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.
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