What document must pilots be familiar with as part of their pre-flight preparation?

Being familiar with the sUAS operating manual is crucial for pre-flight preparation as it contains essential information about the specific aircraft, including its operational limits, proper handling procedures, fail-safes, and any unique characteristics of the drone. Understanding these details ensures that pilots can operate the sUAS safely and effectively, adhering to guidelines that may impact performance and safety.

The operating manual also provides insights into the drone's expected behavior in various scenarios, which helps in preparing for potential emergencies. Familiarity with this document enables pilots to make informed decisions during flight.

While the maintenance log, pilot's license, and weather report are important aspects of overall flight operations, they do not encompass the specific operational knowledge contained in the sUAS operating manual. Accessing up-to-date maintenance records is critical for ensuring the aircraft is in good working condition, the pilot's license confirms certification to fly, and reviewing weather reports assists in understanding flight conditions. However, these do not specifically equip the pilot with the operational knowledge needed to handle the sUAS itself.