Pre-Flight Inspection

Time *

Date *

Location *

Drone Model *

Drone Serial Number *

Visual Inspection

Inspecting Propellers:

Physical Examination:

Visually inspect each propeller for any visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or signs of wear.
Ensure all screws are secured from the propeller to the motor shaft as per the manufactuers standards.

Physical Examination *

Notes

Balancing:

Ensure that each propeller is correctly seated. An unbalanced propeller can cause vibrations and affect flight stability.
Visually inspect each propeller at the point of connection and ensure it is sitting flat to the base of the motor.

Balancing *

Notes

Attachment and Tightness:

Check that each propeller is securely attached to its respective motor shaft.
Gently but firmly try to wiggle the propellers to ensure they are tightly fastened

Attachment and Tightness *

Notes

Propeller Rotation Direction:

Confirm that each propeller is installed in the correct orientation, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
For drones with reversible motors, ensure that the correct propellers are matched to the corresponding motors (if applicable).

Propeller Rotation Direction *

Notes

Secure Tank

Tank/Seeding Spreader:

Ensure that all screws and bolts on the tank/seeding spreader are securely fastened into the drone.

Secured Tank/Seeding Speader *

Notes

Inspecting Arms

Visual Inspection:

Examine each drone arm for any signs of visible damage, such as cracks, stress marks, or deformation.
Ensure all screws are securely tightened and fastened to hold the arms in place.

Visual Inspection - Arms *

Notes

Arm Attachment:

Check that each arm is securely attached to the drone's main body or frame.
Gently try to move the arms to ensure there is no excessive play or movement

Arm Attachment *

Notes

Folding Mechanism:

Ensure that the folding mechanism is in good working condition and securely locks the arms in the extended position.

Folding Mechanism *

Notes

Checking Motor Spin Freely When Stationary

Motor Spin Test:

Power on the drone and its flight controller, but do not arm the motors (if possible).
Gently and manually spin each motor's propeller by hand when the drone is stationary.

Motor Spin Test *

Notes

Smooth Movement:

Each motor should spin freely and smoothly without any significant resistance or grinding noises.
There should be no "catching" or irregular resistance as the motor rotates.

Smooth Movement *

Notes

Uneven Movement:

If you notice any motor that does not spin freely or has an uneven or rough feel, investigate further before flight.
Uneven movement could indicate motor issues or mechanical problems that need to be addressed.

Uneven Movement *

Notes

Battery Check:

Verify that the battery is securely attached and properly connected.
Ensure the battery is charged to an appropriate level for the planned flight.
Inspect all battery connection points to ensure they are free or dirt, damage or corrosion.

Battery Check *

Notes

Propeller Inspection:

Check each propeller for signs of damage, including cracks or bent blades.
Ensure the propellers are correctly mounted and tightened.

Propeller Inspection *

Notes

Camera and Payload Check:

If using a camera or other payload, ensure it is securely attached and functioning correctly.
Verify that any camera lenses are clean and free of obstructions.

Camera and Payload Check *

Notes

Gimbal Inspection:

If your drone has a gimbal, ensure it is stable and functioning correctly.
Check for any signs of damage or misalignment.

Gimbal Inspection *

Notes

Flight Control Systems:

Power on the drone and verify that all flight control systems are operational.
Check the responsiveness of the drone's controls and ensure they move the drone in the correct directions.

Flight Control Systems *

Notes

GPS and Compass Calibration:

Calibrate the drone's GPS and compass, following the manufacturer's instructions (Rotate the drone 3 times horizontally & 3 times vertically).
Ensure the GPS signal is strong and stable.

GPS and Compass Calibration *

Notes

Flight App and Software Check:

Ensure the flight app or software is up-to-date and working correctly.
Check for any software or firmware updates for the drone.

Controller and Transmitter Check:

Power on the controller and transmitter and check for any error messages or warnings.
Ensure the controller's battery is adequately charged.
Controller has been calibrated
Joysticks have been calibrated

Flight App and Software Check *

Controller & Transmitter Check *

Current Software / App Version *

Notes

Remote Pilot License and ID:

Ensure the remote pilot has their Remote Pilot License (RePL) and identification with them.

Remote Pilot License and ID *

Notes

Weather Assessment:

Wind Conditions *

Tempertaure *

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather *

Visibility *

Cloud Cover *

Check TFRs & Airspace Restrictions *

Rain & Precipitation *

Humidity *

Local Terrain Considerations *

Consider Your Drone's Capabilities:
- Evaluate whether your drone can handle the forecasted weather conditions based on its size, weight, and specifications.

Flight Planning Decision:
- Based on the weather assessment, make an informed decision about whether it's safe and appropriate to proceed with the planned flight.

Weather Updates:
- Continuously monitor weather conditions throughout the pre-flight process and during the flight, if possible.

Remember, the weather can change rapidly, so it's crucial to stay vigilant and remain flexible with your flight plans. Always prioritise safety and avoid flying in adverse weather conditions that may jeopardise the operation or the safety of people and property on the ground. If in doubt, seek advice from weather experts or consult with experienced drone operators in the area.

Weather Assessment *

Notes

Flight Plan Review:

Review the planned flight path and airspace restrictions.
Ensure you have obtained any necessary approvals or permits for the flight.
Have relevant person/persons and departments been notified for flight approval
Identify a safe landing area that has no obstacles or obstructions that is away from the public incase of emergency.
Ensure you are wearing all relevant and correct PPE
Ensure you have the correct signage
Has the flight area been delineated from public access

Flight Plan Review *

Notes

Emergency Procedures Review:

Brief the remote pilot and any crew on emergency procedures and actions to take in case of unexpected situations.

Emergency Procedures Review *

Notes

Emergency Equipment Check:

Ensure you have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit available during flight operations.

Emergency Equipment Check *

Notes

Any Additional Comments

Please be reminded that as a drone pilot, you hold personal liability for the safety and operation of your drone. This completed checklist serves as documentation of your commitment to safety protocols. If any discrepancies were identified during the inspection, it is crucial to address them before taking flight.

By submitting this checklist, you confirm that all the information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. This includes the inspection findings, any maintenance or adjustments made, and your acknowledgment of personal liability for the drone's safe operation.