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Flight preparation.

What do we mean by 'Flight preparation'?

 

Simply put flight preparation is everything you can do to ensure that the flight can be carried out safely before you take control and launch.

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These preparations provide a safety net that everything that can be done to prepare has been done. Before take off, a drone operator has to be prepared for the flight. For me this is split into 3 main areas. Each one serves as a marker for the safe conduct of the flight and, while not mutually dependant on each other they do serve a purpose, to provide the assurnace that the flight will be safe..

 

1. Pre-flight Planning:

In order to plan for a flight, you need to have a clear understanding of the requirements for that flight and what the client wants to get out of it, this is called the Mission Objective.

Next you need to look at the route to and from the take-off and landing area (TOLA) to the start point, as well as the route taken during the data gathering phase of the flight to check for and local regulation that would stop or hinder the flight such as local Air Traffic Control (ATC) Flight restriction Zones (FRZ’s) and other required permits.

Check the local Weather forecast to ensure conditions like wind speed, temperature, and visibility are suitable for flying.

 

2. Equipment Check and  Data & Software Preparation:

Before leaving your home base.

Drone pilot should carry out a battery check to ensure that all batteries are correctly charged and updated. Ensure all necessary documentation, such as flight plans, permissions, and waivers, are completed and readily accessible. Identify potential hazards such as obstacles, terrain, weather changes, and air traffic FRZ’s these form part of the risk assessment for each flight. Finally insurance check to make sure for the flight.

 

Before take-off

As part of the pre-flight checks that include a drone inspection, battery check and controller/ remote setup the drone pilot must satisfy themselves that the drone is serviceable. These checks are meant to ensure that the drone is correctly assembled and serviceable. Making sure the battery has enough charge to carry out the flight, ensure the controller and drone are connected and that any attached payloads are secure and working. You can also ensure that the flight control software is up to date and any  calibrations needed are completed. Finally to make sure that the storage device (SD card etc) is fitted, formatted and working.

 

3. Safety and Communication Setup:

Review emergency procedures, including how to handle fly aways, no-fly zones, system failures, or lost signal situations and set up radios, phones, or other communication tools for coordination with the team or air traffic control if necessary.

Ensure that all documentation is complete as required.

These preparations are crucial to ensuring the flight goes smoothly, complies with all regulations, and is completed safely and effectively.​

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