Methods, devices, systems, and non-transitory process-readable media for evaluating operating conditions of an autonomous aircraft before performing a mission by executing brief near-flight testing maneuvers at a low elevation. A processor of the autonomous aircraft may receive near-flight testing maneuver instructions that indicate a near-flight testing maneuver to be executed by the autonomous aircraft. The processor may control motors to cause the aircraft to execute a near-flight testing maneuver within a testing area, obtain data indicating stability and performance information while executing the near-flight testing maneuvers, and take an action in response to the obtained data. Actions may include adjusting a position of a payload, a weight or a portion of the aircraft based, and adjusting a flight plan. The near-flight testing maneuvers may include a sequence of moves for testing stability of the aircraft and payload executing a flight path under anticipated flying conditions.