This pre-flight checklist is designed for FAA Part 107 remote pilot operations. It covers all eight critical inspection and compliance areas required before every commercial UAS flight: regulatory compliance, equipment condition, battery and power systems, communications, airspace authorization, weather assessment, site survey, and emergency procedures. Print it, laminate it, and use it every flight.
A comprehensive checklist for safe, compliant Part 107 operations. Use before every flight to ensure readiness.
How to Use This Checklist
✓ Review all sections before each flight
✓ Check off items as completed
✓ Address any issues before launching
✓ When in doubt, don’t fly
1. Regulatory Compliance
Remote Pilot Certificate
☐ Current Part 107 certificate in possession
☐ Not expired (valid 24 months from issuance)
☐ Recurrent training completed if renewal due
Aircraft Registration
☐ Drone registered with FAA (if 0.55 - 55 lbs)
☐ Registration number displayed on aircraft
☐ Registration current (3-year validity)
Airspace Authorization
☐ Checked for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
☐ LAANC authorization obtained (if required)
☐ ATC coordination completed (if manual authorization)
☐ NOTAMs reviewed for area
Operating Rules
☐ Flight will comply with Part 107 regulations
☐ Special waivers in place (if needed)
☐ Operating limitations understood
2. Personal Fitness - I’M SAFE
I - Illness
☐ Feeling healthy and alert
☐ No cold, flu, or illness symptoms
☐ No impairments affecting judgment
M - Medication
☐ Not taking impairing medications
☐ No prescription drugs affecting performance
☐ No over-the-counter drugs causing drowsiness
S - Stress
☐ Mentally prepared for flight
☐ No personal issues affecting focus
☐ Able to concentrate on operation
A - Alcohol
☐ No alcohol consumption in previous 8 hours
☐ Blood alcohol content below 0.04%
☐ Not suffering from hangover effects
F - Fatigue
☐ Well rested (6-8 hours sleep minimum)
☐ Alert and focused
☐ No drowsiness or exhaustion
E - Emotion
☐ Emotionally stable
☐ Able to make sound decisions
☐ Not distracted by personal matters
If any I’M SAFE item is checked “NO” - DO NOT FLY
3. Weather Assessment
Current Conditions
☐ METAR reviewed for nearest airport
☐ Visibility ≥ 3 statute miles
☐ Cloud clearance: 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal
☐ Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) present
Wind Conditions
☐ Wind speed within aircraft limitations
☐ Wind direction noted: _________
☐ Gusts considered: _________ kt
☐ Crosswind component acceptable
Environmental Factors
☐ Temperature acceptable for batteries
☐ No precipitation affecting operation
☐ Density altitude calculated (if hot/high altitude)
☐ No thunderstorms in vicinity
Forecast
☐ TAF reviewed (if available)
☐ No adverse weather expected during flight
☐ Forecast conditions suitable for mission
4. Aircraft Inspection
Airframe Visual Check
☐ No cracks or damage to body
☐ Props free of damage or chips
☐ Landing gear secure
☐ No loose screws or parts
☐ Registration marking visible
Propellers
☐ All propellers present and undamaged
☐ Props mounted securely
☐ No cracks or missing pieces
☐ Prop guards installed (if applicable)
Sensors & Systems
☐ Vision sensors clean
☐ Obstacle avoidance unobstructed
☐ GPS antenna undamaged
☐ Gimbal moves freely (if applicable)
☐ Camera lens clean
Battery Check
☐ Main battery fully charged: ____%
☐ No physical damage or swelling
☐ Properly seated in aircraft
☐ Terminals clean
☐ Temperature acceptable (not too hot/cold)
Controller
☐ Controller battery charged: ____%
☐ Controller paired with aircraft
☐ Spare batteries available
☐ Control sticks move freely
5. Systems Check
Control Links
☐ Aircraft responds to pitch input
☐ Aircraft responds to roll input
☐ Aircraft responds to yaw input
☐ Aircraft responds to throttle input
☐ No control lag or delay
