What is the purpose of the pre-flight check?

The purpose of the pre-flight check is to ensure the aircraft is safe and airworthy prior to flight. This comprehensive safety and maintenance inspection involves reviewing various critical components of the aircraft, including control surfaces, instruments, engine, and overall structural integrity. By conducting this check, pilots confirm that everything is in proper working order, which is vital for a safe flight experience.

While conducting a weather briefing or verifying weight and balance calculations are important tasks in flight preparation, they are not the primary focus of the pre-flight check itself. Additionally, checking fuel levels is just one aspect of the pre-flight process rather than its sole purpose. The pre-flight check is a holistic evaluation aimed primarily at confirming the aircraft's readiness and safety for flight.