The Drone Pre-Flight Checklist: A 2-Minute Routine That Prevents Most Crashes

Most drone accidents aren’t caused by bad luck. They come from a missed step: a loose propeller, a cold battery, a return-to-home altitude lower than the trees, or a site that wasn’t checked for power lines. A checklist turns those steps into a habit. Here’s the routine we use, from planning at home to landing.

1. Before you leave home

• Charge all flight batteries, the controller and your phone.
• Check the firmware of the drone, controller and app — never update right before an important flight in the field.
• Check the weather forecast: wind speed and gusts, precipitation, temperature and visibility.
• Check the airspace and nearby aerodromes or heliports with the tools recommended by Transport Canada.
• Confirm you have permission to take off and land at your location (park rules, municipal bylaws, landowner). See flying in Canadian parks.
• Pack your pilot certificate and proof of registration if your drone weighs 250 g or more.

2. Site survey on arrival

1. Choose a take-off and landing area that is flat, open and away from people.
2. Look up: wires, trees, poles, towers, birds.
3. Identify bystanders, roads and buildings, and plan to keep the required distance from people.
4. Find an emergency landing spot.
5. Feel the wind at ground level and look at treetops to gauge it higher up.

3. Aircraft inspection

• Propellers: no chips, cracks or bends; firmly attached.
• Motors: spin freely, no grinding or sand.
• Body and arms: no cracks; arms fully unfolded and locked.
• Gimbal and camera: protective cover removed, lens clean, gimbal moves freely.
• Battery: properly seated and locked, no swelling.
• Sensors: obstacle sensors clean.
• Memory card: inserted with enough free space.

4. Settings check

• Set the return-to-home altitude higher than the tallest obstacle around you.
• Confirm the home point is recorded before take-off.
• Check the maximum altitude limit in the app.
• Check the low-battery warning and auto-land levels.
• Choose the right flight mode for the conditions.
• Calibrate the compass if the app asks for it — away from metal and vehicles.

5. Take-off

1. Announce the take-off to anyone helping you.
2. Take off and hover at eye level for 10 to 20 seconds. Listen for unusual sounds and check that the drone holds position.
3. Test the controls gently in each direction before climbing.
4. Keep the drone in sight at all times.

6. During the flight

• Watch the battery percentage and the estimated time to return.
• Plan to land with a comfortable reserve, more in cold or windy weather.
• Stay aware of people approaching the area and of manned aircraft. Always give way to them.
• If something feels wrong, land first and investigate second.

7. After landing

• Power off the drone before the controller.
• Let batteries cool before charging them.
• Inspect propellers again.
• Back up your footage.
• Log the flight: date, location, duration, issues.

Next steps: master flying in wind, prepare for winter flights, and keep your batteries healthy with our battery care guide.