Drone Preflight Checklist Form Template
Ensure Safe Flight Operations with Our Drone Preflight Checklist
Overlooking crucial details can lead to unsafe drone flights. This Drone Preflight Checklist Form Template helps drone operators like you conduct thorough inspections before takeoff, ensuring your UAV is ready for a safe and successful flight. With this customizable template, you can streamline your preflight checks, adhere to aviation safety protocols, and maintain equipment reliability-all while saving time during flight preparation. Utilize our live template to make the checklist suit your unique flying requirements.
When to use this form
Use this template before every flight to confirm your aircraft, batteries, payload, and the environment are safe. It helps Part 107 pilots, in-house operations teams, and contractors who fly for mapping, inspections, or media. Run it on job sites, rooftops, or remote fields to catch issues like damaged props, weak GPS lock, or restricted airspace. You also get a timestamped record you can share with clients or auditors. If you need to track fixes after a failed check, pair it with the Maintenance record form. For fleet care between missions, standardize upkeep with the Preventive maintenance checklist form.
Must Ask Drone Preflight Checklist Questions
- Are flight batteries charged, healthy, within temperature range, and securely latched?
Power loss is a top cause of incidents, so verifying state of charge, cell balance, and pack temperature reduces risk. Recording pack IDs and cycles also informs replacements and keeps unsafe batteries out of service.
- Is firmware current, and have you calibrated the compass/IMU and verified sensor health?
Out-of-date firmware or skipped calibration can cause drift, flyaways, or app errors. Confirming updates and sensor checks improves positioning, control, and data quality.
- Do you have required airspace authorization, and are weather and visibility within limits?
Confirming LAANC/NOTAM status, winds, gusts, precipitation, and KP index supports a legal, safe go/no-go. Documenting these conditions creates a defensible record for your operation.
- Is the aircraft and payload clean, undamaged, and properly secured?
A close visual check catches cracks, loose screws, bent props, gimbal lock, and loose filters. Proper mounting prevents vibration, camera drop, and signal issues mid-flight.
- Are mission settings correct: home point, return-to-home altitude, geofence, obstacle sensors, failsafe, and emergency plan?
Right settings prevent controlled flight into terrain and lost aircraft, especially near buildings, cranes, or trees. If you also manage site gear like generators or lifts, align those checks with the Heavy equipment checklist form.
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