Aerial image capture, data collection or hazard detection are common purposes for flights. Flight Purpose: Indicating the purpose of a flight is useful for enterprises that operate drones for multiple purposes.Whether a checklist needs to account for airspace authorization or specific local regulations, stakeholders can add any of the following measures to pre-flight checklists: The location of a flight can warrant additional checks, licensing and maintenance measures. Keep Records of Pre-Flight Drone InspectionsĪ standard pre-flight checklist template for drones is useful for a wide range of applications. Post-flight checklists are also useful for clearing out debris, identifying damage and directing equipment maintenance or repairs. These pre-flight measures can go a long way toward managing risk.

Make a checklist field for registration numbers or prompt pilots to provide proof of compliance. Pilot Documentation: Providing proof of a valid operator certification or license is an important part of pre-flight planning.Drone design is also a factor, as some professional UAVs can stand up to extreme conditions. Flying Conditions: Weather conditions and visibility both factor into safe drone operation.Plan flights in advance whether you use an automated program or operate a drone manually. Flight Plans: Set a flight path prior to takeoff and obtain any necessary authorization.Ensure that drone propellers rotate freely and are securely attached. Drone Inspection: Check the battery charge level of a drone and controller.A complete pre-flight checklist could include the following sections: In addition to assessing the physical condition of drones, a pre-flight check offers an ideal opportunity to verify that components are properly calibrated and secured in advance of takeoff. Once you are done with the mission, land the drone and disarm the motors by holding left stick down and to the left.įor autonomous missions with scripting, it is HIGHLY recommended to tie the drone to a 5lb weight with string, that way if the drone tries to fly away it will be anchored to the ground.Inspecting UAVs prior to flight maximizes the usefulness of findings while minimizing risk. If this is unresponsive, click “SET MODE” in MissionPlanner to set mode to LAND through telemetry.ġ0. If at any point the drone becomes unresponsive and flies away, rotate flight mode knob all the way to the right to trigger “LAND” mode. Place drone a safe distance away from the pilot.Īrm the drone by holding the left stick down and to the right for a few seconds.ħ. In case of emergency and the drone is flying away, click “SET MODE” which will trigger the drone to land.Ħ. Then you can switch to emergency LAND or RTL quickly by rotating flight mode knob all the way to the rightĥ. Make sure you are familiar with the flight modes that are active.Įnsure the last flight mode on your flight mode knob is set to “LAND” or “RTL” If the pixhawk LED is blue, just take your drone outside and wait.Ĥ. If the pixhawk LED is yellow, diagnose the reason by going to the Messages tab in MissionPlanner Power on the drone and wait for green LED on the info LED of the pixhawkģ. Follow this checklist before each flight to ensure you are prepared.ġ. Flying drones can be dangerous if you are not prepared.

Pre flight checklist drone