Drone Preflight Checklist

Basic Preflight Checklist

1. Check the physical condition of the drone. Look for signs of wear, or cracks in the propellers.
2. Check the rules and regulations for the area you plan to fly.
3. Check that your battery is charged and has enough power for flight.
4. Check that your controller and drone are properly connected.
5. Check the area around your drone that is clear to take-off and land.
6. Pay attention to the weather conditions.
7. Monitor the drone settings as you fly.

Drone Preflight Inspection Checklist – Sample

Even if the drone manufacturer has a written preflight inspection procedure, it is recommended that the Remote Pilot ensure that the following inspection items are incorporated into the preflight inspection procedure required by part 107 to help the Remote Pilot determine that the drone is in a condition for safe operation.

Conduct a preflight visual or functional check of the aircraft, including (but not limited to) the steps below.

1. Visually inspect the condition of the drone components.
2. Inspect the airframe structure, including landing gear, all flight control surfaces, and linkages.
3. Inspect registration markings for proper display and legibility.
4. Inspect moveable control surfaces, including airframe attachment points.
5. Inspect servo motors, including attachment points.
6. Inspect the propulsion system, including powerplant, propellers, rotors, ducted fans, etc.
7. Verify all systems (e.g. aircraft, control unit) have an adequate energy supply for the intended operation and are functioning properly.
8. Inspect the avionics, including control link transceiver, communication/navigation equipment, and antennas.
9. Calibrate drone compass prior to any flight.
10. Inspect the control link transceiver, communication/navigation data link transceiver, and antennas.
11. Check that the display panel, if used, is functioning properly.
12. Check ground support equipment, including takeoff and landing systems, for proper operation.
13. Check that control link correct functionality is established between the aircraft and the control station.
14. Check for correct movement of control surfaces using the control station.
15. Check onboard navigation and communication data links.
16. Check the flight termination system, if installed.
17. Check fuel for the correct type and quantity.
18. Check battery levels for the aircraft and control station.
19. Check that any equipment, such as a camera, is securely attached.
20. Verify communication with the drone and that the drone has acquired GPS location from at least 4 satellites.
21. Start the drone propellers to inspect for any imbalance or irregular operation.
22. Verify all controller operations for heading and altitude.
23. If required by flight path walkthrough, verify any noted obstructions that may interfere with the drone.
24. At a controlled low altitude, fly within range of any interference and recheck all controls and stability.