In-depth buying guides from the AST-Drones certified inspection desk.
This is the consumer version of the 27-point inspection our technicians run on every drone we sell. Print it, bring it, and don't skip the boring rows — they're where the expensive surprises live.
1. Full flight log export, not screenshots. 2. Total flight hours and flight count. 3. Error/warning history in logs. 4. Purchase receipt or proof of ownership. 5. Serial number matches airframe, app and logs. 6. DJI account unbound in front of you. 7. DJI Care status — active, expired, or used claims (see our DJI Care transfer guide).
8. Cycle count per pack (in the DJI app). 9. Cell voltage balance under load. 10. Physical swelling — set the pack on a flat table and look for rocking. 11. Connector pin condition. 12. Actual flight time vs rated on a test hover. Details in our battery health guide.
13. Arm lock tension and play. 14. Prop hub micro-cracks (replace props regardless — they're cheap). 15. Shell seams for crash-repair witness marks. 16. Motor bearing noise on spool-up. 17. Gimbal calibration completion. 18. Slow full-range tilt for jitter or ribbon wear. 19. Camera focus at infinity and close range. 20. Sensor cover scratches on the lens.
21. GPS satellite count and lock speed. 22. Obstacle sensors triggering correctly. 23. Return-to-home initiation and landing accuracy. 24. Video feed stability at 100+ meters. 25. A documented 10-minute hover — temperature behavior reveals tired batteries and motors faster than any bench test. If the seller refuses a flight test, you're done here. Or skip all 25: our certified used drones ship with every check already documented.
Partially — logs, battery data and gimbal checks catch most issues, but GPS lock, sensor response and transmission stability only show in flight. Never skip the flight test on a private-party purchase.
Your phone with the DJI app, a flat table for the battery rock test, and this checklist. The log export and battery diagnostics are all in-app — no special hardware required.