Your five-minute preflight

Most flights that go wrong were already going wrong on the ground. Run the same routine every time, in the same order, until it is automatic.

1. Weather and wind. Check the forecast and the gusts, not just the average wind. Coastal gusts can be double the steady wind speed.
2. Batteries. Fully charged and warm. Cold batteries lose capacity fast, so in winter keep them inside your jacket until takeoff and plan shorter flights.
3. Propellers and airframe. Look for chips, cracks and loose arms.
4. Home point and return height. Confirm the home point is set, and set the return-to-home altitude above the tallest trees and buildings around you.
5. Card and settings. Space on the card, the right photo format, and the camera set before you leave the ground.
6. People nearby. Tell anyone close by what you are about to do, and choose a takeoff spot away from them.