Drone Surveying Checklist
Using checklists is the simplest and most reliable way to ensure reliable and accurate drone surveys. At Aerotas, we consider using checklists to be a necessary part of the drone surveying process.
Get the Aerotas Drone Surveying Checklist
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Why Checklists?
Following a checklist is not about teaching a novice how to do something. Instead, it is about making sure you don’t forget the little things that can have a big impact on an entire operation. Not being able to fly a mission because of a minor oversight, like forgetting to put an SD memory card in your case before a mission, is one of the most frustrating experiences out there. Using checklists will help you avoid the minor mistakes, and ensure you don’t accidentally make major ones either.
Using Checklists
Checklists are only useful if you actually use them. The checklist should always be kept with the drone, and used as a reference at every step of the flight process. Use it to make sure you have gone through all the important steps of mission planning and packing your equipment by the time you head out to the field. Once in the field, use it to run through your site prep, aircraft inspection, and flight preparations. Finally, after your flight, use the Flight Log to keep a written record of all of your flights.
Mission planning guidance
Mission planning guidance can also be found on the backside of the checklist for easy reference. You will find flight planning and ground control best practices, plus other helpful tips on flight altitude, expected accuracy, and the required number of GCPs for your site.
The Aerotas Drone Surveying checklist should be used as a reference throughout every step of a mission.
At the end of a mission, log your flight information in a flight log.
Using Flight Logs
Much like a manned aircraft logbook, Aerotas Flight Logs are meant to help you keep track of your project history, flight time, and other pertinent information that should be kept on record. If there is an incident your Flight Logs will demonstrate to the FAA that you have a professional drone program and responsible pilots. Use the flight log to write down pertinent project information and keep a log of projects you’ve completed. Keeping track of specific batteries used is also important; properly cycling your batteries will help lengthen their useful life.