Drones are high-technology devices that are constantly evolving thanks to a burgeoning community of enthusiastic technologists. Technology has made it possible for multi-rotor drones to be controlled by beginner pilots. But don’t be fooled; while modern drones are much easier to control, they are still dangerous and require the user to pay attention to even the smallest of details. This is where pre-flight and post-flight checklists come in handy.
Drone pre-flight checklist
Pre-flight checklists are a great way to ensure you have all the necessary gear for flying your drone and that you are taking all the proper precautions to ensure you, your drone, and the people around you stay safe while you fly.
Flight date:
Flight location:
Weather conditions:
| Check | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Is the location clear of people, power lines, and other objects? |
_________________________________________ | |
| Are you in a no-fly zone? If so, find a different, appropriate (legal) place to fly. |
_________________________________________ | |
| Inspect equipment for damage | _________________________________________ | |
| First-Aid Kit available? | _________________________________________ | |
| Extra batteries? | _________________________________________ | |
| Verify battery charge level | _________________________________________ | |
| Place drone in a safe level location |
_________________________________________ | |
| Turn on camera | _________________________________________ | |
| Verify transmitter controls move | _________________________________________ | |
| Verify transmitter controls in neutral position |
_________________________________________ | |
| Verify transmitter throttle to zero | _________________________________________ | |
| Turn on transmitter | _________________________________________ | |
| Connect drone battery | _________________________________________ | |
| Power on drone | _________________________________________ | |
| Start flight timer | _________________________________________ | |
| Check for any people and animals near by |
_________________________________________ | |
| Stand clear and announce “CLEAR” |
_________________________________________ | |
| Arm flight controller | _________________________________________ | |
| Increase throttle slightly and check for abnormalities |
_________________________________________ | |
| Hover at 3-5 feet for a few seconds to check stability |
_________________________________________ |
Drone post-flight checklist
A post-flight checklist is an integral part of good drone ownership and operation. Building a post-flight checklist ensures that you do not skip or forget any key steps to shutting down, maintaining, and storing your drone until your next flight.
Flight date:
Flight location:
Weather conditions:
| Check | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Land drone | _________________________________________ | |
| Disarm transmitter | _________________________________________ | |
| Disconnect transmitter battery | _________________________________________ | |
| Disconnect drone battery | _________________________________________ | |
| Power off camera | _________________________________________ | |
| Power off any additional lights or powered equipment |
_________________________________________ | |
| Inspect drone for damage, including landing gear, wiring, batteries, propellers, and all connections |
_________________________________________ | |
| Wipe drone down | _________________________________________ | |
| Use can of compressed air to blow dust out of components and motor |
_________________________________________ | |
| Discharge batteries to prep for transport and storage |
_________________________________________ | |
| Dump video footage to computer | _________________________________________ | |
| Clear media cards and storage | _________________________________________ | |
| Place all gear in storage containers |
_________________________________________ | |
| Land drone | _________________________________________ | |
| Disarm transmitter | _________________________________________ | |
| Disconnect transmitter battery | _________________________________________ | |
| Disconnect drone battery | _________________________________________ | |
| Power off camera | _________________________________________ | |
| Power off any additional lights or powered equipment |
_________________________________________ | |
| Inspect drone for damage, including landing gear, wiring, batteries, propellers, and all connections |
_________________________________________ |
