What preflight action is required before operating a UAS?

Before operating a Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assessing the operating environment and conducting a preflight inspection are essential components of preflight action. This ensures that the pilot is aware of their surroundings, including airspace considerations, obstacles, and any potential hazards related to the area where the UAS will be flown.

A thorough preflight inspection also helps to verify that the UAS is in good working order, checking all vital systems such as the battery, remote control, sensors, and propulsion mechanisms. This diligence helps to minimize the risk of mechanical failure during operation, contributing to the overall safety and effectiveness of the flight.

While filing a flight plan, obtaining a weather report, and registering the UAS are important aspects of UAS operation, they are not universally required for every flight. In many cases, particularly for recreational flying, filing a flight plan is not mandatory. Weather assessments can often be obtained through various online resources rather than a direct report from a meteorologist. Registration processes may vary depending on local regulations but are typically not part of daily operational checks for most pilots. Thus, focusing on the operating environment and ensuring the readiness of the UAS is a critical and mandated preflight action.