Free Safe Operating Procedure (Drone Takeoff and Landing) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Drone Takeoff and Landing) Template

Operating a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), commonly known as a drone, introduces significant workplace hazards. A formal, documented procedure is essential for managing these risks effectively.

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Drone Takeoff and Landing) Template provides a structured starting point for organisations to define and communicate the required steps for safe drone operations. The primary purpose of this Safe Operating Procedure is to minimise risks such as loss of control, collisions with people or property, and equipment failure during the critical takeoff and landing phases.

By implementing a clear SOP, you establish a consistent, repeatable process that all certified operators must follow. This helps fulfil your duty of care as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) by providing a safe system of work.

A well-developed SOP is a critical component of broader WHS management systems, demonstrating a proactive approach to safety and operational discipline. It serves as a key training tool for new pilots and a reference document for experienced operators, ensuring everyone understands the expected safety standards and emergency responses.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Drone Takeoff and Landing) Template

This template is designed as a foundational document. It must be adapted to reflect the specific circumstances of your workplace, the drone models in use, and the types of environments you operate in.

Download the DOCX file and begin by filling in the details of your organisation and the specific tasks the drone will perform. Review each section and add, remove, or modify steps to align with your operational realities and risk assessment findings.

Key customisation steps include:

• Specifying the make and model of the drone(s) covered by the procedure.
• Detailing the pre-flight inspection checklist specific to your equipment.
• Defining the criteria for a safe takeoff and landing zone (e.g., size, clearance from obstacles, public access control).
• Outlining communication protocols between the pilot and any observers or ground crew.
• Integrating site-specific emergency procedures for events like battery failure, loss of signal, or unexpected weather changes.

Note: We have created this template as a guide based on common Australian WHS practices. You must customise it to suit the unique risks, equipment, and environment of your business to ensure it is effective and relevant.

Regular WHS compliance auditing can help verify that your documented procedures are being implemented correctly in practice.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

A Safe Operating Procedure for drone takeoff and landing should be used and referred to before and during every flight operation. It is not a document to be filed away; it is an active tool for managing risk.

It is particularly crucial during the planning phase of any project involving drone use, helping to identify potential hazards and establish controls before the drone even leaves the case. The SOP should be a mandatory part of pilot induction and training, ensuring a baseline level of operational safety is understood from day one.

Furthermore, the SOP must be reviewed and consulted after any incident or near-miss to identify procedural gaps that may have contributed to the event. For complex worksites that utilise various types of machinery, this document integrates with other procedural controls, such as a FREE Telehandler SOP Template, to create a comprehensive safety framework.

Who should use it

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for use by multiple roles within an organisation. WHS Managers and Supervisors should use it to develop, implement, and review the safety standards for drone operations.

They are responsible for ensuring the procedure is available, understood, and followed by all relevant personnel. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operators are the primary users of the SOP, following its steps during pre-flight, takeoff, landing, and post-flight activities.

Project managers and site supervisors who oversee work involving drones should also be familiar with the SOP to ensure flight operations are integrated safely with other site activities. The document helps them understand the requirements for establishing safe exclusion zones and managing ground-level risks.

Having documented procedures for all equipment, from drones to workshop tools like those covered in a FREE Circular Saw SOP Template, fosters a consistent safety culture. You can find more templates like this in our complete free WHS resources library.