Down:	Turn	the	power	off	to	the	aircraft	and/or	disconnect	the	

batteries.

• Turn	off	the	transmitter.

• Turn	the	power	off	to	the	photo	equipment.

• Visually	check	aircraft	for	signs	of	damage	and/or	excessive	wear.

• Remove	the	unused	fuel	if	applicable.	Secure	the	aircraft.

• Check	pictures:	Verify	that	the	UAV	camera	actually	took	the	pictures.

• LOG	FLIGHT