## UA**S Safet** **y Checklist** 

**Equipment / UA S check** 

 **Inspect U AS**  **for for** o **Crack in joints and structural members** o **Loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps** o **Loose or damaged wiring** o **Loose or damaged connections (solder, plugs, etc.)** o **Inspect prop mounts and screws and apply slight counter pressure on arms to**  **heck for loosened components** o **FPV , inspect / clean FPV (Camera) Lens and insure it is secured and connects are firmly attached**  o **Camera settings are correct (still images, video, framerate)** o **Battery / Batter ies are fully charged, properly seated and Secured**  o **Fail -** **safe equipment functioning ■RTH (return to home)**  o **Recovery chute** o **Firmware A irport Proximity Detection Functioning** 

 **Props are smooth and free of damage / defect (check blade, surface and hub)** o **Prop adapt ers are tight / secure**  o **Ensure voltage alarm is connected** o **Ensure arming / idle timeout is properly configured** o **Correct model is selected in transmitter (if applicable)** o **Check RC transmitter shows the right range and centering for all sticks** o **Perform range test**



### Environment & **Ar ea of operation check** 

 **Hazards / Site Selection**  **Check for wires / cables**  **An imals**   **People / bystanders**  **Property in the vicinity**  **Site is away from nonessential participants**  **Ab ility to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and p**  **ersonnel;**  **Mi nimize departures and landings over populated areas**   **Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards the UA V 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**   **Rot or (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 ■NOT** **AM s**   **Can you reach au thorities**   **Do you need to maintain communication?**  **First A id Kit stocked, readily accessible and visible to anyone in the area** 



### Mission Plan **check**

 **Al l actions and contingencies for the mission planned.**   **Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, d**  **egraded performance, or lost communication link, if such a failsafe exists.**  **Mission plans and flight plans should be shared with other operators in the vicinity.** 

### Pre **- fligh**  **t / Run -**  **up**

 **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, a nd 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 def ormation;**   **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 m ovements in the ground control software.**   **UA V in stabilization mode, ensure control surfaces move towards the correct positions**   **UA V / 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**  **Al l transmitter controls move freely in all directions**   **Al l transmitter trims**  **in neutral position** **Al l 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, con firm video is in monitor / goggles**   **Scan for nearby cars / people / animals**  **Say “CLEA R!”**   **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 Volt age levels are correct**  

### In **- Flight**  **precautions**

 **Basics: If flying manually, always keep your fingers on the controller/transmitter.**  **Never let the UA**

**V 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 UA**

**V must be flown over buildings or people, use a lightweight UA V and maintain a**  **safe altitude for recovery and make every effort to minim ize exposure.**   **Spotter: Use a spotter whenever possible and appropriate, especially when flying by First Person View (FPV).**   **Do not fly UA**

**Vs within distance defined by local laws of any private/commercial a**  **irport/helipad**  **Do not fly around a pre -** **existing UA V**  **flying site without a frequency -**  **management agreement.**   **Do not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport**  **Landing: Regardless of whether of a manual or automated UA V landing, scan landing area**  **for potential obstruction hazards.**  **An nounce ou**  **t loud “Preparing to Land”.**  **Carefully land the aircraft away from obstructions and people.** 

### Post **- Flight** 

 **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 equipmen t.**   **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 UA V camera actually took the pictures.**   **LOG FLIGHT**