5.9 Flight Planning and Risk Mitigation

5.9 Flight Planning and Risk Mitigation

Thorough flight planning is the foundation of safe drone operations. A systematic approach to planning reduces risk and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations.

Flight Planning Process

Step 1: Define the Mission

• What is the objective? (Photography, inspection, survey, etc.)
• What equipment is needed? (Camera type, sensors, payload)
• How long will the mission take?
• What are the deliverables?

Step 2: Research the Location

• Check airspace classification on a sectional chart
• Identify airports within 5 miles
• Check UAS Facility Maps for LAANC altitude limits
• Survey the area for obstacles (towers, power lines, buildings, trees)
• Identify landing and takeoff areas (flat, open, away from people)
• Determine ground risk — who or what is on the ground that could be affected?

Step 3: Check Weather

• Review METARs for current conditions at nearby airports
• Review TAFs for forecast conditions during your planned flight window
• Check radar for precipitation and thunderstorm activity
• Assess wind conditions — surface and aloft
• Determine if Part 107 minimums will be met (3 SM visibility, cloud clearance)

Step 4: Check NOTAMs and TFRs

• Search for active NOTAMs for the area (notams.aim.faa.gov)
• Check TFR website (tfr.faa.gov) for temporary restrictions
• Use B4UFLY app for quick confirmation
• Check for sporting events, VIP movement, or other TFR triggers

Step 5: Obtain Authorizations

• If in controlled airspace, obtain LAANC authorization or submit DroneZone request
• If operation requires a waiver, ensure the waiver is current and conditions are met
• Verify airspace authorization covers your planned altitude and area

Step 6: Equipment Preparation

• Charge all batteries (drone and controller)
• Update firmware if needed (never in the field)
• Check equipment — propellers, sensors, cameras, data storage
• Prepare backup equipment — extra batteries, spare propellers, backup controller
• Pack safety equipment — fire extinguisher, first aid kit, visibility vests

Step 7: Crew Briefing

• Brief all crew members on the PAVE assessment
• Assign roles and responsibilities
• Review emergency procedures
• Establish communication protocols
• Set go/no-go criteria

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Go/No-Go Decision Framework

Evaluate these categories before EVERY flight:

GO Conditions:

• ✅ Weather exceeds Part 107 minimums with comfortable margin
• ✅ No TFRs or NOTAMs restricting operations
• ✅ Airspace authorization obtained if needed
• ✅ Aircraft in perfect working condition
• ✅ Crew briefed and fit to fly (IMSAFE passed)
• ✅ Adequate batteries for mission plus reserve

NO-GO Conditions:

• ❌ Weather at or near Part 107 minimums
• ❌ Active TFR covering the operating area
• ❌ Unable to obtain required airspace authorization
• ❌ Any aircraft malfunction or damage found in preflight
• ❌ Any crew member fails IMSAFE assessment
• ❌ Insufficient battery supply for mission plus 20% reserve

Post-Flight Review

After every flight:

1. Debrief the crew — what went well? What could improve?
2. Review flight data — battery usage, altitude exceedances, anomalies
3. Inspect the aircraft — check for damage incurred during flight
4. Log the flight — date, location, duration, purpose, conditions, notes
5. Store equipment properly — batteries at storage voltage, clean and dry
6. Report any incidents — within 10 days if reporting criteria are met