Essential Drone Safety Checks

by sdruav.com

Essential Drone Safety Checks
Drone safety inspection is a critical part of drone operations, encompassing the entire process and all aspects of drone control. It is highly significant for ensuring flight safety.

I. Pre-Takeoff
1. Check the remote controller and battery.
Remote Controller:
Check the installation of the remote controller's antenna and control sticks.
Check the remote controller's interface for any abnormal warnings.
Ensure the remote controller has sufficient battery charge.

Battery Check:
Inspect the flight battery; it must show no bulging or damage to the exterior.
Check that the flight battery and remote controller battery have sufficient charge.
Ensure the voltage difference between individual cells within a single battery pack, and the voltage difference between two batteries in the same set (if applicable), both meet the required specifications.

It is best to carefully inspect the aircraft before the first flight of the day, especially if different operators have controlled the same drone.

Hardware Check:
Ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft; all components should be undamaged.
Check the propellers for defects such as wear, cracks, or obvious stress fractures.
Check that all screws are tight, especially those on the propellers and motor mounts.
Check all connections to ensure good contact and no looseness.
Manually rotate each motor. A normal motor should rotate smoothly with a steady sound. If there is any abnormal noise or rough/uneven rotation, the motor needs inspection.
Rotate the motor and observe if the tips of the propeller pass the same point at the same height. If the height difference is too large, it's best to replace the propeller.

2. Check the flight environment.
For practice flights:
Choose flight fields in suburban or rural wilderness areas, with no major roads, residences, or organized activity sites within a radius of several hundred meters. Absolutely avoid areas near high-voltage power lines, mobile signal stations, and military/civilian radar stations.

For work operations:
Check the terrain: Be aware of ground obstacles that could affect the pilot's movement.
Be mindful of buildings, trees, antennas, etc., that could affect the drone's flight path.
Check the electromagnetic environment in the surrounding area and along the planned flight route to ensure no interference sources.
Test or estimate wind speed. Sustained winds should be less than Level 6, and gusts less than Level 7.
Check the GPS satellite signal, ensuring the actual number of locked satellites is more than 7 (refer to your drone's manual for status light indicators). Avoid using GPS Attitude mode in locations where buildings, water surfaces, power lines, etc., might affect GPS signal.

3. Assess whether a compass calibration is needed.
Perform a compass calibration if the use location has changed significantly (over 200 km away) or if the remote controller/ground station indicates a compass anomaly (perform according to your drone's operating instructions).

Note: Always perform the compass calibration with the propellers OFF (or removed) and the aircraft powered ON!

4. Assemble the landing gear, center plate, (install the battery, perform compass calibration), install the arms, gimbal, and battery.
Arm Installation:
Confirm the numbering at the connection points between the arms and center plate matches.
Align the positioning pins with the holes and push in firmly and parallel.
Tighten the fastening mechanisms securely.

Note: When removing arms, pull them out straight with parallel force. Do not wiggle or rock them up and down during removal, as this can damage the connectors.

Battery Installation:
Note: Before installing the battery, ensure the anti-spark connector on the bottom of the center plate is disconnected.

Balance Check:
After installing the battery, check that the aircraft's center of gravity is balanced.

5. Check all drone components and their installation. Connect the Ground Station.
Ensure the drone's structure is intact, all components are undamaged, the arms are installed correctly and securely, and the landing gear screws are tight.
Gently rotate the motors by hand to check for normal rotation and any abnormal sounds.

II. Flight Phase
6. Move the drone to the takeoff point. First, turn on the remote controller (ground station), then power on the drone.
Place the remote controller throttle at the lowest position, ensure all switches are in their correct positions, turn on the remote controller, then power on the aircraft. Listen to see if the ESC startup tones are correct, and check if the LED indicators are normal.

7. Check control mode, check control feedback, check gimbal control and video transmission link.

Check Control Mode:
Toggle the flight mode switch and check if the LED indicators show the correct mode.

Check Mixing/Controls:
Perform the arming procedure. Gently push the throttle stick and check if the motor rotation direction is correct and if the feedback for each control channel is correct.

Check GPS Signal:
Ensure the GPS signal is good. Manually set the home point and manually set the course lock direction.

8. If there are spectators, isolate the operator from the crowd. Try to position spectators behind the takeoff/landing and control area.

9. Develop the habit of not answering questions from spectators during flight, focusing solely on controlling the drone.

III. Post-Flight & Packing Phase
10. Landing.
Before landing, ensure the landing area is clear; do not rush.
Land slowly and steadily. Once the landing gear has touched down, promptly and decisively pull the throttle stick to its lowest position.

11. Fill out the flight log.
Record the time, location, pilot, and assistant information for each flight.
Record the pre-flight inspection status of the aircraft.
Record the battery voltage before and after flight, and the battery cycle count, etc.
Check if the camera on the gimbal is positioned correctly.

IV. Long-Term Storage
When the drone will not be used for an extended period, store it properly:
Batteries: Use a balance charger to discharge/charge them to storage voltage (generally 3.8V per cell; refer to your drone's manual). Store them in a cool, sealed place. Protect battery connectors from oxidation. Keep plugs dry; if possible, seal them.
Flight Controller (FC), Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs): Place them in sealed bags for storage. Ensure the connector areas are dry.
Motors: For storage, clean the interior of motors, apply oil. Apply oil specifically to the engraved text on the motor casing to prevent oxidation and rust in the engraved areas.
Propellers: Wrap them individually with plastic wrap, cloth, or foam spacers. Store in an area without sunlight and where they won't be crushed.
Frame: Hang the frame. Store different materials appropriately based on their type.

Essential Drone Safety Checks

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