2. Pre Flight Checklist

Developing a solid pre-flight routine can prevent 90% of unexpected crashes. Even GEPRC Team Pilots, who have flown thousands of packs, mentally go through these steps before plugging in every battery.

We recommend saving a screenshot of this page on your phone to check against whenever you go out to fly.

Mechanical Check

Goal: Ensure the drone's structural integrity so it doesn't fall apart in mid-air.

• Propeller Tightness: Gently flick all propellers with your finger to ensure the nuts are tight and the props are not loose or slipping.

• Propeller Condition: Check the edges of the props for severe chips or cracks. Damaged props cause severe vibrations ("Jello effect") and can even explode in mid-air.

• Battery Security:

  • The Battery Strap must be cinched tight. The battery should not move at all if you shake the drone.

  • CRITICAL: Ensure the Power Lead (XT60) and Balance Plug are tucked away securely. They must NOT touch the rotating propellers.

• Arms & Screws: Quickly check if any arm screws are loose. Check the carbon fiber plates for any visible delamination (splitting layers) or cracks.

• Antenna Check: Are the Receiver and VTX antennas secure? If a VTX antenna comes loose during flight, the VTX chip can burn out instantly due to overheating.

System Check

Goal: Ensure the "Brain" (FC) and "Senses" (Video/Control) are communicating normally.

• Radio Battery: Confirm your Radio Controller has sufficient charge and all switches are in their default positions (Throttle at zero, Switch in Disarmed state).

• Drone Battery Voltage: Check via OSD or a voltage checker to ensure a full charge.

  • 4S Battery: Full charge is approx. 16.8V.

  • 6S Battery: Full charge is approx. 25.2V.

  • Per Cell: Should be 4.20V. If a cell is below 4.0V, do not take off.

• Video Feed: Put on your goggles. Confirm the video is clear, with no abnormal static or black screen. Check if OSD data is displaying correctly (Voltage, Flight Mode).

• GPS Lock (Essential for Long Range):

  • If you are using MOZ7, Crocodile, or Cinebot25 V2 (GPS Version).

  • WAIT until the satellite icon in the OSD shows > 7 satellites.

  • CONFIRM the OSD says "GPS 3D Fix".

  • CHECK that the "Distance" data has reset to zero and the Home Point is updated. Warning: If you take off before getting a GPS lock, the "Return to Home" (RTH) function will fail 100%!

Site Assessment

Goal: Ensure the flight area is safe and complies with local regulations.

• Distance from Crowds: Ensure no uninvolved people are within 30 meters of the takeoff point. Strictly prohibited to fly directly over people.

• Signal Interference: Look for large signal towers, high-voltage power lines, or large metal structures nearby (these will severely interfere with VTX and Radio signals).

• Weather Conditions: Confirm there is no rain (water is the enemy of electronics). Ensure wind speed is within the drone's capability (TinyWhoops can't handle wind; 5-inch drones are more stable).

Ready to Fly (RTF)

Goal: Final confirmation before lift-off.

1

Placement

Place the drone on flat, level ground. (If placed on a slope or in tall grass, the gyroscope self-check might fail, preventing the drone from arming).

2

Stand Back

Step back at least 3-5 meters for safety.

3

Arm

Flip the Arm switch.

4

Idle Check

Listen to the motors. Is the sound smooth and even? Are all four props spinning?

5

Hover Test

Gently raise the throttle to hover 1 meter off the ground. Wiggle the roll/pitch stick slightly to confirm the drone moves in the same direction as your stick inputs.

6

Go!

If everything feels right, enjoy your flight.

💡 Post-Crash Check

If you crash and recover your drone, DO NOT immediately re-arm and take off! Please repeat Mechanical Check.

Pay special attention to:

• Sand in Motors: Spin the motors by hand. If you feel resistance or hear a "gritty" scratching sound, do not fly. Forcing it to spin will burn out the motor coating.

• Battery Condition: Is the battery deformed, puffed, or punctured? (Damaged batteries are a fire hazard—dispose of them immediately).