Pre-flight preparation comprises the following activities:
- Setting up the base receiver; either permanently marking a point and setting up base receiver over the point or if connecting a to geodetic control network going to nearest geodetic control point and setting up the base there.
- Walking the take/off landing area. If necessary secure the area by marking out a perimeter to prevent people or animals wandering into the area of operations.
- Checking the area surrounding the launch site for hazards (e.g. power lines, trees, etc). Use a laser range finder.
- Checking the weather conditions.
- Identifying and precisely measure the UAV’s take off spot. For VTOL UAVs laying out and securing a tarpaulin over the take off point.
- Conducting a team briefing (PIC leads), reviewing and updating flight plans as required and confirming loiter points in event of air traffic requests or emergencies.
- Erecting tent, tables and chairs.
- Assembling the UAV & setting up the ground control system (GCS).
- The UAV should not be powered up at this stage.
You are now ready to execute the mission.