As a licensed drone pilot and B&H’s preeminent authority on drone crashes, I know a thing or two about “hard landings.” Hardware malfunction, software failure, and pilot error—I’ve wrestled with them all. To help you avoid some of my more spectacular mishaps, I’ve condensed several years of lessons into a handy preflight checklist. Observe these preflight checks and precautionary measures, and your flights will go a lot smoother than many of mine.
Fully Charge Batteries
One of the most obvious preflight tasks is also one that’s very easy to forget: charging your batteries. Personally, I like to charge all my batteries—including the one in the controller—the night before a flight, then double-check their levels in the morning. This way, if I do need to charge them up, I have plenty of time to do it. Also, if you rely on a portable battery pack to charge your batteries in the field, make sure that’s juiced up, as well.
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Ensure Components are Properly Installed
On the morning of a flight, I like to give my drone a once-over just to make sure everything is properly connected and installed. The main thing you want to verify is that your props are securely tightened and attached to the correct motors. I also like to double-check any wired connections or pigtails and take care of any necessary calibrations.
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Update All Software
Companies frequently update the software of their drones, which can affect the overall performance and, in some cases, restrict flying if not installed. Before you head out, double-check that you’re running the latest software on all your equipment, or else you might be grounded before you even get into the air. Also, if you do need to update your software, it’s a good idea to be connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a power source—that way you don’t eat up battery life or data.
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Know Your Rules and Regulations
You know what’s worse than crashing your drone? Crashing your drone and then getting fined for it. Violating local, state, or federal drone regulations can result in some pretty stiff penalties, including hefty fines and/or your license being revoked. To keep flying safely, legally, and fine-free, make sure you’re up to date on all relevant rules and regulations, including where and when you’re allowed to fly your drone.
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“Give Them the Forecast”
Confirming weather conditions (e.g., chance of precipitation, extreme temperatures, cloud cover, etc.) is an essential but oft-forgotten preflight precaution. In particular, pay close attention to wind speeds. High winds are one of the most common causes of weather-related crashes. Don’t believe me? Here is an abbreviated list of some of the things I’ve crashed a drone into because I was flying in strong winds:
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A sailboat
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Someone’s dog
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My ex-girlfriend
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Her dog
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Guy on canoe
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Policeman
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Flock of birds
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Flock of children
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Tree (multiple)
Before you take to the skies, visit a weather-monitoring website like Aviation Weather Center to confirm it’s safe to fly in your area.
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Check Your Surroundings
Sometimes I get so caught up in the excitement of flying a new drone, I forget to evaluate my surroundings properly. Trees, buildings, and other tall structures all pose a potential threat to pilots and drones. Before you fly, take a minute to examine your surroundings for figurative and literal red flags that might impede your flight path or cause collision.
Now, Check Yourself
If we’re being one-hundred percent honest, the biggest threat to a drone’s safety is probably the pilot. The majority of crashes I’ve been in have been the result of my own negligent behavior or attitude. I was either too cocky or too careless to consider all the possible dangers and/or ramifications. To truly ensure your drone’s safety, you need to approach every flight with a cautious, pragmatic attitude and to always fly in a risk-averse manner.
What lessons have you learned from flying and/or crashing a drone? Share your favorite preflight tips (and/or most spectacular mishaps) with us down below.
