UAS Safety Checklist 

Equipment / UAS check

 

• Inspect UAS 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 / Batteries are fully charged, properly seated and Secured 

o Fail-safe equipment functioning ■RTH (return to home) 

o Recovery chute 

o Firmware Airport Proximity Detection Functioning 

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

o Prop adapters 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 & Area of operation 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 

Mission Plan check

 

• All actions and contingencies for the mission planned. 

• Contingency planning should include safe routes in the event of a system failure, 

degraded 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-flight / 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, 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 precautions

 

• 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 frequency-management 

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

 

• 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