Part 107 Drone Checklist Pack
76 items across 3 checklists. Pre-flight safety, mission planning, and post-flight documentation. Free download - no email required. Print it, tape it to your drone case.
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1
Pre-Flight Safety Checklist
Complete before every commercial flight. FAA-compliant for Part 107 operations.
Aircraft Inspection
- Airframe visually inspected - no cracks, loose screws, or damage
- Propellers inspected - no nicks, chips, or deformation; securely attached
- Motors spin freely with no grinding or unusual resistance
- Landing gear intact and stable
- Camera/gimbal secured and functioning
- Payload properly mounted and within weight limits
Battery & Power
- Battery fully charged (100% or per manufacturer spec)
- Battery exterior inspected - no swelling, dents, or damage
- Battery firmly seated and latched
- Controller battery fully charged
- Spare batteries available and charged
- Battery cycle count checked - within manufacturer limits
Software & Firmware
- Drone firmware is current (check manufacturer app)
- Controller firmware is current
- Mission planning app loaded with today's flight plan
- GPS signal acquired - minimum 8+ satellites before takeoff
- Compass calibrated (if required by location change)
- Return-to-home (RTH) altitude set appropriately for obstacles
Airspace & Regulatory
- Airspace checked - verify LAANC ceiling or authorization status. Check airspace free
- Active TFRs checked for flight area
- NOTAMs reviewed for flight area
- Operations within Part 107 limits (400 ft AGL, visual line of sight)
- Remote ID broadcasting confirmed
- Waiver on hand if operating under Part 107 waiver (night, over people, etc.)
Environment & Site
- Weather checked - wind speed, gusts, visibility, cloud ceiling
- Wind speed within aircraft limits (check manufacturer spec)
- No precipitation - current or forecast within flight window
- Obstacles identified - power lines, trees, buildings, antennas
- Takeoff and landing area clear and level
- Bystanders and non-participants at safe distance
- Emergency landing zones identified
Communications & Crew
- Visual observer briefed (if used)
- Crew communication method established (radio, hand signals)
- Client/site contact informed of flight plan
- Emergency procedures reviewed with crew
- Phone charged and accessible for emergency calls
2
Mission Planning Checklist
Complete before creating your flight plan. Ensures optimal data capture.
Job Scope Definition
- Client deliverables confirmed (photos, video, orthomosaic, 3D model, report)
- Coverage area defined (acreage, boundaries, or structure dimensions)
- Required ground sample distance (GSD) determined
- Deadline and delivery format confirmed with client
Flight Parameters
- Mission type selected. See grid survey tutorial
- Altitude set based on GSD requirements and airspace ceiling
- Speed set appropriate for camera/sensor requirements
- Front overlap set (typically 70-80% for mapping, 80-90% for 3D)
- Side overlap set (typically 60-70% for mapping, 70-80% for 3D)
- Camera angle set (nadir for mapping, oblique for inspection/3D)
- Terrain follow enabled if operating over uneven ground
Flight Area Validation
- Flight area drawn accurately on map
- Estimated flight time reviewed - within single battery capacity
- If multi-battery: landing/swap points identified
- Waypoint count within aircraft limits
- Takeoff point set to actual launch location
- Flight path reviewed for obstacle conflicts
Data Capture Settings
- Camera resolution set to maximum
- Image format set (RAW for processing, JPEG for delivery-only)
- White balance set appropriately (or auto for variable conditions)
- Exposure mode set (manual preferred for consistent mapping results)
- Photo interval or distance trigger configured
- SD card formatted and inserted (sufficient capacity for mission)
Ground Control Points (if applicable)
- GCPs placed before flight (minimum 5, distributed across site)
- GCP coordinates logged with RTK/PPK GPS
- GCPs visible from flight altitude
- GCP photos taken from ground for reference
Print all 3 checklists on one PDF.
Download PDF3
Post-Flight Documentation Checklist
Complete after every commercial flight. Maintains compliance and professional records.
Immediate Post-Flight
- Aircraft visually inspected for flight damage
- Battery condition checked - no swelling or unusual heat
- Battery cycle count updated in log
- SD card removed and backed up immediately
- Backup copy created (separate device or cloud)
- SD card labeled with date, job, and mission number
Flight Log Entry
- Date and time of flight recorded
- Location recorded (GPS coordinates or address)
- Pilot in command name recorded
- Aircraft serial number / registration recorded
- Total flight time recorded
- Number of flights/batteries used recorded
- Maximum altitude recorded
- Weather conditions at time of flight recorded
- Any deviations from planned mission noted
- Any incidents, near-misses, or anomalies noted
Data Quality Check
- Images reviewed for completeness - no gaps in coverage
- Image quality spot-checked - focus, exposure, blur
- If gaps found - note for potential re-fly
- GPS coordinates embedded in image metadata (EXIF) confirmed
- Total image count matches expected count from flight plan
Client Documentation
- Raw data organized in project folder structure
- Processing initiated (if applicable)
- Client delivery timeline confirmed or communicated
- Invoice prepared or sent (include flight date, location, deliverables)
Maintenance & Storage
- Batteries stored at storage charge level (40-60%)
- Aircraft cleaned - sensors, lenses, vents
- Aircraft stored in protective case
- Propellers inspected and stored or replaced if worn
- Next maintenance interval checked (per manufacturer schedule)
- Any needed repairs noted and scheduled
Related Guides
5 Days to Your First Paying Drone Job
Free email course for new Part 107 pilots. Pick a service, plan a mission, check airspace, fly the job, price it right.
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Dronelytics handles mission planning, airspace awareness, terrain follow, and templates. The checklist handles everything else.
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