Minute FPV Pre-Flight Checklist for Every Pilot

Introduction
Every experienced pilot knows: 90% of crashes can be avoided with a quick pre-flight check. It only takes five minutes, but it can save hours of troubleshooting, money, and even your drone.

In this post, we’ll walk through a practical, repeatable 5-minute checklist you can follow before every FPV flight — at the field, the park, or anywhere else you fly.

✅ 1. Frame & Prop Inspection

🛠️ Do a quick physical check:

Props tight and not cracked or chipped
Motor screws secure
Arms not bent or cracked
No loose wires or dangling connectors
Battery pad and strap in place

If you had a crash last flight — double check arms, stack, and motor shafts.

✅ 2. Battery Safety Check

🔋 Before plugging in:

Voltage checked (use a LiPo checker)
No puffing or swollen packs
Balance leads intact
Battery strap tight and secure
XT60 plug clean and tight-fitting

NEVER fly with a swollen or unbalanced battery.

✅ 3. Electronics & Signal Confirmation

📶 Power up your gear and test:

VTX signal clear in goggles
Video feed stable, no blackouts
RC link active (check stick input feedback)
RSSI / link quality normal
Buzzer or beeper working
GPS lock (if using GPS)

Pro Tip: Wiggle your drone lightly and watch live feed — see if signal cuts.

✅ 4. Flight Mode & Failsafe Setup

🎮 Check and toggle your flight modes:

Arm/disarm switch working
Acro / Horizon / Angle modes set correctly
Beeper switch works
Return-to-home or failsafe direction (for GPS drones)
Throttle stick down = motors off

Arm your drone for 1 second, test motor spin, then disarm.

✅ 5. Environment Check

🌤️ Before takeoff, observe:

Wind direction and speed
No people, animals, or traffic in flight area
Nearby Wi-Fi towers, cell masts, or power lines
Sun glare position (especially for camera flights)
Confirm takeoff and emergency landing zone

Optional: tell someone nearby you’re flying, or bring a spotter.

Conclusion
These five minutes could prevent your drone from crashing, burning out, or flying away. Make it a habit, not an option. Your gear will last longer, and you’ll enjoy more stress-free, confident flights.