Pre-Flight Safety Checks: What Happens Before Every Stratus Intelligence Mission

Safety Is a Process, Not a Mindset

In aviation, safety culture is built on checklists, procedures, and systematic verification — not on individual judgement alone. Commercial drone operations are no different. At Stratus Intelligence, every mission begins with a structured pre-flight process that ensures nothing is left to chance.

This isn't bureaucracy for its own sake. It's the mechanism by which we consistently deliver safe, compliant, and successful operations — regardless of the operator, the site, or the conditions.

Stage 1: Mission Planning (24–48 Hours Before)

For most commercial missions, planning begins well before the day of the flight:

• Airspace assessment — We check the CAA's airspace classification for the operating area, identify any controlled airspace, Flight Restriction Zones, or temporary restrictions, and confirm whether any permissions or notifications are required.
• NOTAM check — Notices to Airmen are reviewed for any temporary restrictions, military exercises, or other activity that could affect the operation.
• Weather forecast — We review forecast wind speeds, precipitation, visibility, and cloud base for the planned operating window. Operations are postponed if conditions fall outside safe parameters.
• Site survey — Where possible, we review satellite imagery and, for complex sites, conduct a ground reconnaissance to identify hazards, obstacles, and suitable take-off and landing areas.
• Risk assessment — A formal risk assessment is completed for every operation, identifying hazards and the mitigations in place to address them.

Stage 2: Day-of Checks (On Site)

On the day of the operation, before any aircraft leaves the ground:

• Live airspace check — We re-check airspace status using the CAA's Drone Assist app and NATS tools to confirm no new restrictions have been issued.
• Live weather assessment — Wind speed, direction, and gusts are measured on site. If conditions have deteriorated beyond safe limits, the operation is stood down.
• Equipment inspection — Every aircraft is inspected before flight: propellers checked for damage, battery charge and condition verified, camera and gimbal function confirmed, and all connections checked.
• Site hazard assessment — The operating area is walked to identify any hazards not visible from satellite imagery: overhead cables, people, animals, or obstructions.
• Emergency procedures briefing — The pilot confirms emergency procedures for the site, including the actions to take in the event of a fly-away, loss of control link, or other emergency.

Stage 3: Pre-Launch Checks

Immediately before launch, a final checklist is completed:

• Aircraft orientation confirmed
• Return-to-home altitude set above all obstacles
• Geofencing and flight limits configured
• Camera settings verified for the task
• Observer (where required) briefed and in position
• Bystanders cleared from the operating area

Why This Matters to You

When you commission a drone survey or aerial photography project, you're trusting an operator to work safely in and around your property. Our pre-flight process is the evidence of that commitment — documented, repeatable, and auditable.

We're happy to share our risk assessment and pre-flight checklist for any operation on request. If you have questions about our safety procedures, contact us before booking.