Flight Planning Guide
Comprehensive flight planning for safe and successful drone operations.
Pre-Flight Planning Checklist
Mission Objectives
- Define primary mission goals
- Identify required shots or data collection points
- Estimate flight duration and battery requirements
- Plan for backup scenarios
Location Analysis
- Survey the operational area in person when possible
- Identify takeoff and landing zones
- Note obstacles, power lines, and hazards
- Check for wildlife or sensitive areas
- Verify property permissions and access rights
Airspace Research
- Check sectional charts for airspace classification
- Review NOTAMs for temporary restrictions
- Obtain LAANC authorization if required
- Check for nearby airports and heliports
- Verify compliance with local regulations
Weather Planning
Wind Conditions
- Surface winds and gusts
- Wind direction changes with altitude
- Turbulence near obstacles
- Thermal activity effects
Visibility
- Cloud ceiling heights
- Fog and haze conditions
- Precipitation forecasts
- Sun angle and glare
Temperature Effects
- Battery performance in cold weather
- Density altitude calculations
- Thermal effects on performance
- Equipment operating limits
Flight Path Design
Grid Patterns
Systematic coverage for mapping and surveying operations.
- Parallel flight lines
- Adequate overlap (60-80%)
- Consistent altitude and speed
- Wind compensation
Point of Interest
Circular or orbital patterns around specific targets.
- Safe distance from obstacles
- Optimal camera angles
- Multiple altitude options
- Emergency escape routes
Linear Inspections
Following infrastructure like power lines or pipelines.
- Maintain safe clearance
- Account for varying terrain
- Plan inspection angles
- Consider access points
Risk Assessment
Operational Risks
| Risk Factor | Mitigation Strategy | Contingency Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Failure | Pre-flight inspections, backup equipment | Emergency landing procedures |
| Weather Changes | Continuous monitoring, conservative limits | Immediate return-to-home |
| Airspace Conflicts | Thorough planning, communication | Quick descent and landing |
| Communication Loss | RTH settings, backup communication | Automated return procedures |
Essential Planning Tools
Airspace Apps
- B4UFLY (FAA)
- AirMap
- DJI FlySafe
- Kittyhawk
Weather Services
- Aviation Weather Center
- ForeFlight
- WingX
- Local weather stations
Mission Planning
- DroneDeploy
- Pix4D
- Litchi
- Ground Station Pro
Charts & Maps
- Sectional charts
- Google Earth
- Topographic maps
- Property boundary maps