The Part 107 flight checklist.

Phase 01 · T-72h to T-24h

Planning & authorization

Most violations happen before the props spin. Settle airspace, waivers and paperwork while there’s still time to fix them.

• Airspace class confirmed at every point of the routeCheck the UAS Facility Map grid ceiling, not just the class. Watch for Class E to the surface (magenta dashed) around non-towered fields.
• LAANC or DroneZone authorization filedLAANC for grid-ceiling requests; DroneZone for anything above the grid or at non-LAANC airports (allow 30+ days). 107.41
• TFRs checked, including recurring onesStadium TFRs (3 NM / 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hr before to 1 hr after), VIP movement, wildfire and space-launch TFRs.
• NOTAMs reviewed for the nearest airport and areaCrane, tower-light-out and parachute-jumping NOTAMs all change your risk picture.
• Waivers in hand for anything outside 107BVLOS, over moving vehicles, beyond 400 ft. Keep a digital copy on the controller device.
• Operations over people category identifiedCategory 1–4 for the aircraft, or a plan that keeps you clear of non-participants. 107.39 · Subpart D
• Remote ID compliantStandard RID aircraft or a broadcast module listed on the registration. Part 89
• Registration and certificate currentFA number on the airframe, Part 107 recurrent training within 24 calendar months. 107.65
• Insurance COI issuedLiability limit and additional insureds as required by the client or location.
• Permissions and local rulesProperty owner sign-off, film permits, park and state takeoff/landing restrictions.
• Site recon done remotely3D imagery for wires, towers, cranes and trees. Mark launch site, two alternate landing zones and the RTH path.
• Shot list and flight plan briefed to the clientAltitudes, flight window, what happens on a weather NO-GO.

Phase 02 · T-24h and T-2h

Weather go/no-go

Check twice: the evening before and two hours before launch. Use the nearest METAR/TAF and a winds-aloft source at your planned altitude, not the surface forecast.

Phase 03 · On arrival

Site survey & crew brief

• Walk the site and confirm reconWires and guy-lines are the #1 thing imagery misses.
• RF and magnetic interference identifiedCell towers, rebar decks, steel roofs, vehicles. Launch at least 15 ft from metal.
• Launch/landing zone set and cordonedFlat pad, 30 ft clear radius, cones or tape for non-participants.
• Two alternate landing zones agreedPoint them out physically to the VO.
• Non-participants briefed or kept clearSignage at access points on public-facing jobs. 107.39
• Crew roles assignedPIC, VO, camera operator. PIC has final authority. 107.19
• Comms and phraseology agreed"Traffic, two o’clock, low" · "Land now" · "Lost visual". Sterile cockpit during takeoff and landing.
• Emergency plan briefedLost link, flyaway, manned aircraft, LiPo fire, first aid and nearest hospital.
• PIC fitness check (IMSAFE)Illness, medication, stress, alcohol (8 hours, 0.04%), fatigue, eating. 107.27 · 91.17
• Airspace and TFRs re-checkedPop-up TFRs can appear the same morning.

Phase 04 · Before power-up

Aircraft & LiPo inspection

Phase 05 · Powered, on the ground

Controller, app & failsafes

• GNSS lock with 12+ satellitesWait for home point recorded before arming.
• Home point at the launch padUpdate to the controller if you’ll move during the flight.
• RTH altitude = tallest obstacle + 50 ftWithin your authorized ceiling.
• Signal-loss action set to RTHHover or land only when the site demands it.
• Low-battery RTH and critical land thresholdsTypically 30% / 15%; adjust for distance and wind.
• Max altitude and distance limitsSet to the authorized ceiling, not the aircraft max.
• Obstacle avoidance mode chosen deliberatelyBrake vs. bypass vs. off. Off near wires is a deliberate risk decision.
• Compass calibrated only when promptedCalibrating near metal creates the error it’s meant to fix.
• Firmware unchanged since last good flightNever take a field update before a paid job.
• Device in airplane mode, notifications offRe-enable Wi‑Fi only if needed for maps cache.
• Camera settings and recording format setSee the camera settings guide for ND, shutter and color profile.
• Antennas oriented to the aircraftFlat faces, not tips, toward the aircraft.

Phase 06 · Takeoff, flight & landing

Takeoff & in-flight

• "Clear prop" call, launch area clearVO confirms airspace and ground.
• 10 ft hover check for 10 secondsNo drift, no toilet-bowling, stick inputs correct, no IMU/compass warnings.
• Climb to working altitude, check wind driftGroundspeed into the wind tells you how hard the return will be.
• Keep VLOS with unaided eyesPIC or VO, at all times. 107.31 · 107.33
• Yield to all manned aircraftDescend and hold clear; you are always the one who gives way. 107.37
• Under 400 ft AGL, under 100 mphOr within 400 ft of a structure, up to 400 ft above it. 107.51
• Turn back at 50% battery on outbound legsLand with ≥ 25%.
• Land at the pad, motors stop, "props safe" callThen disarm before anyone approaches.

Phase 07 · Post-flight

Post-flight & records

• Log the flightTime, battery IDs, max altitude, authorization number, anomalies. Use the flight log template.
• Inspect airframe and props againDamage found now isn’t discovered at the next launch.
• Packs cooled before chargingStore at 3.8 V/cell (~50–60%) if not flying within 48 h.
• Media backed up twice before formattingOne copy off-site or in the cloud before leaving.
• Accident report if requiredWithin 10 days for serious injury, loss of consciousness, or over $500 damage to property other than the drone. 107.9
• DebriefOne thing that went well, one to change next time. Note it in the log.