Why is it important to perform a pre-survey of the surroundings before flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?

[AdminForo]

Why is it important to perform a pre-survey of the surroundings before flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Before any flight, performing a complete visual inspection of the surroundings is an essential safety practice, even for experienced pilots. This check identifies potential physical obstacles such as cables, trees, antennas, sloping roofs, or uneven surfaces that may interfere with the drone's trajectory. The inspection also reveals environmental conditions such as gusts of wind, birds in flight, nearby people, or topographical changes not visible on digital maps.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro has obstacle avoidance sensors, but these do not replace human supervision nor are they infallible. For example, thin cables or branches may not be adequately detected by the visual sensors, increasing the risk of collision. Likewise, reflective surfaces or areas with little texture can confuse the vision systems, causing positioning errors or unexpected maneuvers.

It's also important to inspect the takeoff and landing area, ensuring it's clean, level, and free of elements that could affect the propellers' operation or cause overturns. In urban areas, the inspection should also include a review of the electromagnetic environment and the presence of potential sources of interference such as antennas, routers, or power pylons.

Incorporating this preflight check as part of a flight checklist helps minimize risks and increase the safety of each mission. Even short flights benefit from this professional habit. By understanding the environment and anticipating potential problems, the Mavic 4 Pro operator acts with greater control and situational awareness, protecting both their equipment and the people around them.