Pre-Flight Checklist
Run this before every flight. It takes ninety seconds and has saved me more than one quad.
- Props tight, undamaged, and mounted in the correct rotation
- Battery firmly strapped, connector and wires undamaged, pack not puffed
- Antennas intact and pointing where they should
- Failsafe configured and tested — know what the drone does on signal loss
- GPS lock / home point set before takeoff (camera drones)
- Goggles or screen feed clear, correct channel, no interference
- Airspace check: are you clear to fly here, today, at this height?
- People and pets clear of the takeoff area
LiPo Care Quick Reference
Safe charging and storage habits. Follow your battery and charger manufacturer instructions — this table is a habit reminder, not a substitute.
| Situation | Good habit |
|---|---|
Charging |
Balance charge at 1C, on a non-flammable surface, and stay in the room. Never charge unattended or overnight. |
Storage |
Store at storage voltage (about 3.8V per cell), in a LiPo-safe bag or metal box, away from heat and sun. |
After a crash |
Inspect the pack. If it is dented, puffed, or warm, retire it — set it aside somewhere fireproof and dispose of it properly. |
In the field |
Land before the pack sags hard. Routinely flying packs empty shortens their life and your flight day. |
Disposal |
Discharge fully, then take the pack to a battery recycling point. Never bin a LiPo with household waste. |
Damaged or misused LiPo batteries are a real fire risk. When in doubt, retire the pack.