It is a great idea to have multiple checklists to run through before a scheduled drone shoot. I have six different checklists that I run through before every shoot. (You can also download all of the checklists from this lesson in the project file.) Three of the checklists I use are 'Advanced Preparation Checklists' and three are 'Day Of Checklists'.
Advanced Preparation Checklists
Location Scout Checklist
Before filming at a location for a client or yourself, it is always a good idea to know as much as you can about the location prior to the shoot.
| 1. Confirm Client Location | |||
| 2. Map Location on Google Earth | |||
| 3. Check VFR Map of Location | |||
| 4. Prevision Flight Areas | |||
| 5. Locate Safety Crash Areas | |||
| 6. Gain Permissions if Needed | |||
| 7. Weather
Forecast |
Mission Planning Checklist
With this checklist you can identify your shoot goals and how you will accomplish them.
| Scenario: Big Picture | |||
| [Client goals, weather, terrain] | |||
| Mission: Specific Goals for Flight | |||
| [Resort back to if things change] | |||
| Execution: How to Do | |||
| [Flight path, shot list, timing, safety] | |||
| Murphy's Law | |||
| [What can happen?] | |||
| Logistics | |||
| [Clothes, food, equipment, emergency] | |||
| Command | |||
| [Communication Methods, Roles] |
Drone Pack Checklist
This is the checklist you will use when packing up your drone the night before a shoot.
| 1. Number of Drones | |||
| 2. Batteries Charged & Packed | |||
| 3. Controller Batteries Charged | |||
| 4. Controller & Screens Packed | |||
| 5. iPad Charged & Packed | |||
| 6. Check for Drone Updates | |||
| 7. Camera Batteries Charged | |||
| 8. Drone Cameras Checked & Packed | |||
| 9. Electronics Cables Packed | |||
| 10. Props & Fasteners Packed | |||
| 11. Memory Cards Formatted & Loaded | |||
| 12. Visual Drone Inspection | |||
| 13. Cases Sealed | |||
| 14. Backup Items Packed | |||
| 15. Emergency Gear Kit in Car | |||
| 16. Eye Gear Packed |
'Day Of' Checklists
Morning Shoot Checklist
Various things to check on the morning of a shoot before you leave for the location.
| 1. Check Weather, Wind, Rain | |||
| 2. Confirm with Client | |||
| 3. Location Map Prints Ready | |||
| 4. Drones Packed & Loaded | |||
| 5. Gear Packed & Loaded | |||
| 6. Personal Items Packed | |||
| 7. Directions to Location Ready | |||
| 8. Vehicle Trip Ready |
Pre-Flight Checklist
Review this checklist with your drone at the shoot location directly before taking flight.
| 1. Firmware Updated? | |||
| 2. Visual Inspection | |||
| 3.Batteries Charged | |||
| 4. Props Tight / Locked | |||
| 5. ND Filter Needed? | |||
| 6. Memory in Camera / Formatted | |||
| 7. Camera Batteries Charged | |||
| 8. Monitor Brightness Adjusted | |||
| 9. Shade or Monitor Hood on | |||
| 10. Transmitter On | |||
| 11. Drone On | |||
| 12. GPS Lock / Calibrated | |||
| 13. Minimum Height Adjusted | |||
| 14. Minimum Return Height Adjusted | |||
| 15. Transmission Frequency | |||
| 16. Camera Picture Style | |||
| 17. Safe Take Off Location | |||
| 18. Emergency Locations ID | |||
| 19. Eye Gear On | |||
| 20. Area Clear of People | |||
| 21. Take Off |
Safety Procedures
Review these safety procedures in the event of an accident.
| FLY AWAY | |||
| 1. Return Home Pressed | |||
| 2. Warn Surrounding People | |||
| 3. Drone Direction | |||
| 4. Drone Distance | |||
| 5. Battery Life Prediction | |||
| 6.GPS Map | |||
| 7. Determine to Drive After or Stay | |||
| 8. Hunt Within Radius | |||
| CRASH | |||
| 1. Warn People of Eminent Crash | |||
| 2. Turn off Controller | |||
| 3. Stay Back until Drone is Inactive | |||
| 4. Take Photos of Damage | |||
| 5. Assess Damage to Drone | |||
| 6. Assess Property Damage | |||
| 7. Contact Insurance |
Remember, all of these checklists are available for you to download in the project file.
Mentioned in this tutorial
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