Aircraft
A preflight that catches small failures early
Build a repeatable inspection around configuration, structure, energy, controls and the site.
Confirm the configuration
Check aircraft, controller, batteries, payload, firmware and application versions against the intended mission. Unexpected updates at the site add avoidable risk.
Inspect the load path
Look for damaged propellers, loose fasteners, cracked structure, contaminated sensors and unsecured payloads. Replace questionable components using manufacturer guidance.
Verify control and automation
Confirm control direction, navigation status, home point, altitude settings, geofencing information and lost-link behavior. Automation must be monitored; it does not transfer responsibility.
Close with the environment
Walk the launch and recovery area, identify people and obstacles, check wind indicators, brief the crew and establish an abort route before arming.
Official sources
- FAA: Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
- FAA Remote Pilot sUAS ACS
- FAA Airman Testing
- FAA testing supplements
Current regulations, FAA guidance, authorizations and testing-provider instructions control over this summary.