Flight Checklists¶

This page contains a checklist for flight preparation, flight execution, emergency response, and post-flight follow-up.

1. Mapping Imagery Conditions¶

Not all flyable weather produces good mapping imagery. To get the best results from your flight, check the following:

Flying between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (high sun angle minimises shadows; colour depth and tone of imagery is at its best)
Stable skies - clear, or uniformly overcast (scattered or patchy clouds moving across the area of interest cause frame-to-frame exposure variation that creates visible seams in the mosaic; postpone 15-30 minutes and conditions often improve enough to fly)
Wind is light (high or even moderate winds may pose difficulties, as many light drones do not operate well in such conditions)
Controller can be kept in shade (high temperatures cause overheating; fly from a shaded area while still maintaining visual line of sight)
If conditions change mid-mission, pause or abort (a partial mission in good light is worth more than a completed mission in mixed light)

2. Airspace Conditions¶

Ensure you have assessed the surrounding before takeoff. Is there anything overhead? Might the conditions here change over time (e.g. a car might be present when the drone returns).
Try to wear a high-visibility safety vest while flying.
Check the ground on which you place the drone. Is it level? Are there nearby obstacles it could collide with easily? It's good to clear away debris and vegetation where possible.
Check for restricted areas
Weather is clear
Wind speed < 20 km/h
Check for crowds
Check for power lines, obstacles
Operating area of sky is clearly visible

Important

UNSURE of even ONE condition? POSTPONE FLIGHT

3. Drone¶

4. Controller¶

Attach joysticks, extend antennas
Controller powers on
Connected to drone (green light)
Drone battery > 90% (green circle)
Controller battery > 60% (swipe down)
Camera view is visible and sharp
Error message appears? DO NOT FLY

5. Flight Settings¶

6. Pre-Flight Inspection¶

The pilot is recommended to follow a sequence of checks to ensure that they do not miss any major issues that may lead to an unsafe flight for the pilot and people nearby. The pilot can inspect the UA for any faulty components and damages in the following sequence: (1) from the top; (2) from the sides, starting from the nose clockwise; and (3) from the bottom.

Physical Checks¶

Once the pilot has conducted the physical checks, they can proceed to power on the (1) remote controller first; before proceeding to power on the (2) UA. The pilot can proceed to conduct the UAS checks.

UAS Checks¶

Battery: Ensure that there are no battery issues highlighted by the UAS.
Connection: Ensure that the remote controller and the UA is properly connected with a good signal strength.
UA Limits: Ensure that the UA operating distance and altitude limits are set correctly.
GPS Signal: Ensure that the GPS signal is strong.
Motors: Ensure that the motors should be able to spin freely. If the motor does not spin smoothly, it is likely to be faulty.

7. Take-Off¶

8. In-Flight Check¶

Once the pre-flight inspections are completed, the pilot can proceed to arm the UA without taking off the ground. The pilot should wait for 30s to ensure that there is no issue, such as a propeller flying out, before hovering for 15 - 30s. During hovering, the pilot should lightly push the sticks to elevate, yaw, pitch, and roll to ensure that the UA is responding correctly.

9. Flight Execution¶

Initiate flight plan
At first waypoint, start photo capture
Observer: Keep visual line of sight
Pilot: Monitor battery, altitude, errors
At last waypoint, stop photo capture
Ensure you keep line-of-sight of the drone at all times. Sometimes various issues can occur mid-flight, such as "fly-away" for misconfigured drones that you may have to catch before they get too far, or uncontrollable issues such as being attacked by birds.
Regularly check the flight on the controller and ensure the mission does not return early due to an issue.
Try to keep the controller in the shade as much as possible during high temperatures, to avoid overheating. If possible, wear a big hat and face away from the sun. Or fly from a shaded area, but ensuring you can still see the drone.

10. Emergency Procedures¶

In case of rain or wind warning: Hold RTH till beep
To hold in place: Tap RTH/pause
If disoriented or distressed: Let go both sticks
If a bird is approaching: Fly straight up
If an aircraft is approaching: Descend; land

11. Post-Flight¶

12. Post-Flight Inspection¶

The post-flight inspection is largely similar to the pre-flight inspection with additional checks of the battery and motor.

Batteries and UA battery port: Ensure that the battery is warm to touch, and not hot.
Batteries and UA battery port: Ensure that the battery does not have any signs of cracks, chipping, deformities, or any other damage.
Batteries and UA battery port: Ensure that the battery is not bloated.
Motors: Ensure that the motors are warm to touch, and not hot.