Operational Inspections – Operation Pre-Flight

Operational Inspections – Operation Pre-Flight

Real-World Software

The following subsections present an example of a pre-flight operation as performed with the Neuron Ground Control Station.

PLEASE NOTE:-​

  • It does not matter how well you pre-flight an aircraft – until it actually flies, IT IS AN UNKNOWN QUANTITY!​
  • A pre-flight inspection ensures the highest probability that the aircraft will fly, and it is of the highest importance that it is done properly and thoroughly!​
  • We use the Neuron Ground Control Station software, which is specific for our companies operations, therefore critical procedures such as pre- and post-flight inspections, and RISK ASSESSMENT are ‘built in’ to Neuron.
Planning a Mission​

Examples of mission planning steps:

Area and Mission Information Log
Risk Assessment – Report
Risk Assessment – Likelihood Table
Risk Assessment – Consequences Table
Risk Assessment – Coloured Consequences Table
Risk Assessment – Summary
Pre-Flight Checklist

Common pre-flight checklist steps:

  1. Aircraft Inspection
  2. Radio Controller:
    • Power on
    • Aircraft selected
  3. Battery Health
    • Damage
    • Voltage/Percentage
  4. Telemetry
    • Connected
    • Avionics Health (aircraft is ready for flight)
  5. Flight Plan
    • Mission is created and uploaded
    • Crew Briefed on mission profile

Example of a pre-flight checklist in Neuron GCS:

Pre-Flight – Part 1
Pre-Flight – Part 2
Pre-Flight – Part 3
Pre-Flight – Part 4
Pre-Flight – Part 5
Pre-Flight – Part 6
Launch Checklist

Common launch checklist steps:

  1. Remove motor lockouts/safety
  2. Launch area clear for take-off
  3. Aircraft armed and ready for take-off
  4. Launch authorised (by pilot/co-pilot/supervisor)

Example of a launch checklist in Neuron GCS:

Launch – Part 1
Launch – Part 2
Relaunch Checklist

Common relaunch checklist steps:

  1. Engage motor lockouts/safety
  2. Aircraft damage check
  3. Aircraft at launch location
  4. Remove motor lockouts/safety
  5. Launch area clear for take-off
  6. Aircraft armed and ready for take-off
  7. Launch authorised (by pilot/co-pilot/supervisor)

Example of a relaunch checklist in Neuron GCS:

Relaunch – Part 1
Relaunch – Part 2
Relaunch – Part 3
Post-Flight Checklist

Common post-flight checklist steps:

  1. Engage motor lockouts/safety
  2. Aircraft damage check
  3. Return aircraft to Ground Control Station
  4. Battery Check
    • Remove batteries/power source
    • Check battery health (voltages/percentage)
  5. Power off Remote Controller
  6. Aircraft inspection
  7. Flight crew debrief

Example of a post-flight checklist in Neuron GCS:

Post-Flight – Part 1
Post-Flight – Part 2
Post-Flight – Part 3
Post-Flight – Part 4