Drone exam · Operational procedures

A pilot normally arms the motors, lifts immediately to ten metres, and starts the route. What safer normal procedure could reveal problems earlier?

Answer

After the normal pre flight checks, use a controlled takeoff and brief hover or low altitude stability check when appropriate for the aircraft and site. Confirm expected control response, navigation status, and system indications before departing.

Explanation

A short stabilisation check gives the pilot a low energy opportunity to catch a wrong mode, abnormal vibration, navigation problem, or control issue before committing to the mission.