3DR Solo Flight Checklists
What follows is our UAV checklist specifically for the 3DR Solo drone (or UAV). We require all operators to follow the checklist to insure safe and proper operation of the aerial platform.
Before Leaving
- Charge drone batteries
- Charge controller
- Charge ipad mini
- Ensure GoPro Hero 4 has card
Arriving Exterior Location
PREFLIGHT
- Visually inspect area of operation, noting poles, antennas and other physical hazards
- Observe wind direction and approximate wind speeds
- Place props on motors (make sure they are tight)
- Put fully charged battery on drone
- Remove Gimbal foam, protecting gimbal during shipping
- Choose launch site—make sure it is a safe place for an emergency “return home” command
- Place drone on launch site (must be away from metal and be level)
- Power up drone
- Discuss with Spotter the flight path and flight plan
- Power up controller
- Place ipad on hold and power up
- Make sure ipad connects to Solo wifi and start app
- If App requires orientation, then follow steps on the screen
- For non-manual operation, make sure enough GPS satellites have locked with drone (on screen of controller)
- Make sure Spotter is ready.
- Clear the area around drone for take-off
- Hold button for engine start
AFTER FLIGHT
- Wait until props have completely stopped
- Power off drone
- Power off controller
- Power off ipad
- Place gimbal foam protector in place
- Remove props and put in case
- Place ipad mini into lid
- Place controller into spot
- Pull microSD card out of GoPro and download
- Return card to GoPro
- Charge drone batteries
- Charge controller if needed
- Charge ipad mini if needed
It’s important to leave the drone ready to go for the next operator.