Pre-Mission Planning Mission Objective: Clearly define the purpose of the drone flight (e.g., aerial photography, surveying, inspection). Location Analysis: Flight Area: Identify the flight location and ensure it is clear of hazards like power lines, trees, and buildings. Airspace Restrictions: Check for any restricted airspace (near airports, military zones) using tools like airspace maps or apps (e.g., AirMap, DJI Fly). Weather Conditions: Check for weather conditions that may affect the flight, such as wind speed, rain, or visibility. No-Fly Zones: Confirm any nearby no-fly zones and avoid them.
This should be done before leaving the lab.
| Item | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Remote controller | Ensure the remote control is fully charged | |
| Battery Levels | Ensure all the batteries all fully charged | |
| (if applicable) iPad/Table | Ensure the iPad/Table is fully charged | |
| SD cards | Ensure that the SD cards are functional and have enough space to collect the mission data. | |
| Insurance | Verify drone's insurance and take it with you | |
| Pilot License | Check the validity of the pilot(s) licenses | |
| Propellers | Inspect propellers for damage and ensure that they are not broken or cracked, and take extra propellers. |
| Item | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| First-aid kit | ||
| x2 High Visibility Vests | prepare one or more high visibility vests for the pilot and the mission personnel | |
| Area delimiters | The area delimiters determine the pilot's operating area, which is considered restricted area during operation | |
| Field Survey Tools | ||
| Landing Pads |
Mission-specific equipment
| Item | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Control Points (GCP) | takes the required amount of GCP needed for the mission | |
| Anchors | Prepare the anchors needed to secure the GCPs to the ground | |
| GNSS/RTK GPS Receiver | Make sure GNSS/GPS base and rover are charged | |
| Survey poles | ||
| Field Survey Tools | ||
| Landing Pads |
Pre-Flight Checklist Flight Path: Plan and review the intended flight path, altitude, and waypoints if necessary. Emergency Procedures: Establish clear emergency procedures, including return-to-home (RTH) settings, loss of signal protocols, and manual control overrides. Team Coordination: If a team is involved, ensure all members (e.g., spotters, visual observers) are briefed on their roles. Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and implement mitigations (e.g., stay clear of obstacles, maintain visual line of sight).
5. Flight Execution Pre-Flight Check: Conduct a final systems check, including compass calibration, GPS lock, and battery status. Take-Off: Perform a controlled take-off and hover at a low altitude to ensure stability before proceeding. Monitor the Flight: Keep an eye on telemetry data (battery life, altitude, etc.) throughout the mission. Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Ensure the drone remains within VLOS unless operating under specific beyond-line-of-sight conditions.
6. Post-Flight Procedure Safe Landing: Ensure a safe and controlled landing. Data Collection: Retrieve and back up any data collected during the flight (photos, videos, or sensor data). Equipment Inspection: After landing, inspect the drone for any damage and check the battery status. Flight Log: Record details of the flight (location, duration, any issues encountered).