First FPV Flight Checklist: Pre-Flight Setup, Safety Checks & Beginner Tips

Your First FPV Flight: Complete Preparation Checklist

Ready for your first FPV flight? Proper preparation ensures a safe, successful experience. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from equipment setup to post-flight procedures.

Before You Leave Home

Equipment checklist:

• ✓ FPV drone (fully assembled and tested)
• ✓ Radio transmitter (fully charged)
• ✓ FPV goggles (fully charged)
• ✓ Batteries (3-5 packs minimum, charged to storage voltage)
• ✓ Battery charger and power supply
• ✓ Spare propellers (at least 2 sets)
• ✓ Basic tools (hex drivers, screwdrivers)
• ✓ Electrical tape and zip ties
• ✓ Battery voltage checker
• ✓ First aid kit

Pre-flight preparation at home:

1. Charge all batteries to full (4.2V per cell)
2. Update firmware on drone, transmitter, and goggles if needed
3. Bind transmitter to drone if not already done
4. Configure failsafe settings (land or drop)
5. Set low voltage alarm (3.5V per cell)
6. Test all controls on bench without props
7. Verify camera angle is appropriate for skill level (20-30° for beginners)

Choosing Your Flying Location

Ideal first flight location:

• Open field with minimal obstacles (soccer field, park)
• Away from people, buildings, and roads
• No overhead power lines or trees
• Legal to fly (check local regulations and airspace)
• Good weather: light wind (under 10mph), no rain

Airspace considerations:

• Check FAA B4UFLY app for airspace restrictions
• Stay below 400 feet altitude
• Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS)
• Avoid flying near airports, stadiums, or emergency operations

On-Site Setup Procedure

Step 1: Set up your station

• Choose a clear area for your equipment
• Set up on stable, flat surface
• Keep batteries in shade and away from equipment
• Have tools and spares easily accessible

Step 2: Pre-flight inspection

1. Visually inspect drone for damage or loose parts
2. Check all propellers are secure and undamaged
3. Verify motor screws are tight
4. Inspect frame for cracks
5. Check camera and VTX antennas are secure
6. Ensure battery straps are in good condition

Step 3: Power-up sequence

1. Turn on radio transmitter FIRST (always transmitter first!)
2. Power on FPV goggles
3. Scan for clear video channel
4. Install battery in drone (check polarity!)
5. Verify video feed in goggles
6. Check OSD displays correct voltage and flight mode

Step 4: Control checks

• Verify all stick inputs respond correctly in goggles OSD
• Test arming switch (don't arm yet!)
• Confirm flight mode switches work
• Check low voltage alarm triggers at correct voltage
• Verify GPS lock if applicable (10+ satellites)

First Flight Tips for Beginners

Start in angle/stabilized mode:

• Self-levels when you release sticks
• Much easier to control than acro mode
• Prevents flips and crashes while learning

Your first takeoff:

1. Stand 10-15 feet behind drone
2. Arm the drone
3. Slowly increase throttle to hover (mid-stick)
4. Practice hovering in place for 30 seconds
5. Gently practice forward/backward and left/right
6. Land when battery reaches 3.7V per cell

Flight progression:

• Flight 1-3: Hovering and basic directional control
• Flight 4-6: Figure-8 patterns and altitude control
• Flight 7-10: Smooth turns and orientation practice
• Flight 10+: Gradually increase speed and complexity

Safety Guidelines

During flight:

• Never fly toward yourself or others
• Maintain safe distance from people (50+ feet)
• Watch battery voltage constantly
• Land immediately if anything feels wrong
• Disarm if you lose orientation or control
• Keep spare batteries at safe distance from flying area

Emergency procedures:

• Loss of video: Immediately switch to angle mode and land
• Loss of control: Disarm and let drone fall (better than flyaway)
• Low voltage: Land immediately, don't try to fly back
• Crash: Disarm, wait 30 seconds, then approach and disconnect battery

Post-Flight Checklist

After each flight:

1. Disconnect and check battery voltage
2. Allow battery to cool 15-20 minutes before charging
3. Inspect drone for damage
4. Check for loose screws or parts
5. Review flight footage if recording
6. Note any issues or needed repairs

End of session:

1. Power off drone, goggles, then transmitter (reverse order)
2. Store batteries at storage voltage if not flying within 2-3 days
3. Clean drone if dirty
4. Tighten any loose components
5. Restock spare parts used
6. Charge transmitter and goggles for next session

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Flying in acro mode too soon (master angle mode first)
• Not setting up failsafe properly
• Ignoring low voltage warnings
• Flying in high winds as a beginner
• Not having spare parts on hand
• Powering on drone before transmitter
• Flying too far away before mastering basics

Recommended Practice Routine

Simulator training (highly recommended):

• Practice 10-20 hours in simulator before first real flight
• Popular simulators: Velocidrone, Liftoff, DRL Simulator
• Use your actual transmitter with simulator
• Practice basic maneuvers until they're muscle memory

Ready to Fly?

Following this checklist ensures your first FPV experience is safe and enjoyable. Take your time, start slow, and gradually build your skills. Every expert pilot started exactly where you are now.

Need help with your first build or have questions about getting started? Our team is here to guide you through every step of your FPV journey.