Appendix C

David C. Eichman

PERSONAL PROTOCOLS, CONTROLS CHECKLIST, & 

FLIGHT LOG 
Name:____________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ 

David C. Eichman – Wichita, KS 1 of 2 

Personal Safety Protocols & Controls Checklist: 

Safety for the public on the ground as well as manned aircraft is an essential and utmost priority for

aerial videos and photography. Safety protocols and controls must be closely followed through pre-flight 

preparation and during and after flight. 

PREFLIGHT PROTOCOL 

INSPECT UAS: 

 Check batteries for leaks and damage 

 Inspect propellers for cracks, chips, or other damage 

 Ensure flight battery is fully charged with voltage meter 

 Ensure remote controller battery is fully charged 

 Ensure Wi-Fi range extender is fully charged (if required) 

 Ensure camera is fully charged 

 Verify Satellite Connections 

INSPECT SURROUNDINGS: 

 COA posted on site? 

 Is a visual observer present? 

 Walk site with visual observer to inspect all potential obstructions? 

 Is the area wide open? 

 Is the area away from people and property? 

 Is the area clear of flocks of birds? 

 Is the flight area within 5 miles of airport airspace? (Consult airport radius map) 

 Are you in the optimal point of control for best visual site of UAS 

 Check weather forecasts for conditions that may affect flight 

 Post warning signs if within 150 feet of residential street: “ATTENTION AERIAL 

PHOTOGRAPHY IN PROGRESS-REMAIN BACK 150 FEET!”

AFTER TAKEOFF PROTOCOL 

 Hover approximately 10 feet above ground to confirm UAS is under user control 

 Test all control sticks to ensure they are working correctly while in hover 

 Wait for strong GPS connection 

FLIGHT PROTOCOL 

 Take off and land from same location 

 Remain alert to birds, weather, other aircraft, public activity, and approaching vehicles 

 Do not allow anyone to engage in conversation or other distraction 

 Restrict flight to minimal elevation 

 Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times 

 Pay attention to flight time (use timer as safety alert) 

 
Name:____________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ 

David C. Eichman – Wichita, KS 2 of 2 

END OF OPERATION PROTOCOL 

 End camera/video recorder 

 Confirm clear and safe landing zone 

 Shut down propulsion immediately following landing 

 Remove/disconnect battery 

 Turn off transmitter 

 Inspect UAS for worn/damaged parts 

 Remove residential warning signs 

 I operated my UAS below 300 feet 

 UAS landed prior to manufacturer recommended minimum level of battery power 

IF EMERGENCY OR SUSPECTED HAZARD 

Immediately land UAS at safest and closet ground location in the event that: 

 Manned aircraft is heard/seen in the vicinity of flight 

 A public gathering of observers within established safety boundaries occurs 

 Pilot becomes distracted from focusing on flight and safety 

 Sudden change in weather conditions (ie, wind bursts, rain) 

 Sudden increase in vehicular traffic 

 Flock of birds enters into the proximity of flight 

 Any and ALL sudden unsafe events that can cause collision, distraction or 

unsafe interruption of control 
David C. Eichman 

FLIGHT LOG 

Date: 

Location: 

Pre-Flight Inspection: Yes No 

Elements Circle Circle Comment

Weather Good Fair

Visibility Good Fair

Wind Speed Low Medium

Proximity to Airport: 

Airport Notified: Yes No Date: Time: 

Phone Number: Contact Name: 

Nearest Major Intersection: 

Proximity to Medium Traffic Road: 

Proximity to Heavily Traveled Road: 

Takeoff Time: 

Landing Time: 

Estimated Elevation: 

Comments: 

Safety Concerns: 

Safety for the public on the ground as well as manned aircraft above is an essential consideration for

aerial photography, surveying and mapping. As such, safety protocol and control must be implemented 

through pre-flight preparation and during aerial operation.