Standard Operating Procedures

& 

Checklists

Flight protocols and checklists for small drones operations
Summary

• sUAS Crew

• Flight conditions

• Preflight Briefing

• Launch and Landing Zones, & Alternate Landing 

• Preflight Checklists 

(Conditions/Airframe/Control)

• Preflight Inspections Checklist

• In-Flight and Post Flight Checklists

• sUAS General Maintenance

• Memos
sUAS Crew

• PIC : Pilot in Command

Responsible for the operations, familiar with 

the aircraft, the flight, the ground control 

software, and Emergency procedures. Perform 

Mission Planning and ensure preflight 

procedures

• RSO : Ground System and Remote 

Sensing Operator

Familiar with Ground Station Software and 

remote sensing functions during sUAS

operations, familiar with emergency 

procedures.

• Observer(s)

Keep the line-of-sight and 360 degree hazard 

awareness around the sUAS and assist the PIC & 

RSO
Flight Conditions

The PIC has final determination of the risk due to weather and shall 

overview the following flight conditions :

• Potential Hazard to Public and property must be avoid

• Distance to controlled airspace (min 5 miles)

• Distance from non participating people / infrastructures (500 feet)

• Daylight 

• Line-of-Sight (for PIC and Obs)

• Altitude : less than 400 feet AGL

• Heat <37,7 / 110

• Cold > -17.77 / 0

• Wind < 30 mph (anemometer)

• Avoid Rain, Snow and Fog

• Quality of signals (WIFI/Radio/GPS)
Preflight Briefing

• Mission Goals, methods to achieve goals, handoff 

procedures

• Flight Conditions, weather forecast 

• Restrictions / tactical environment

• Restrictions / tech (battery duration, GPS, Range of 

transmitter)

• Flight Area Review (max ceiling/flooring)

• Flight compliance (FSDO / ATC / NOTAMs)

• Communication between Crew members

• Review of required video/digital images

• Frequencies to be used

• Contingency procedures, alternate landing zones

• Preflight Checklists
Launch and Landing Zones, & Alternate Landing 

• Safety View of the Site (identify trees, bushes, 

power lines potential obstructions, cell tower 

interference etc.).

• Keep ability to maintain buffer zones between 

aircraft and personnel

• Environment re-assessment before flight

• Primary Landing Site : same as the launch site

• Alternate landing sites : designate at least 1

• Abort Site : as far as possible in case of the 

necessity to vacate airspace in emergency
Preflight Checklists

• Reviewed by PIC :

• Inspection of aircraft

• Assessment of operating location

• Coordination with crew

• Equipment checkouts

• Mission Plan 

• Actions 

• Objectives 

• Contingencies
Preflight Checklists

A/Conditions

Winds less than 35mph / 30 knots

Less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit

Time of Operation

Max Altitude

Mission objectives

Safety Parameters

Emergency Procedures (incl. alternate site/abort site)

No Frequency conflicts

Aircraft is secure and will not move if the motor was 

suddenly powered up
Preflight Checklists

B/Airframe

Transmitter, on board aircraft and camera batteries are fully 

charged

Control surfaces for sign of damage, loose hinges and overall 

condition

Control Linkages secured

Check the motor/engine, and mounting

Check the propeller (chips, cracks, looseness, deformation)

Check the Landing Gear

Check Servos

Check Electrical Connections

Check the Gimbal

Check the Camera

Repair or replace any un-airworthy part/elements

Buffer zone between propeller and any other elements before 

flight
C/ Control

Announce out loud “CLEAR PROP”

Antenna is extended

Turn on transmitter and remote

Turn on DJI app

Connect the Battery to sUAS

Check signal and battery quality (GPS/WIFI/Battery) o DJI 

app

Check Monitor Display

Check Gimbal movement for the camera up/down

Start the Rotors

Check the propellers / motor engine in operations (no 

abnormal noise, vibrations)

Stop the rotors and Check the Motors stops completely 

when stick are at the off position

Take off area and operational area are clear, double check 

weather conditions

Announce out loud “CLEAR FLIGHT LINE”

Start the Rotors and take of the aircraft

Preflight Checklists
In-Flight Checklist

PIC Climb to 10 feet and check every function of remote

RSO has full function of sensors and signal report

Obs and PIC have sUAS in Line-of-sight

Keep aircraft at safe operating distance from people and 

buildings

PIC RSO & Obs Scan the Flight and ground areas for potential 

hazards during mission

Mission Specific Checklist

Check the control systems before landing

Scan the landing area for hazards 

Announce “PREPARING TO LAND”

Carefully land
Post Flight Checklist

Turn off the power off to the aircraft, disconnect 

battery

Turn off the Transmitter and flight control

Turn off sensor

Visually check aircraft for signs of damage

Secure aircraft, remove batteries, remove SD 

card, store and share documentation

Perform field repair if necessary

Clear the scene of any environmental footprints

Mission Specific Debrief 

Record Squawk Log for Maintenance purposes
sUAS General Maintenance

• General Airworthiness of the sUAS, according to 

manufacturer and industry standards 

• Mission Specific Airworthiness, prior to each 

mission

• Maintenance : perform maintenance according 

to manufacturer and record aircraft’s squawks 

(equipment issues)

• Software/Hardware changes : to be documented 

and shall pass a test-flight before mission

• Storage : in the box, during long transit store 

batteries in separate appropriate container

• Battery Charge : LiPO batteries should be fully 

charged when not in use
Memos