Free printable checklist
The pre-flight checklist that keeps your drone in the air
More than 30 checks across aircraft, battery, airspace, pilot and post-flight. Print it and run through it before every take-off. In the specific category, written procedures are mandatory; in the open category, a checklist is simply the best habit you can build.
Are you flight-ready?
Three questions, then a tailored recommendation
Tell us how you fly. We'll point you to the right starting place, beginning with the free checklist.
What kind of pilot are you?
Pick the closest match. We'll factor it into the recommendation.
How structured is your pre-flight routine today?
Be honest, this is just for the recommendation.
What worries you most before takeoff?
Helps us tailor what to prioritise in your operations.
✨ Here's our recommendation
Why a checklist matters
Memory is not a safety system
Even experienced pilots miss steps when they rely on memory. A checklist turns safety into a habit, and in the specific category your pre-flight procedures are part of the operations manual.
Aircraft and components
Frame, propellers, motors, sensors and gimbal. Catch on the ground the failures that would end your flight in the air.
Battery and power
Charge level, temperature, physical condition and contacts, for the drone and the controller. Battery problems are a frequent cause of drone incidents.
Airspace and authorisations
Geographical zones, NOTAMs, restricted areas and any local permits or coordination. It is the check most pilots skip, and a common source of fines.
Pilot and crew
Fitness to fly, your certificate on hand, the operator registration number displayed on the drone, and a briefing with any observers.
Weather and site
Wind at height, visibility, rain and temperature against the drone’s limits, plus people, obstacles and a safe take-off area.
Post-flight and logbook
Visual inspection, safe shutdown, data download and a logbook entry. The end-of-flight discipline that pays off over hundreds of flights.
What you’ll get
A printable, ready-to-use checklist
- 30+ checks across aircraft, battery, airspace, pilot and post-flight
- Usable for open and specific category flights
- Printable PDF, ready to laminate
- A 10% discount code for your first course
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30+ pre-flight & post-flight checks in a printable PDF, delivered to your inbox in seconds.
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More free guides
More free guides for drone pilots
FAQ
Pre-flight checklist questions
Is a pre-flight checklist mandatory?
In the specific category, yes: your operations manual must include pre-flight procedures and your pilots must follow them. In the open category no checklist is prescribed, but you must check that the drone is fit to fly and the area is suitable, and a checklist is the most reliable way to do that.
What should a drone pre-flight check include?
At minimum: drone and propeller condition, battery charge and health, firmware and Remote ID status, airspace and geographical zones, weather against the drone’s limits, the take-off area, and your own fitness to fly.
How do I check whether I can fly in a location?
Check the geographical zones published by your national authority, active NOTAMs and any local restrictions. Where coordination or a permit is needed, arrange it before the day of the flight. EU Drone Port can coordinate flights for you.
Do I need to carry my pilot certificate when flying?
Yes. Carry your pilot certificate and proof of operator registration, and display your operator registration number on the drone.
Is the checklist free?
Yes. Leave your name and email and the printable PDF arrives in seconds, together with a 10% discount code for your first course.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and Regulation (EU) 2019/945.
Do not fly without it. Free checklist + 10% off your first course
Printable PDF, 30+ checks and a discount code. Sent in seconds.
50,000+
Pilots trained
30+
Checks
31
Countries
€49.99 + VAT
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