Drone Pre-Flight Checklist: My Go-To Guide Before Flying in a New Location
One of the highlights of my recent California vacation wasn’t actually flying my drone.
It was spending quality time with my family.
Watching my granddaughter experience the beach, explore the aquarium, take a whale-watching tour, walk the shoreline, and simply slow down for a few days.
Even though flying my drone wasn’t at the top of my vacation plans, I couldn’t help doing what many drone pilots probably do…
Every place we visited, I found myself looking at the sky.
“Would this be a good place to fly?”
I caught myself checking for open fields, looking for obstacles, wondering about the airspace, and asking whether local rules allowed drones.
Most of the time I didn’t even have my checklist with me.
But I still found myself going through it mentally.
That experience reminded me why having a simple routine matters—especially when you’re flying somewhere outside your normal home area.
California Showed Me Something I Didn’t Expect
Before leaving for California, I spent quite a bit of time researching drone regulations.
One thing surprised me.
I expected California to have one statewide rule banning drones from all state parks and beaches.
Unmanned Aircraft System (Drones) in State Parks
Instead, I discovered it isn’t that simple.
There isn’t one blanket statewide policy that automatically prohibits drone flights in every California state park or beach. Different parks, local governments, and land managers can have their own rules, and every location still requires research before flying.
That doesn’t mean you can simply launch your drone anywhere.
Quite the opposite.
It reinforced something every drone pilot should remember:
Not knowing the rules is never an excuse.
Even when the FAA allows you to fly, local rules, temporary restrictions, wildlife protections, special events, or park regulations may still apply.
That’s why I never rely on just one source.
The I Marly Drone Lab Pre-Flight Checklist
Airspace
- Check FAA airspace classification.
- Verify whether LAANC authorization is required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
- Review NOTAMs if appropriate.
Local Rules
- Review Park Ordinances and rules.
- Check county regulations.
- Verify state park policies.
- Check for posted signs at the location.
- Respect private property.
Weather
- Wind speed and Gusts
- Visibility
- Rain forecast
- Sun position
- Temperature
Equipment
- Charged batteries and controller(s)
- Controller charged
- Propellers inspected
- Firmware updated (before leaving home)
- SD card installed
- Return-to-Home altitude set
- Compass and GPS acquired if needed.
Respect Others
The biggest thing I have learned is that flying legally does not always mean it is the right place to fly.
I may notice people are simply trying to enjoy a peaceful afternoon, and I may decide today is not the day.
And for me, the best flight is often the one I decide not to take.
Fly Everywhere Is Not My Only Goal
I have realized something over the years.
Finding amazing places to fly has become almost as enjoyable as flying itself.
Finding and researching locations, learning local regulations, scouting parks, checking airspace, and planning safe flights has become part of the adventure.
I don’t always end up flying.
Sometimes I simply enjoy knowing that when I do decide to launch, I’ve done my homework.
Your Turn
I’m still learning.
Every trip teaches me something new, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my routine.
What would you add to this checklist?
Is there something you always check before launching your drone that I may have overlooked?
I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments. They might even help improve this checklist for everyone.