GPS & Navigation
☐ GPS satellites acquired: _____ (min 6-8)
☐ GPS signal strong
☐ Home point set correctly
☐ Compass calibration recent
☐ No magnetic interference
Flight Systems
☐ Return-to-Home (RTH) altitude set: _____ ft
☐ RTH function tested
☐ Battery return threshold set: ____%
☐ Firmware up to date
☐ No system warnings or errors
6. Mission Planning
Flight Area
☐ Site surveyed for hazards
☐ Obstacles identified and noted
☐ Emergency landing zones identified
☐ No people in immediate flight area
☐ Property owner permission obtained (if required)
Flight Parameters
☐ Maximum altitude: _____ ft AGL (≤400 ft)
☐ Flight area boundaries defined
☐ Estimated flight time: _____ min
☐ Sufficient battery for mission + reserve
Communication
☐ Visual observer briefed (if used)
☐ Helper/spotter briefed on duties
☐ Emergency procedures reviewed
☐ Lost link procedures established
Special Requirements
☐ Camera settings configured
☐ Flight modes selected
☐ Autonomous mission uploaded (if applicable)
☐ Waypoints verified
7. Safety Measures
Equipment
☐ First aid kit available
☐ Fire extinguisher (if needed)
☐ Spare parts/tools available
☐ Landing pad deployed (if applicable)
Documentation
☐ Remote pilot certificate
☐ Aircraft registration
☐ Airspace authorization (printed/digital)
☐ Insurance documentation (if applicable)
Notifications
☐ Airport notified (if within 5 NM of towered airport)
☐ Local authorities notified (if required)
☐ Participants/public informed
☐ Barriers established (if operations near people)
8. Pre-Launch Operations
Final Checks
☐ Area clear of people and vehicles
☐ Launch area safe and level
☐ Wind direction confirmed
☐ Camera/gimbal functioning
Launch Sequence
☐ Controller in correct mode
☐ Aircraft responding to all controls
☐ Hover test at 3-5 ft completed
☐ All systems showing normal status
In-Flight Monitoring
☐ Visual line of sight maintained
☐ Battery level monitored continuously
☐ Weather conditions monitored
☐ Airspace awareness maintained
☐ People/obstacles monitored
Abort Criteria
DO NOT FLY IF:
NO: Weather below Part 107 minimums
NO: Personal fitness compromised (I’M SAFE)
NO: Aircraft showing mechanical issues
NO: Airspace authorization not obtained
NO: Active TFR in effect
NO: Any safety concerns present
When in doubt, don’t fly!
Post-Flight Procedures
Aircraft Inspection
☐ No damage from flight
☐ All parts accounted for
☐ Props checked for damage
☐ Aircraft cleaned (if necessary)
Battery Management
☐ Battery removed from aircraft
☐ Battery allowed to cool before storage
☐ Battery stored at 40-60% charge
Documentation
☐ Flight time logged
☐ Any incidents/issues documented
☐ Required reports filed (if applicable)
☐ Data/footage backed up
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services: 911
Airport Tower (if within 5 NM):
Phone: ___________________
FAA Flight Standards District Office:
Phone: ___________________
Remote PIC Contact:
Name: ___________________
Phone: ___________________
Sign-Off
I certify that I have completed this pre-flight checklist and the aircraft is in condition for safe flight.
Remote PIC Signature: ______________________
Date: __________ Time: __________
Visual Observer (if applicable):
Signature: ______________________
Date: __________
Additional Notes
Use this space for flight-specific notes, weather observations, or special considerations:
Quick Reference: I’M SAFE
Illness - Am I sick?
Medication - Am I taking impairing drugs?
Stress - Am I stressed or distracted?
Alcohol - Have I had alcohol in the last 8 hours?
Fatigue - Am I tired?
Emotion - Am I emotionally upset?
If YES to any → DO NOT FLY
Professional Training Available
This checklist is a guide for safe operations. For comprehensive training in UAS operations, systems integration, and capability assessment:
View Training Programs | Contact Us
Adapted from FAA best practices | Updated February 2025