A professional pilot's preflight checklist

The difference between a beginner and a professional pilot usually isn't flying skill. It's what they do before the propellers start spinning. This article collects the preflight checklist we actually use in the field, organized by category so you can work through it without missing anything.

Why professional pilots run a checklist every time, not just on the first flight

Many people think a preflight checklist is something you do once, when you buy a new drone. In reality, the flight area, weather, and legal conditions change from job to job, so checking the aircraft alone isn't enough.

Under the required pre-flight conditions, the remote pilot must inspect the aircraft, get permission from the landowner, study the area and the job procedures, and have an emergency plan ready before every flight. A systematic checklist reduces the chance of missing an important step when you're working under pressure on site.

Aircraft and equipment checklist

Before leaving base, check all of the following:

• Propellers, airframe, and landing gear have no cracks or damage
• Batteries are fully charged and in normal condition, with no swelling or damage
• Camera lens and sensors are clean, with no smudges or dust in the way
• Firmware is up to date and the compass is calibrated according to the manufacturer's manual
• Remote controller and connected devices work normally, and the controller battery has enough charge
• A working fire extinguisher is kept on hand at all times while flying, as required by law

Weather and flight area checklist

Weather changes faster than anything else and is beyond your control. Check it before every flight instead of relying only on forecasts made in advance.

You can check all of this on a single page with ORBITCINE's Flight Briefing tool — it brings together aviation weather reports and a no-fly zone map.

Documents and permits checklist

• Carry your remote pilot registration certificate with you at all times while flying
• Get permission from the landowner or the person in charge of the area before every flight
• Check that your third-party liability insurance hasn't expired and that the coverage meets the legal minimum
• If you need to fly in a restricted area or near an airport, get permission from the relevant authorities well before the job date
• Prepare a written flight plan in advance, specifying the area, altitude, and time window of the flight

Having complete documents doesn't just keep your work legal; it's also important evidence if something unexpected happens during the job.

In-flight limits you must know by heart

Besides preparing before the flight, professional pilots must follow these limits throughout every flight:

• Keep the aircraft in sight with the naked eye at all times (VLOS)
• Fly only between sunrise and sunset
• Do not fly higher than 90 meters (300 feet) above ground level
• Do not fly over cities, villages, communities, or areas where people are gathered
• Keep at least 30 meters from people, vehicles, and buildings (drones up to 2 kilograms) or 50 meters (drones over 2 and up to 25 kilograms)
• If an accident happens during a flight, report it to the competent officials without delay

Why professional teams never skip the checklist

Most aerial shoots run on tight on-site schedules, which can make skipping the checks seem tempting. But the risks of skipping them, whether it's a battery that isn't ready, a sudden change in the weather, or unknowingly flying into a restricted area, cause far more damage than the time you save.

The ORBITCINE pilot team uses this same checklist on every job, whether it's still photography, commercial video, or site surveys, so clients get safe results that go to plan every time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to redo the preflight checklist every time?

Yes. The weather, flight area, and legal conditions differ from place to place, and checking the aircraft alone doesn't cover all the risks.

What's the maximum height I can fly?

The law prohibits flying higher than 90 meters (300 feet) above ground level unless you have special permission.

How far do I need to stay from people and buildings?

At least 30 meters for drones weighing up to 2 kilograms, and 50 meters for drones over 2 and up to 25 kilograms.

What should I check in the weather before flying?

Look at METAR aviation weather reports, TAF forecasts, and real-time cloud, rain, and storm maps for the area near your job site. You can see them all on one page with ORBITCINE's Flight Briefing tool.

No time to run the checklist yourself on every job? Are there other options?

Hire the ORBITCINE pilot team, who already use the same standard checklist on every job, so you don't have to worry about safety or legal compliance. Contact the ORBITCINE pilot team

What should I do if I lose the control or video signal mid-air?

Whatever you do, don't press buttons in a panic. A drone with Return to Home set up correctly will fly back to its takeoff point on its own when it loses signal. Your job as the pilot is to move clear of obstacles, look for the aircraft with your own eyes, and let the system do its work. That's why a preflight checklist must confirm the Home point and RTH altitude every time: if the RTH altitude is set lower than the obstacles around the takeoff point, the drone will crash into them on its way back.

Related services

• Flight planning tool and preflight checklist
• Flight Briefing: check the weather and no-fly zones
• Aerial photo and video services