Figure 1 - Top Contributors to Pre-Flight Go/No-Go Failures

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FAA and RATTLIR Pre-Flight Responsibilities​

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The RPIC is responsible for verifying aircraft readiness, environmental suitability, and crew preparedness:

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• Confirm the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation per FAA Part 107.15.

• Ensure all required documents, waivers, and airspace authorizations are available.

• Review mission objectives, airspace classification, and operational limitations.

• Validate that all crewmembers understand their roles and responsibilities.

 

Pre-Flight Steps

 

The RATTLIR JSA Pre-Flight section outlines essential steps that must be completed before every mission:

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• Inspect propellers, arms, motors, gimbal, sensors, and airframe for damage or wear.

• Verify firmware, calibration status, and aircraft configuration settings.

• Check battery condition, cycle count, temperature, and secure installation.

• Review weather data including wind speed, gust spread, visibility, and temperature.

• Confirm launch and recovery zone is clear of personnel, vehicles, and obstructions.

• Conduct a 360-degree hazard scan for EMI sources, power lines, steam plumes, or moving equipment.

• Perform a brief hover test to verify stable GPS lock and attitude control.

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Industrial and Utility Pre-Flight Considerations

 

Industrial and utility environments introduce additional hazards that must be included in pre-flight planning:

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• Perform EMI/GPS interference checks before flight – look for warning messages or orientation drift.

• Identify energized equipment, overhead conductors, cranes, or vehicles near the flight path.

• Account for heat sources such as HRSG vents, boilers, or process exhaust stacks.

• Verify safe standoff distances and emergency landing zones.

 

Crew Coordination and Communication

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Effective teamwork between the RPIC, Visual Observer (VO), and payload operator prevents pre-flight oversights:

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• Conduct a structured crew briefing.

• Confirm hand signals, verbal commands, and emergency triggers.

• Ensure VO understands their scanning responsibilities and hazard callouts.

• Review Return-to-Home (RTH) behavior and landing zone expectations.

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Human Performance Factors Affecting Pre-Flight Readiness

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Human factors influence pre-flight effectiveness and must be actively managed:

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• Rushing increases the chance of missing critical checklist steps.

• Task saturation from mission setup can reduce focus during aircraft inspection.

• Fatigue or stress can hinder equipment assessment and hazard recognition.

• Complacency on repeat inspection flights can cause oversight of damage or drift risk.

 

Go / No-Go Decision Criteria

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The final pre-flight determination must be based on aircraft condition, environment, and crew readiness:

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• If any checklist item is not satisfied, the flight must not begin.

• Weather or wind outside manufacturer or RATTLIR limits results in a “No-Go” decision.

• Unstable GPS or calibration issues must be resolved before liftoff.

• RPIC has full authority to delay or cancel flight without external pressure.

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Discussion Questions

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• Do you understand the mandatory pre-flight steps required?

• Are you aware of the environmental and industrial hazards impacting today’s pre-flight checks?

• Do you have a clear crew briefing plan and Go/No-Go criteria for today’s flight?

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RATTLIR Takeaway

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Safe mission execution begins long before takeoff. A disciplined, repeatable pre-flight process prevents aircraft malfunctions, loss of control, and hazardous encounters with industrial or utility environments. RATTLIR strikes before it bites by reinforcing strong pre-flight methodology, clear communication, and deliberate Go/No-Go decision-making.