Pre-flight walk-around and checklist — transcript

00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:04.005 Pre-flight walk-around and checklist: from props to failsafes.

00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:10.316 Use a checklist every time, on paper or on screen. Memory skips things,

00:00:10.316 --> 00:00:12.774 especially at a site you know well.

00:00:12.774 --> 00:00:18.304 The site and weather checks are in the planning video. This one is the aircraft.

00:00:19.900 --> 00:00:22.472 Start with a walk-around, powered off.

00:00:22.472 --> 00:00:27.023 Look over the frame and arms for cracks or damage. Check the cables,

00:00:27.023 --> 00:00:31.838 plugs and connectors, the antennas, and that the landing gear is secure.

00:00:33.400 --> 00:00:37.322 Props next. Each one secure, with no cracks, chips or bends.

00:00:37.322 --> 00:00:41.631 And the right prop on the right motor: a wrong one can still spin,

00:00:41.631 --> 00:00:44.267 but it won't give the thrust you expect.

00:00:47.400 --> 00:00:51.952 Each motor should be secure and spin freely. Then batteries: all of them charged,

00:00:51.952 --> 00:00:54.727 for the aircraft, controller, tablet and goggles.

00:00:54.727 --> 00:00:58.502 Check the flight pack for swelling or damage, and that it's secure.

00:01:01.400 --> 00:01:04.404 Quick check. One prop has a small nick. Do you fly?

00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:11.127 No. Replace it. Even small damage can cause vibration or failure.

00:01:12.900 --> 00:01:17.699 Now power up. Controller on, switches in their default positions,

00:01:17.699 --> 00:01:23.444 and the app connected. Then the aircraft. Look and listen: any unusual sounds,

00:01:23.444 --> 00:01:25.334 smells or error messages?

00:01:25.684 --> 00:01:31.391 Watch for compass warnings. If it needs calibrating, do it as your manual says,

00:01:31.391 --> 00:01:35.386 away from steel and vehicles. Then wait for satellites.

00:01:35.386 --> 00:01:39.738 Four is the minimum for a 3D fix, and many drones want more.

00:01:40.184 --> 00:01:46.154 Check the home point is recorded, and on the map, it's where you'd want it to land:

00:01:46.154 --> 00:01:48.073 clear of people and roads.

00:01:49.684 --> 00:01:52.615 Now set the RTH height for this site.

00:01:52.615 --> 00:01:58.168 Estimate the highest obstacle and add a margin. The RePL Guide example:

00:01:58.168 --> 00:02:02.641 trees at forty metres, plus at least twenty, gives sixty.

00:02:03.184 --> 00:02:07.878 Then the failsafe actions, for lost link and low battery. It may hover, land,

00:02:07.878 --> 00:02:12.330 or return to home. Behaviour varies by aircraft, so know what yours does,

00:02:12.330 --> 00:02:13.894 and match it to the site.

00:02:17.184 --> 00:02:21.965 If your manual describes a ground test of the failsafes, do it with the props off.

00:02:24.684 --> 00:02:32.079 Last, the take-off checks. Telemetry good, no errors. Lift off into a close hover:

00:02:32.079 --> 00:02:38.137 full control, gimbal working. Anything not right? Land and inspect.

00:02:38.487 --> 00:02:43.333 Recap: walk around, power up and listen, satellites and home point,

00:02:43.333 --> 00:02:46.611 RTH height and failsafes, then a close hover.

00:02:46.987 --> 00:02:51.709 Final check. The tallest trees on site are forty metres.

00:02:51.709 --> 00:02:56.182 Using the RePL Guide example, what's your RTH height?

00:02:56.532 --> 00:02:59.171 Sixty metres. Forty, plus at least twenty.