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Essential Tips for Safe Drone Operations

 

Based on our extensive experience, these tips are crucial for safe and compliant drone flying:

• Get Your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. This is non-negotiable for any commercial drone operation, including flying for your employer, business, or even volunteering for a non-profit. The certificate ensures you have the foundational knowledge for safer, compliant flights. If you're flying recreationally, you must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which is free.

• Practice Regularly. There's no substitute for hands-on experience. Consistently practice flying, both manually and using GPS-assisted modes. Familiarize yourself with data collection missions, flight planning, and image processing. The more you fly, the more adept you'll become.

• Document Everything. Many records, like flight logs, are federally required. Beyond compliance, detailed documentation of aircraft registrations, flights, battery usage, equipment condition, weather, and software versions helps you maintain equipment, identify unsafe trends, manage risks, and ensure consistent readiness.

• Use Checklists Faithfully. Relying on memory dramatically increases risk. Create and use checklists for every phase: mission planning, pre-departure packing, pre-flight inspections, and post-flight procedures. This simple step prevents forgotten items or missed steps that can derail a mission.

• Bring Backups and Spares. Don't just pack extra batteries and propellers. Bring critical spares like storage cards, cables, backup controllers, and radios. Always check for the latest firmware/software updates and recalibrate sensors before departure. Ensure these items are on your pre-departure checklist.

• Plan Your Flight Locations Thoroughly. Ideally, scout the site in advance. Identify all hazards, visible or hidden, such as power lines, microwave towers that could cause radio interference, or terrain features that create turbulence. Determine their heights and locations, then set up geo-fencing and return-to-home settings to mitigate risks. Remember, you're responsible for the safety of all persons and property on the ground, even those out of sight.

• Set Clear Boundaries. Define specific go/no-go parameters for every mission and stick to them. Configure geo-fencing settings before flight and confirm them onsite, adjusting if conditions change. Don't let external pressures compromise your safety decisions.

• Monitor Weather and Air Traffic Constantly. Weather reports are just a starting point; conditions can change rapidly and dangerously. Hot weather increases turbulence, while cold impacts battery life. As pilot in command, continuously monitor the skies for other aircraft, always giving way and avoiding interference.

• If Something Feels Wrong, Stop Immediately. Nothing corrects itself in the air. If anything seems off during pre-flight checks, do not fly. During flight, monitor battery health and charge; land early if you notice rapid discharge, especially in extreme temperatures. If weather turns unsafe, land as soon as it's safe to do so.

• Consider a Crew Member. Juggling the controller, payload, environmental monitoring, and air traffic can be overwhelming. A trained observer or crew member can significantly enhance safety and smoothness, particularly for complex commercial operations like video production.

• Carry Comprehensive Insurance. Accidents happen, even with meticulous planning. Glitches, interference, or flyaways can cause property damage or even injure people, escalating your liability. Always maintain active insurance coverage, understand the differences between property loss and liability coverage, and know your policy terms.

• Secure Required Airspace Clearances. As pilot in command, you're responsible for complying with national airspace regulations. Always check sectional maps and flight services for required clearances before flying. Even with an FAA waiver, check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) or other limitations. Utilize mobile apps like B4Ufly or AirMap to stay informed.

• Pause and Assess All Risks. Don't just think about aircraft damage. Consider potential harm to others' property, or secondary effects like causing a road accident if your drone crashes. Never rush into a flight, no matter how well you've planned.

• Don't Drink and Fly. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, making safe flight impossible.

• Don't Fly Tired. Fatigue dulls your eye-hand coordination and sharp judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.