Pre-Flight Checklist 

Know the exact requirements of the job, and make sure that all equipment checks 

out beforehand. Did the customer have a preferred time of day to take photos? 

Before you go to the job, check your master list 

 Make sure that you have all your equipment before leaving the house or office. 

o Helicopter 

o Helicopter Batteries (Fully charged and enough to perform the job) 

o iPhone or iPad for controller (Fully charged) 

o Wi-Fi Extender Charged 

o Controller (Plus extra batteries) 

o SD Cards and Adapter for PC 

o Extra Parts and Tool Kit 

o Laptop (Battery Charged) 

o Jump Drives for Photo Transfer (If required) 

o Previous job files for reference (If applicable) 

o Blank “Pre-Flight Checklist” and “Fight Report” and Notepad for Sketches 

o Cords and Battery Chargers (Include car adapter) 

o Check FAA.gov to see if there are any flight restrictions in the area 
Once you’re on the job: 

 Meet with the customer 

o What is the purpose of the photograph or video? 

o Clarify what they will get in the photo or video package they have chosen 

(Do they want to change the package or add editing. Make sure 

additional costs are understood) 

o What format do they want photos or video? 

o What are the preferred angles? 

o What is the preferred method of file transfer and timeline to provide the 

data? 

o Do I have permission to fly here? 

o Are there any future work opportunities or referrals? 

o Try to get a letter showing customer satisfaction after the work is 

complete. 

 Inspect Flight Path at Each Location (The power to the helicopter MUST be 

shut off before changing to the next flight location. This resets the home 

position. If you don’t it will fly back to your last take off point)

o Do I have permission to fly here? 

o Are weather conditions good, no chance of rain or high wind? 

o Where will I fly? 

o What will be my elevation? 

o Are any obstacles in the area? 

o Will power lines or radio towers interfere with the controller signal? 

o Will there be people under the flight path? 

o Is this near an airport? 

o What will be the best angle to get the shots I need (Refer to Flight Report) 

o Is there anything that could be a hazard to people or the equipment? 
 Field-test Your Equipment 

o Choose a good location to take off that is open and free from obstacles. 

(Need a safe home location)

o Is equipment in good condition? (Propeller blades, landing gear, motors, 

camera, dampening absorbers, anti-drop kits) 

o Remove lens cap and gimbal clamp from the camera 

o Is the lens of the camera clean? 

o Is SD card inserted in the camera? 

o Power up the controller (LED should be green) (Both switches should be 

in the up position) 

o Power up the Wi-Fi extender (LED should be green) 

o Power up the helicopter (Rear flash should flash green) 

 

o Connect the controller to the helicopter Wi-Fi (Verify in Wi-Fi Settings) 

o Boost up the Wi-Fi to the helicopter (Use FPV Boost App) 

o Start up the DJI Vision App (Verify connection is good, test camera, check 

battery status for helicopter and Wi-Fi) 
o Calibrate the helicopter compass. (When complete it should blink green) 

o Verify camera settings are set to what the customer wants for format and 

quality. 

o Advise people to stay away from the helicopter. 

o NEVER FLY HIGHER THAN 400’ 

o Do not panic when flying, if you lose control or visual contact you can 

turn off the controller and the helicopter will return home. 

o When the flight is complete verify all the equipment is in good 

condition and place it back in the protective case. If repairs are 

needed then tag it for repair.