Most people think of safety only after an accident. The safety of your drone goes hand in hand with all current regulations. Drones are not plug-and-play devices. Before you can take off, there are many things you need to do to ensure the safety of your drone and people beneath.
We’ve created a pre-flight safety check that you need to double-check before you fly.
- Are the batteries fully charged to your remote, your aircraft, and your FPV? Have you inspected your batteries for damage?
- Have you checked your propellers for damage and made sure they are tightly secured? Have you inspected all the rotors for wear?
- Are there any cracks or loose parts on your aircraft that might fall during the flight?
- Have you checked all control surfaces for signs of damage, loose hinges, and overall condition?
- Have you checked the landing gear for damage and function?
- Have you tested electrical connections, plugged in and secured?
- Have you ensured that the photo/video installation system is secure?
- Is your take-off area open and free of obstructions, such as trees and power lines? If there is a safe return to your home, is there enough open space for an auto-landing?
- Are you clear about people and animals for take-off and landing? If there are too many people, unsupervised children, or dogs, it might be a good idea to find another location to fly.
- Did you ensure that there was no frequency conflict between video and transmitter/receiver?
- Is it too windy or too wet to fly safely? How’s visibility going?
- Are you close to the airport?
- Are you close to the large metal structures? These structures may cause interference with the compass, resulting in erratic flight.
- Have you taken note of potential hazards and barriers before take-off?
- Have you calibrated the compass?
- Have you made sure the on-board transmitter is working?
- Did you get approval if you were flying over people for research?
- Have you created a flight plan?
- Have you packed the first aid kit, the crash kit, etc.?
Additionally, strictly follow these safety guidelines:
- Fly no more than 400 feet and, if possible, remain below any of the surrounding obstacles.
- Always keep your drone on sight, and use an observer to assist if necessary.
- Do not interfere with manned aircraft operations. Always avoid other aircraft and obstacles.
- Do not fly your drone over unprotected persons or moving vehicles intentionally. Always remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable properties.
- Contact the airport or control tower before you fly within five miles of the airport.
- Fly no more than two nautical miles from a heliport.
- Don’t fly at night.
- Do not fly under poor weather conditions such as high winds or low visibility.
- Do not fly your aircraft under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
- Do not fly your drone over stadiums or sporting events
- Do not fly near or over power-stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, slowly traveled roads, government facilities, etc.
- Comply with all local regulations before flying over private property.
- Do not monitor or photograph people in areas without permission.
- Do not exceed the manufacturer’s requirement
- Turn on the controller before the aircraft and always shut off the plane before the controller is switched off.
- Make sure you’ve got the latest firmware running.