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.