Preflight Strategies

Preflight inspections are kind of like landings: a good one takes some practice. As students, we were trained to walk around the airplane with a formal checklist, perhaps with our thumb pointing to the task at hand, so we wouldnt miss anything. And in the rental/training environment, a methodical approach to preflighting what youre about to fly has a great deal of merit: You never know who flew it last, the airplanes condition afterward and what they broke until you look for yourself.

Monday, January 30, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Preflight inspections are critical, adaptable evaluations that extend beyond checklists, with their thoroughness adjusted based on aircraft familiarity, storage conditions, and recent flight history.
A comprehensive preflight involves a multi-stage approach: first, a critical visual inspection from a distance for anomalies, followed by a hands-on check of essential components, fluids, and prop, concluding with meticulous cockpit setup.
Pilots should approach preflight with a curious, problem-solving mindset, actively seeking clues and answers to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and readiness for the planned mission.

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Preflight inspections are kind of like landings: a good one takes some practice. As students, we were trained to walk around the airplane with a formal checklist, perhaps with our thumb pointing to the task at hand, so we wouldn’t miss anything. And in the rental/training environment, a methodical approach to preflighting what you’re about to fly has a great deal of merit: You never know who flew it last, the airplane’s condition afterward and what they broke until you look for yourself.