CBO Guidance on Pre-Flight System Checks

In plain language

Before flying, perform pre-flight checks on your drone's critical systems, control links, moving parts, battery/fuel levels, GPS/compass accuracy, and automated features (like return-to-home) as recommended by your CBO.

Requirement as structured

The FAA recommends that CBO safety guidelines include instructions for pre-flight checks of flight-critical systems, control links, moving parts, energy supply, instruments, and automated features.

Original regulatory text

Guidelines for checking flight-critical systems (e.g., rotors, battery, controls) for damage prior to flight and guidance to repair or replace those discrepancies if any damage is found. 4. Guidance to test control links prior to flight and to not attempt flight if command and control signal strength is, or is anticipated to be, inadequate for the duration of the flight. 5. Guidelines for moving parts, such as servos and rotors to move freely or respond to controls as expected. 6. Guidance for all systems to have adequate energy supply to complete the planned flight safely. 7. Guidelines that guidance systems and instruments (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), compass, altimeter) must be accurate and performing as expected. 8. Guidance that automated features (e.g., return to home, autoland) are functioning correctly and as expected.

Applies when

actor

Community-Based Organization (CBO)

country

United States

regulatory category

General