Preflight Familiarization, Inspection, and Actions for Aircraft Operation.

The remote PIC must complete a preflight familiarization, inspection, and other actions, such as crewmember briefings, prior to beginning flight operations. The FAA has produced many publications providing in-depth information on topics such as aviation weather, aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, ADM, and airspace, which should all be considered prior to operations (see paragraph 5.20). Additionally, all remote pilots are encouraged to review FAA publications.

Prior to Flight. The remote PIC must:

1. Conduct an assessment of the operating environment. The assessment must include at least the following:
   • Local weather conditions,
   • Local airspace and any flight restrictions,
   • The location of persons and property on the surface, and
   • Other ground hazards.
2. Ensure that all persons directly participating in the small UA operation are informed about the following:
   • Operating conditions,
   • Emergency procedures,
   • Contingency procedures,
   • Roles and responsibilities of each person involved in the operation, and
   • Potential hazards.
3. Ensure that all control links between the CS and the small UA are working properly. For example, before each flight, the remote PIC must determine that the small UA flight control surfaces necessary for the safety of flight are moving correctly through the manipulation of the small UA CS. If the remote PIC observes that one or more of the control surfaces are not responding correctly to CS inputs, then the remote PIC may not conduct flight operations until correct movement of all flight control surface(s) is established.
4. Ensure there is sufficient power to continue controlled flight operations to a normal landing. One of the ways that this could be done is by following the sUAS manufacturer’s operating manual power consumption tables. Another method would be to include a system on the sUAS that detects power levels and alerts the remote pilot when remaining aircraft power is diminishing to a level that is inadequate for continued flight operation.
5. Ensure that any object attached or carried by the small UA is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.
6. Ensure that all necessary documentation is available for inspection, including the remote PIC’s remote pilot certificate, aircraft registration (if required), and Part 107 Waiver (if applicable).

Safety Risk Assessment. These preflight familiarizations, inspections, and actions can be accomplished as part of an overall safety risk assessment. The FAA encourages the remote PIC to conduct the overall safety risk assessment as a method of compliance with the prohibition on operations over certain persons and the requirement to remain clear of other aircraft.