Wheels Up! UAS: Preflight Checklist Example for DJI Inspire 1

Inspire 1 Preflight check procedures

· Check weather conditions

Temperature, Visibility, Likelihood of Precipitation, Wind speed, Wind direction.

· Check maintenance log book (if applicable)

Ensure there are no open entries or outstanding maintenance due.

· Check that pilot and/or PIC are fit to fly

Consider all physical and psychological considerations: are you well rested, clear-minded. Are there any external pressures being applied (client pressures, time pressures)? Confirm no alcohol consumption in past 12 hours, medications that could affect performance.

Mission area- Go for flight

· Make note of flight obstructions

o Clear of all no-fly zones

Check for TFR and/or NOTAMS. Check for flight restrictions or restricted airspace for anticipated flight locations. Confirm Class G airspace. Get necessary Tower permissions. Check B4U Fly App. Check Kittyhawk App.
Check for wires / cables, Poles, Power lines, Trees, Animals, People / bystanders, Property in the vicinity, Ability to maintain adequate buffer zones between aircraft and personnel, Take into account local topography, ensuring a visible line of sight towards the UAV at all times. Ensure buildings or other obstructions will not affect the telemetry connection.

· Develop flight plan/Brief all on roles & responsibilities

Take into account flight time limit, goal of flight, wind/weather conditions. Discuss the conduct/goals of the flight with observers, co-pilot and spotters. Notify any bystanders or nearby property owners of your intentions (permission). Advise any and all who are involved with the flight of the overall plan, emergency contingencies and location of First Aid kit.

· Determine take-off, landing site and alternate site

Minimize departures and landings over populated areas, select take-off/Landing site that is free of rocks, debris, dirt, tall grass. Deploy area mat if necessary. Ensure site is far enough away from trees, wires, poles, buildings, people, and vehicle traffic. In the event of emergency failsafe return to home, ensure site does not result in overt obstacles to the path of the returning sUAV. Determine alternate landing site in case the original site becomes compromised during flight.

· Check that required documents are on-site

PIC certificate, UAS registration, permission forms signed, etc.

Aircraft Inspections

· Inspect UAS for damage

Check joints, structural members, check for loose or damaged screws, ties, fasteners, straps. Check for loose or damaged wiring, loose or damaged connections/plugs. Inspect prop mounts and apply slight counter pressure on arms/components to check for loose components. Inspect camera / lens, make sure it is secured and connects are firmly attached. Check that props are smooth and free of damage/defect, check the blade surfaces. Check hub for cracks or wear

· Controller and Crystal Sky battery charged

· Drone battery charged, properly installed, secured

· Lens filter attached

· SD card installed (rededge and camera)

· Lens is clean (inspire, tablet)

Check red edge

Connections
Condition and security
GPS and light sensor (connected/ secure)

Payload

Conditions and security
Lens clean

Aircraft Flight checklist

· Place UAS on clean level ground or landing pad

· Propellers securely attached

all arrows aligned

· Mount Crystal Sky to controller

· Power up controller and Crystal Sky

· Place all phones in airplane mode

Advise all others to turn phones to airplane mode or OFF

· Controller Patch antenna down

· Power on Inspire 2

Power on the Red Edge

· Ensure the gimbal carries out auto calibration

· Check connection between controller and drone

· Check status of batteries

Controller, Crystal Sky, Inspire 2

· Calibrate compass

Before initial flight of the day & every change of location

· Ensure PAF on controller is set to P for GPS flight

· Ensure GPS lock is active; check number of satellites

At least 4 bars to lock RTH

· Check video signal feed; watch for interference

Set to 5.8 ghz

· Check gimbal operation: proper initial orientation and pan/tilt

· Check navigation light is functioning properly

· Check camera settings

SD card formatted, White balance, frame rate, frame size, focus mode, etc.

· Set/Confirm Home Point on map

· Check Minimum return height

Set high enough to avoid any objects in area

· Check take-off clear

UAS placed in safe launch and land position/ Conduct 360 check of surrounding areas for other ground and air uses. Scan skies for birds. Area clear of by standers / non participants? Ensure all participants are a safe distance from the UAS.

· Request Take-Off Clearance from ATC (if applicable)

· Note flight take off time

· Take off and hover at 10-15 feet