Drone Inspection Before First Flight

As I recreational drone pilot, I have learned the hard way to conduct a thorough preflight inspection beginning even before I leave for the field. At home, I check the propellers to make sure they are secure and all exposed hex bolts to make sure they are tightly fastened including bolts securing the motor mounts.

Prior to takeoff I go through the following steps:

Turn on anti-collision strobes - there are two, one on the bottom and one on top.

Turn on the RemoteID (RID) module

Turn on the camera

Turn on the transmitter, toggle the landing gear switch

Power on the aircraft and wait to acquire satellites

After GPS lock, start camera recording

I am ready for takeoff. Afterwards, I do the above steps in reverse.
 
GlassKnees said:
As I recreational drone pilot, I have learned the hard way to conduct a thorough preflight inspection beginning even before I leave for the field. At home, I check the propellers to make sure they are secure and all exposed hex bolts to make sure they are tightly fastened including bolts securing the motor mounts.

Prior to takeoff I go through the following steps:

Turn on anti-collision strobes - there are two, one on the bottom and one on top.

Turn on the RemoteID (RID) module

Turn on the camera

Turn on the transmitter, toggle the landing gear switch

Power on the aircraft and wait to acquire satellites

After GPS lock, start camera recording

I am ready for takeoff. Afterwards, I do the above steps in reverse.
Click to expand...
So you do post-flight checks too? That's a good tip.
 
I cannot emphasis enough the need to have RemoteID (RID). On a flight, filming a nearby butte, I briefly lost sight of my quad as it went around the side of the hill and crashed. The terrain was steep and rugged, but my RID module was broadcasting the aircraft's position, and I was able to locate and retrieve it. Fortunately, the damage was minor and I was able to repair it.
 
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