Free Drone Preflight Weather Checklist

Before Launch

Site / route: ____________________ Aircraft: ____________________

Pilot: ____________________ Date / time (UTC): ____________________

1. □ Record the Flight Plan and Source Times

   Write the launch site, route, aircraft, date and landing time. Compare current METAR and TAF with conditions at the site. Source / details

2. □ Check Flight Visibility

   Confirm at least 3 statute miles of flight visibility from the control station. Source / details

3. □ Check Cloud Clearance

   Confirm at least 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally. A ceiling alone does not prove separation. Source / details

4. □ Compare Wind and Gusts with Aircraft Limits

   Check surface and 80 m wind, gusts and the return path. The 80 m / 262 ft layer is not a 400 ft measurement. Source / details

5. □ Check Temperature, Precipitation and Battery

   Use the aircraft instructions. Inspect for frost, ice or snow. Review the proposed Part 108 weather text separately from current rules. Source / details

6. □ Review Kp and Navigation Warnings

   Check the Kp observation time and aircraft navigation status. Kp does not test GPS or compass performance at the site. Source / details

7. □ Check Daylight, Twilight and Night Provisions

   Check the flight date and local daylight times. Review the applicable training and lighting requirements. Source / details

8. □ Check Airspace, NOTAMs, TFRs and LAANC

   Check route restrictions and required airspace authorizations. A weather result does not grant airspace access. Source / details

9. □ Record the Decision and Reassess Changes

   Resolve each open item. Record the decision, stopping conditions and landing options. Recheck if weather or the plan changes. Source / details

Decision / open items: __________________________________________________

Landing / stopping conditions: ___________________________________________