Lecture Text

There is no video for this lesson.

This is less of a test-prep lecture and more of a real-world lecture.

When you think about planning for and completing an sUAS mission, there are a few different workflows to consider, usually in this order:

• AIRSPACE PLANNING: Researching airspace / regulatory approval and pre-flight mission planning
• GEAR PREPARATION: Gathering gear, formatting SD cards, charging batteries, etc.
• WEATHER AND ON-THE-GROUND CHECKS: Checking weather conditions and local obstructions / flight considerations
• PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION: Inspecting your system and following a pre-flight checklist
• FLIGHT MISSION: Capturing the right combination of photos / videos / data for your mission
• SAFE LANDING: Landing, powering down, packing up, and properly storing your gear
• POST-PRODUCTION: Editing your photos, videos, or data

As you conduct more and more flight missions, you’ll get a better feel for your own processes, specifically when it comes to pre-mission planning and airspace research, which we cover a bit more in our How to Conduct Airspace Research lecture in Module 9.

But in this lecture, I want to offer some thoughts on your pre-flight system inspection. To quote the Part 107 regulations, "a remote pilot-in-command must conduct a preflight inspection to include specific aircraft and control station systems checks and to ensure the small UAS is in a condition for safe operation."

While there’s no one catch-all pre-flight checklist that’ll work for every pilot and every drone model, hopefully the below document helps you better understand the best practices around powering up your aircraft and taking to the skies.

First, let’s assume:

• You’ve done the appropriate airspace research and secured any authorizations / waivers or local permissions if needed.
• You have a list of shots / data you’re looking to capture and have thought through how you’ll be spending time in the air.
• You’re mentally and physically fit to fly.
• Everything is fully charged and your SD cards are formatted.
• Your system’s firmware is up-to-date.

You’ve just rolled up to the site location and are getting out of your car.

Here’s a checklist of things to consider as part of your pre-flight ritual. Again, these are not exhaustive and might change depending on the specific model you’re operating and type of flight missions you’re conducting. To that point, you’ll see a note about powering up the DJI Fly app. I recognize that not all of you are flying DJI drones, but since that's the flight software I'm using the most these days, I tailored the checklist toward that model.

Okay, let’s dive in.

WEATHER & SITE SAFETY CHECK

• Chance of precipitation? How comfortable do I feel?
• Wind speed under 15 knots (less than 20 mph)
• Cloud base at least 500 feet
• Visibility at least 3 statute miles (SM)
• If flying at dawn / dusk, double-check civil twilight hours (anti-collision lights needed?)
• Establish take-off, landing, and emergency hover zones
• Potential for electromagnetic interference?
• Look for towers, wires, buildings, trees, or other obstructions
• Look for pedestrians and/or animals and set up a safety perimeter if needed
• Discuss flight mission with other crew members if present

VISUAL AIRCRAFT / SYSTEM INSPECTION

• Registration number is displayed properly and is legible
• Look for abnormalities -- aircraft frame, propellers, motors, undercarriage
• Look for abnormalities -- gimbal, camera, transmitter, payloads, etc.
• Gimbal clamp and lens caps are removed
• Clean lens with microfiber cloth
• Attach propellers, battery/fuel source, and insert SD card / lens filters

POWERING UP

• Turn on transmitter / remote control and open up DJI Fly app
• Turn on aircraft
• Verify established connection between transmitter and aircraft
• Position antennas on transmitter toward the sky
• Verify display panel / FPV screen is functioning properly
• Calibrate Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) as needed
• Calibrate compass as needed
• Verify battery levels on both transmitter and aircraft
• Verify connection with at least six satellites for GPS and that I hear "The Home Point has been updated" prior to taking off.

TAKING OFF

• Take-off and hover at an altitude of 10 feet for 10 seconds
• Look for any imbalances or irregularities
• Listen for abnormal sounds
• Pitch, roll, and yaw to test control response and sensitivity
• Check for electromagnetic interference or other software warnings
• Do one final check to secure safety of flight operations area
• Proceed with flight mission