1.2.1 Pre-flight checklist

 ✅ As you become more confident in flying drones, you may be tempted to skip basic checks, which can lead to mistakes. For safe and successful drone flights, pilots should always perform the following checklist to ensure that the drone is in proper working order, the battery is in good condition, and all other accessories are functioning properly.

💡 TIP

• Print out the pre-flight checklist and keep it in the drone's box so you can always have it on hand.
• Make it a habit to use the pre-flight checklist to ensure safe and successful drone flights.

The following is a checklist of items to check before every drone flight. By following these steps, you can help ensure a safe and successful flight.

1. Check for flight restrictions

• In Korea, you can check for flight restrictions on the DroneOneStop website.
• You can also check for flight restrictions on the DJI website or in the DJI Fly app.
  

2. Check the takeoff and landing area

• The takeoff and landing area should be clear of obstacles and in a safe location.
• It is recommended to launch and land within a 5-meter radius of a clear area.

3. Check the weather conditions

• Check the weather conditions to make sure the area you are flying in is safe. Strong winds, low clouds, or rain can affect your flight and the quality of your footage.

4. Check for obstacles and terrain

• Be aware of any high objects (buildings, cranes, etc.) in the area you plan to fly.

• While drones have obstacle avoidance sensors, they may not detect thin, linear objects such as power lines, transmission towers, or cranes.

• Construction sites may also have hazards that are not visible from the ground.

  

5. Remove the camera gimbal guard

• Remove the camera gimbal guard before flying.

  

6. Check the propellers for damage and secure them properly

• Check the propellers for damage and make sure they are securely attached to the drone.
• It is a good idea to bring spare propellers in case one is damaged during flight.

7. Check the connection between the controller and device (drone, smartphone, or iPad)

• You can find a list of supported drones and devices here.

8. Turn on the controller and make sure the antennas are properly aligned

9. Check the battery connection on the drone

10. Turn on the battery on the drone

• It is always a good idea to have at least one fully charged battery for your flight, but two or more is recommended for longer flights.

11. Check the connection between the drone and controller

12. Check the IMU and compass status

• Make sure the drone is in good condition and ready to fly.
• Verify that the compass is calibrated and that the GPS connection is good.
• If the drone is drifting, perform a recalibration.

13. Check the GPS signal strength

• Make sure the drone is in GPS mode and has a good GPS signal (7 or more satellites is recommended).

  

14. Check the camera settings

• Make sure the camera settings are correct, such as resolution and aperture. If you are having problems, you can reset the camera settings on the drone.

15. Set and confirm the home point

16. Set and confirm the return home altitude (consider surrounding obstacles)

17. Check the SD card storage

• Always format the SD card before flying and make sure there is enough storage space for your images. This will help prevent image capture problems.

💡 If you are having problems with the pre-flight checklist, try the following:

• Restart all devices.
• Unplug and re-plug the USB cable when you see a failure message.
• Switch the mode switch on the controller.
• Check the DJI app: Make sure Multi-Flight Mode is turned on and Beginner Mode is turned off.
• Test with a different mobile device.