Which of the following items is checked in a typical preflight inspection?

• A. Battery level and condition
• B. Battery level and condition, propellers, frame integrity, control link, GPS lock, and compass calibration.
• C. GPS signal strength only
• D. Compass calibration only

Answer: (B)

A safe preflight is about confirming every critical system that keeps the aircraft controllable and safe is ready. Before flight you want to verify power readiness, airframe integrity, and the ability to communicate with the aircraft, as well as reliable positioning and navigation setup. That means checking the battery level and condition to ensure enough power and to detect any swelling or damage; inspecting the propellers and the frame for cracks, chips, or loose fasteners; making sure the control link between the transmitter and the aircraft is solid so you can reliably send and receive commands; confirming GPS lock so the drone can hold position and enable features like return-to-home; and performing compass calibration to prevent navigation errors from magnetic interference.

Checking only GPS signal strength misses other risks, and calibrating the compass alone doesn’t address power, propulsion, structure, or the control link. A thorough preflight goes through all these areas to reduce the chance of in-flight problems.