What must be done with a drone before its first flight?

Conducting a thorough pre-flight inspection is crucial before a drone's first flight because it ensures that all components are in proper working order, which directly impacts safety and performance. This inspection typically involves checking the drone’s frame, propellers, motors, battery connections, and any on-board sensors or cameras to confirm that everything is secure and functioning correctly. By performing this inspection, you can identify and address any potential issues that could lead to malfunctions in the air, promoting safer flight operations.

While ensuring the battery is charged, registering the drone, and installing software updates are also important steps in drone preparation, they are not specifically required to be completed before the first flight. The pre-flight inspection is paramount as it directly affects the drone's readiness to fly safely.