Pre-flight preparation for unmanned aircraft

Before flying, ensure you meet EU unmanned aircraft system (UAS) requirements:

• Registration: UAS with a camera or weighing more than 250 g must be registered as a UAS operator (in Lithuania via the national registration system / EASA).
• Category: determine whether you fly under Open, Specific, or Certified category rules.
• Insurance: civil liability insurance is recommended, especially for commercial flights.
• Flight authorisations: Specific category operations may require an operational authorisation or risk assessment.

SkrisT articles do not replace official sources — always verify current requirements with the Transport Competence Agency and EASA.

For every flight you must verify that the location is permitted for UAS operations:

• Use the official UAS geo-zone map (Lithuanian and EU level) showing prohibited, restricted, and sensitive areas.
• Check nearby aerodromes: Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN), Palanga (PLQ), Šiauliai (SQQ), Panevėžys (PNV), etc. — controlled or restricted airspace applies around them.
• Review NOTAM notices for temporary flight restrictions due to events, military exercises, or construction.
• Consider altitude: Open category A1/A3 typically up to 120 m AGL, at least 150 m from urban areas (A3).
• Avoid flying over crowds, large events, military sites, critical infrastructure, and private property without permission.

Perform a physical UAS inspection before take-off:

• Airframe: no cracks, loose parts, or corrosion.
• Propellers: undamaged, securely attached, balanced in pairs.
• Batteries: fully charged, no swelling, clean contacts, capacity matches flight plan.
• Motors: spin freely, no unusual noise or friction.
• Camera and gimbal: securely mounted, clean lens.
• GPS / compass: calibrated, sufficient satellites (≥10 recommended).
• Firmware: latest stable version, Return-to-Home point set.
• Spare parts: extra propellers, batteries, tools.

Weather directly affects UAS safety:

• Wind: do not exceed manufacturer limits; gusts near obstacles (buildings, trees, embankments) can suddenly increase load.
• Rain / snow: most consumer UAS are not designed for wet conditions — moisture damages electronics.
• Visibility: fly in daylight; night operations require additional authorisations.
• Temperature: cold reduces battery efficiency — plan shorter flights and keep batteries warm until take-off.
• EM interference: avoid flying very close to high-voltage lines, radio towers, or radar installations.

A professional approach means a clear plan before starting motors:

• Route: draw the flight area on a map, mark emergency landing spots.
• Altitude and distance: respect category limits; VLOS (visual line of sight) — keep the aircraft in sight at all times.
• Observer: use a second person as observer in complex locations.
• People and animals: maintain safe distance, inform anyone on the ground.
• Emergencies: know how to activate RTH, abort the flight, or land manually.
• Records: log flight date, location, weather, and equipment used — useful for disputes or incidents.

Short checklist — review before every flight:

• Registration and category match the operation
• Geo-zone map checked, NOTAM reviewed
• Permission to fly over private land obtained (if required)
• Aircraft, batteries, and propellers inspected
• GPS calibrated, RTH set, firmware updated
• Weather suitable (wind, rain, visibility)
• Flight area marked, emergency spots identified
• Observer ready (if needed)
• Phone / radio link working
• Insurance valid (if applicable)

Safe flight begins not in the air — but on the ground.