Pre-Flight Checklist & Operations
Following the Pre-Flight checklist is mandatory for any operation of the C1 aircraft. Traditionally pre-flight
checks begin well before the operation starts. From checking an operation’s location and airspace, to ensure
proper preparation of the aircraft as a whole. Pre-Flight checks finish the moment prior to takeoff to ensure a
truly safe operation. If the pre-flight checklist cannot be completed, it is the ultimate responsibility of the LCP
or pilot in command to determine if a drone operation can be completed safely.
Weather & Environmental Factors
For any drone operation, weather conditions are vital for a safe flight. When conducting your flight planning for
any given operation, pilots will check weather conditions to ensure for a safe operating environment. Weather
will then be checked again prior to the operation, during pre-flight.
Lucid recommends checking the weather during:
1. Flight Planning
2. Day prior to operations
3. Prior to takeoff during operations.
If weather conditions cannot be met, it is the ultimate responsibility of the LCP to determine if a safe flight is
possible and to determine if the flight should be terminated.
Wind
Lucid C1 drone should not be flown in sustained winds exceeding 15 mph. High winds can affect the flight
safety and stability of the aircraft. Winds can also cause significant drift when spraying chemicals or water.
This can lead to improper coverage and overspray of unintended surfaces. LCP and PA are responsible for
checking the following wind speeds prior to flight:
1. General Forecast Wind Speeds
2. Wind Speed at Spray elevation (Using ryancarrolton.com pilots can determine winds at various
altitudes, as they do change)
Advanced: Pilots can use an Anemometer to determine wind speeds at the operation location. In addition if
pilots have access to a consumer drone, they can fly to a given altitude, change the flight mode to attitude
mode, let the drone drift and the maximum drift speed will showcase current wind speeds. If flying in urban
environments, be aware that buildings may cause pockets of wind that could impede the operation.
Fog
Lucid C1 drone should not be flown in the presence of FOG. Fog creates numerous visibility issues and
creates an unsafe flying environment. Drone pilots should maintain a 500’ distance below a cloud or 2000’
lateral distance from clouds to remain compliant with FAA regulations.
In addition, if the temperature/dew point spread is within 5 degrees, pilots should not fly. When the
temperature is 70 degrees, and the dew point is 65 degrees (or a 5 degree spread) moisture will build up on
the bottom of the props decreasing available thrust. The drone should not be flown in these conditions as the
aircraft will compensate for decreased thrust by over-rotating the props. This could cause damage to the
batteries and in extreme cases cause a catastrophic loss.
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