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Drone pre-flight checklist

By Wayne Bryant, 12,000-hour captain and TC Advanced RPAS pilot · Updated October 2026

How to use this checklistAirline crews never fly from memory, and neither should you. Work through each section in order, every flight. Print it, keep it in your flight bag, and if any item can't be ticked, don't launch until it can.

Get the free PDF versionA 3-page field checklist in the 5.5″ × 8.5″ format, with a fill-in abort criteria table. Made to laminate.Free download

1. Before you leave home

Category confirmed: Basic, Advanced or other, for this drone and this operation
Pilot certificate and drone registration on hand; recency current (within 24 months)
Airspace checked with an approved map tool (NAV CANADA or NRC Drone Site Selection Tool)
NOTAMs and any temporary restrictions checked; ATC authorization obtained if controlled airspace
Weather and wind checked against your drone's limits
Landowner permission arranged if needed; privacy considered
Batteries charged (aircraft, controller, phone/tablet); spare propellers packed
Firmware and app up to date (not updated at the field)

2. Site survey on arrival

Launch and landing area clear, level and away from people
Obstacles noted: wires, trees, towers, buildings
People, roads and animals in the area identified; distances from bystanders meet your category
Sources of interference noted: power lines, metal structures, radio towers
Emergency landing spots and a lost-link plan chosen
Visual observer briefed, if used

3. Aircraft checks

Airframe and arms: no cracks, arms locked
Propellers: no chips or cracks, correctly fitted and secure
Battery seated and latched; charge and cell health confirmed
Gimbal cover removed; camera, lens and sensors clean
Memory card inserted with space
Registration marking visible

4. Controller and settings

Controller and display charged and connected
GNSS lock acquired; home point recorded
Return-to-home altitude set above the highest obstacle
Maximum altitude and distance limits set
Low-battery and lost-link actions set and understood
Obstacle sensing and flight mode as intended

5. Final go / no-go

Risk assessment done (a FRAT score for anything non-routine)
Abort criteria set: wind, visibility, battery, signal, bystanders, crewed aircraft
Area clear; announce "clear prop" before arming
Hover at 2–3 m for 10 seconds: check stability and controls before climbing

When in doubt, don't launch. A cancelled flight costs nothing. A crash can cost your drone, a fine or worse.

Go beyond the checklist

These cover what to do when something goes wrong in the air, and how to make a structured go/no-go decision.

Drone Emergency Procedure CardsSeven quick-action cards: lost link, flyaway, battery, motor failure and more.$32 CAD · Buy now →

Flight Risk Assessment ToolScore 10 risk factors and make a clear go/no-go call.$15 CAD · Buy now →

DJI Mini 5 Pro Operations Manual95-page field manual with Canadian and US operations, checklists and emergency cards.$49 CAD · Buy now →

General Drone Operations Field ManualA professional operating system for any drone you fly. 105 pages.$39 CAD · Buy now →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pre-flight checklist for a drone?

Canada's rules require pilots to make sure the drone is safe and the site is suitable before every flight. A written checklist is the most reliable way to do that consistently.

Can I print this checklist?

Yes. Use the Print button at the top of the checklist, or your browser's print option. The menus and product links are left off the printout.

What should I do if something fails the checklist?

Fix it before launch, or don't fly. The checklist only works if a failed item stops the flight.

Current as of October 2026. Independent educational information, not legal advice. Mission Ready Aviation is not affiliated with Transport Canada, the FAA or any drone manufacturer. Always confirm the current rules with the official sources before you fly.