Pre-Flight Checklist

My pre-flight checklist combines the traditional and adds a number of items I consider necessary to ensure a good (i.e., safe and unobstructed) flight. The traditional ones are relatively simple:

-Aircraft working? Inspect thoroughly, tighten screws, clean

Batteries charged? Ensure all batteries are charged and balanced

Accessories present? Verify all accessories (charger, battery charger packs, cables, etc)

Flight area clear and legal? Check B4 U Fly

Weather good? Check for excessive wind and conditions (Kitty Hawk, etc)

Checked maps? Check sectional charts (as applicable) and topographic/3D maps of are I intend to fly over or around (Augment with Google Earth views if unfamiliar with area)

Extra gear? Extra props, GoPros and batteries, etc)

SPecialized gear? Any equipment specific to flight plan (cameras, payload, lights, etc.)

Radio Link Adequate? Evaluate coverage and obstruction in flight area. Bring additional long-range equipment (external atenna and receiver, directional antennae, etc)

People problems? Does the area contain anyone who might be offended by my flying? ARe there people nearby? IS the time of day conducive to less people?

Clothing and survival? Clothing appropriate to weather (and possible weather) map, compass, first aid, food and water sufficient for the day’s requirements

Pack ok? Check pack load and completeness (if hiking in to flying area)

Ongoing events? Are any special events (or regularly occurring ones) scheduled near(or on the way to) the flying area?

Purpose of flight? Identify clearly and prepare/check accordinglyExtras? Extra SD card, screws, props, battery pack, cables

FPV ready? goggles charged, formatted SD card, battery pack charged and extra present? Antenna inspection and spares?

Crew ready? Additional crew, as needed…VO, spotters, camera operator (ground and onboard), flight coordinator or escort, etc

Crew briefed? Pre-briefing and pre-flight.

Authorities briefed? Police, security, management, as required…pre brief

Floyover waiver for people being filmed from above

CAA from FAA or permission for flight (if extra-ordinary flight, parameters, or location

Flight area secure? Is the general flight area open and unimpeded, and is the groud station area secure from easy access or intrusion? If open, are good visual sightlines of approaches available?

Notifications made? Notify next of kin or friend of flight plan in general; where you plan to go and when you plan to be back

Phsical checklist complete? Is a paper or electronic (on pone) checklist of the main flight preparations complete?

Equipment re-verified? Has all equipment been physcially verified and checked prior to takeoff?

B4UFly, Flight Aware and local doppler radar applications open? Are all applications showing current update prior to (and duyring) the flight?

Transportation secure? Is the car, motorcycle, or bicyle I came with secure and parked in a suitable place (out of the way ad if possible out of sight, in some cases)

Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen?

SMart or video glasses charged and SD card inserted or memory formatted?

Weapons (if in mountain lion countrey) secure? Are any weapons secure, in holsters or storage places, in owkring order, and unavailable to take from others

Birds or wildlife in area? Permission if flying over horse, cattle, or buffalo herds. Height adjustments for wildlife