Most drone accidents and violations happen before the aircraft ever leaves the ground. A missed TFR, an unchecked airspace authorization, a battery that was not fully inspected: the root cause almost always traces back to a preflight that was skipped or rushed.
This checklist covers every item a Part 107 pilot-in-command is responsible for before each flight. It takes under five minutes when done habitually. It takes considerably longer to explain to the FAA why you skipped it.
The Checklist
1. Airspace Authorization
- Identify the airspace class at your planned flight location
- If Class B, C, D, or E surface: obtain LAANC authorization through an approved app (Aloft, DroneUp) or through DroneZone for areas without LAANC coverage
- If LAANC is unavailable: confirm manual FAA authorization was obtained before arriving at the site
- Verify your planned altitude does not exceed the authorized ceiling for that location
- If Class D: confirm the tower is currently open (towers close at night and the airspace reverts to Class G)
2. TFR Check
- Check for active TFRs at your flight location via tfr.faa.gov, a LAANC app, or a dedicated preflight tool
- If flying near a stadium, speedway, or large event venue: confirm whether a sporting event TFR is active
- If flying near a Presidential movement route: verify the 30 NM and 10 NM rings are not active
- Cross-reference against the FAA NOTAM system for commercial operations
3. Restricted Zone Check
- Verify you are not inside a national park, national wildlife refuge, or BLM wilderness area (permits required)
- Check for military operations areas, restricted areas, or prohibited areas in the vicinity
- Check for hospital helipads within the flight path
- Check for any local ordinances that restrict UAS operations in the municipality
4. Weather
- Wind speed at or below your aircraft's rated maximum (most consumer drones: 25-30 mph)
- Gusts checked, not just sustained wind; gust spread can exceed sustained wind by 15+ mph
- Visibility at or above 3 statute miles (14 CFR 107.51 minimum)
- Ceiling high enough for planned operations
- Precipitation: none forecast, or confirmed not raining at site
- Temperature within aircraft operating range (most consumer drones: 32-105°F)
- Check METAR from nearest airport for observed conditions (forecast and actual can differ significantly)
5. Solar Window and Lighting
- Confirm current time relative to sunrise, sunset, and civil twilight
- If operating during civil twilight or night: anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles are equipped and active (14 CFR 107.29; no waiver required as of 2021)
- If operating at night: VLOS requirements still apply; the aircraft must be distinguishable and controllable
6. Aircraft Airworthiness
- All batteries fully charged and inspected (no swelling, damage, or unusual heat)
- Props inspected for cracks, chips, or delamination; replace if any damage found
- Camera gimbal secure and functioning
- Motors spin freely, no grinding or resistance
- Obstacle avoidance sensors clean and unobstructed
- GPS lock confirmed before launch (minimum 6 satellites, strong signal)
- Compass calibrated if prompted or after travel to a new region
7. Remote ID
- Remote ID broadcast module active, or confirm you are operating within a FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area)
- Recreational pilots only: Carry TRUST completion proof; §44809(a)(6) requires you to present it on request to FAA or law enforcement
- If using a built-in Remote ID module: confirm it is listed as compliant on the FAA's DroneZone database
- Verify your drone's FAA registration number is physically affixed to the aircraft
8. Pilot Status
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate valid and accessible
- No medications, alcohol, or substances within the past 8 hours that could impair judgment (14 CFR 107.57)
- Physically and mentally fit for flight; fatigue, illness, and distraction cause accidents
9. Site Survey
- Identify all people, vehicles, and structures within the flight path and landing zone
- Confirm visual line of sight is unobstructed for the entire planned flight area
- Identify emergency landing zones in case of motor failure or signal loss
- Check for power lines, antennas, and other vertical obstructions not visible on maps
10. Flight Planning
- Planned altitude is at or below 400 ft AGL, or within 400 ft of a structure if operating above 400 ft (14 CFR 107.51)
- Flight path avoids over people without a Part 107.39 Category authorization
- Return-to-home altitude set above the tallest obstacle in the area
- Low-battery RTH threshold confirmed
Before Every Launch, Not Just the First One
This checklist applies before every flight on a given day, not once at the start of the session. Conditions change. A TFR can activate mid-session. Wind can shift. A battery that was fine at 9 AM may have swollen by noon in summer heat.
The FAA holds the PIC responsible for flight conditions at the moment of operation, not the moment of the morning briefing.
Documenting Your Check
For commercial operations, keep a brief record of each preflight. A screenshot from your preflight tool, a note in your flight log, or a PDF briefing export covers you if anything is ever questioned. The documentation takes 30 seconds. The conversation with the FAA does not.
UAS SkyCheck covers airspace, TFRs, restricted zones, weather, METAR, solar window, and GPS health in one check. Captain tier includes PDF briefing export. Try the free tier, 5 checks per day, no account required.
14 CFR Part 107 regulations referenced: 107.29 (night operations), 107.31 (VLOS), 107.39 (over people), 107.41 (controlled airspace), 107.49 (PIC responsibilities), 107.51 (altitude and speed limits), 107.57 (fitness). Always verify current regulatory text at ecfr.gov.