1. Get good, thorough, training from a USPPA certified instructor/school that uses best practices for training.
2. Respect the prop. When starting, assume the motor will go to full power and brace accordingly. Have someone help start whenever possible. Never reach back towards the prop while in flight. Seek out equipment whose cage is sufficient to protect against prop strikes. Over half of all serious accidents in our sport revolve around this issue and it’s easily one of the most preventable.
3. Avoid steep maneuvering, especially close to the ground.
4. Avoid low flying (below 200′) especially downwind. Stay well above wires, which can be fatal, and keep enough room to land into the wind if the motor quits.
5. Avoid tight or obstructed launch sites. A safe power-out option must always be maintained.
6. Fly in good weather. Avoid mid-day, strong winds, thunderstorms (even if they LOOK far away), frontal conditions, and anything that feels weird. Don’t fly in the wind shadow of obstructions. Call 1-800-WX-BRIEF before launching.