Before flying, you must consider the environment, weather, and terrain to ensure a safe and successful mission. Understanding these foundational concepts helps you avoid obstacles and maintain full control of the drone.
Environmental factors
Consider these environmental factors to prepare for your flight:
Wind: Wind direction and velocity significantly influence drone stability. Avoid flying during high winds and gusts.
Terrain and Obstacles: Always understand the terrain to avoid obstacles. Fly at least 200 feet above the tallest obstacle in the area.
Uncertain Obstacle Height: If you are unsure of an obstacle's height, manually fly the drone to determine a safe altitude.
Power Lines: Visually survey the flight area for power lines and other hazards before you begin your flight.
Safety best practices
Follow these best practices for safe drone operations:
Pilot Readiness: The Remote Pilot in Command must always be paying attention and ready to take manual control if the automated flight is not behaving as expected.
Pre-Flight Checklist: Always complete a pre-flight checklist to ensure all equipment is functioning and the area is safe.
Maintain Visual Line of Sight: Always keep the drone within your visual line of sight during the entire flight.
Review Regulations: Check all local, state, and national regulations before flying to ensure you are operating legally.
Monitor Battery Life: Begin the return-to-home sequence with ample battery life remaining to account for unexpected delays or wind resistance.
V2.2