• Drone Registration
• Flight test location booked
• Pilot scheduled
• Test Plan (What we are testing)
• This should also include the flight path where applicable
• Subteam action items (for flight readiness)
• Transportation logistics finalized
• Booking SDC vehicles
• Assigning drivers
• Renting any needed equipment (trailer? generator? etc.)

• SDC Vehicle key collected (if required)
• Batteries Planned for (DON”T LEAVE CHARGING OVERNIGHT)
• Drone batteries & spares
• Transmitter batteries
• On-site kit together
• First Aid Kit
• Ground station / Laptop
• Antenna / Receivers
• Transmitter
• Extra Water
• Power cords / Extension cables
• Wrenches
• Allen keys
• Knives
• Tape
• Rope/string
• Zip/Velcro ties
• Radios
• Safety goggles
• Fire extinguisher
• Airfame assembled
• ESCs/flight controller wired
• Radio equipment tested
• Channel mappings
• Flight modes
• Motors tested
• Wiring secured (Harnessing)
• End to end test (neglecting props)
• Check the center of gravity
• All components not on the airframe that are required should be in the flight box (e.g. props & prop nuts)
• Airfame payload
• Spare parts
• Props
• Airframe components (landing struts, arms, etc)
• Hardware to assemble these components
• Electronics
• ESCs
• Motors
• Flight controllers
• Receiver
• Flight Code Flashed
• Ground station Software updated

• Take WREST RC entrance card
• Check battery status
• Charge if required, otherwise place into flight box
• Systems test
• Check flight controller orientation
• Check motor spin & rotation direction
• Check transmitter mappings
• Verify communication links (VTX/RX, Controller, Groundstation)
• Verify the mission planner is logging data
• Only attach props directly before flight (keep off at all other times)
• Get snacks
• Mission Briefing
• Read the flight plan to the team (that was made a week ago)
• Purpose of flight
• Plan of action
• Success criteria
• Delegate and brief on flight line roles
• Safety Briefing
• Key flight characteristics to observe
• Key system characteristics to observe
• Measurements to be made

• Air Frame
• Check all antennas, ensuring they are secure and in good condition
• Check the battery emplacement and secure attachment and ensure there are no cracks
• Check that all lights are operating normally
• Check that all sensors are secured and clear of any obstructions
• Check that the GPS is receiving satellites and providing a navigation solution
• For fixed wing aircraft, Check:
• Wings, ensuring they are securely attached to fuselage
• Wing leading edge surfaces
• Top and bottom of wing surfaces
• Wing tip surfaces
• Read of wing and all flight control surfaces for freedom of movement, security and any skin damage
• For rotary aircraft:
• Inspect top and bottom of air frame arms for cracks, loose parts, or signs of damage
• Check fluid levels and ensure no leaks if applicable
• Control Surfaces
• Ensure Elevator moves correctly
• Ensure Ailerons move correctly
• Ensure Rudder moves correctly
• Landing Gear
• Check landing gear is secure
• Inspect skids or wheels, especially attachment points
• Power plant
• Cowling or motor casing
• Security of engine mounts
• Presence of any cracks
• All wiring and connectors, ensure no cracks, loose connectors, or chaffing
• Propellers / Rotors
• Ensure propeller is secured
• Check for nicks, chips or cracks
• Ensure prop direction is correct
• Batteries
• Inspect to ensure there is no signs of swelling, external leaking or other defects
• Battery wiring and connectors from the battery are connected securely
• Batteries (and spares) are adequately charged
• Wires are not pinched
• Control Station / Receivers / Transmitter
• The battery and spare batteries if required are adequately charged
• Control Station device and cables are properly connected and functioning
• All flight interfaces are functioning normally
• Safety
• Good visibility and safe wind speed
• Surrounding is free of obstacles
• Crew far from drone
• General Site Survey
• Are there other people on the property
• Ground Recording / drone footage on
• Autopilot
• Control surfaces respond to autopilot in the correct manner
• Transitions between flight modes have expected effect
• Return-to-home systems, if present, have been configured

Emergency Procedures:

• Imminent Emergency: 911

• Privacy offence: Local police

• Fly away or loss of control - Local Aviation Authority (Refer to CFS)

  • This applies to both vertical and horizontal fly aways

In the event of a control station failure, the following steps should be taken:

• Attempt to restart the transmitter

• Use spare transmitter to communicate to drone

• If unable to establish communication with the drone, follow lost link procedures

• Battery

  • Do not fly if the battery appears dead or a problem is suspected. Puffy batteries should be ignored

• Transmitter should be verified before flight

• Props

  • Ensure in flight worthy condition (ex: no dings, etc)

• Control Surfaces

  • Smooth, verify servo control, pushrod integrity

In the event of an RPA failure, the drone should be disarmed - this will stop all motors. The following steps should be followed:

• Secure the area where the RPA will land

  • Do NOT fly the drone over an area where the RPA can unexpectedly land for this reason. Thus, flying over people is NOT permitted in this drone

• Secure the drone and disconnect the battery

• Do NOT fly the drone until inspected

In the event of loss of transmitter link, the pixhawk will activate return to home mode. If the RTH mode does not engage, initiate fly away procedures

In the event a fly-away occurs (both vertical and horizontal), the following procedures should be taken:

• Attempt to regain communication by following lost link procedures

• If unsuccessful, record last heading, speed, and altitude

  • Additionally, know the last battery level to estimate flight time

• Alert local aviation authorities about new flight path and potential conflicts

The flight may be terminated by disarming the drone - this will stop all motors. This should be used with caution as the aircraft will be rendered inoperable and unable to glide under control.