This is a complete list of all preflight actions and checks (everything the pilot should do prior to starting the engine) as required either by regulation or best practice.^[At least, as complete as we could get it!] We recommend that the student distill this into a personal checklist for daily use. ## Pilot - [ ] [[IMSAFE|I.M.S.A.F.E.]] - [ ] Government-Issued ID, Pilot License, and Medical Certificate[^med] in your possession (§ [[FAR 61.3 Cert and Rating Reqs|61.3]]) - [ ] If on a solo, logbook with solo endorsement (§ [[FAR 61.3 Cert and Rating Reqs|61.3]] and § [[FAR 61.51 Pilot Logbooks|61.51(i)(2)]]) - [ ] Checkride or [[~ Flight Review Outline|Flight Review]] in the past 24 calendar months (§ [[FAR 61.56 Flight Review|61.56]]) - [ ] Recent Flight Experience for carrying passengers (§ [[FAR 61.57 Recent Flight Experience|61.57]]) - [ ] [[Personal Minimums]] met ## Aircraft - [ ] Overall, the PIC is responsible for verifying airworthiness (§ [[FAR 91.7 Aircraft Airworthiness|91.7]], § [[FAR 91.403 General Maintenance|91.403]]) - [ ] [[AR(R)OW]] (§ 91.9, § 91.203) - [ ] Seat adjusted, cabin organized - [ ] POH-specific preflight inspection completed[^insp] - [ ] Weight and Balance within limits - [ ] Confirm sufficient fuel, with reserves (§ 91.151) - [ ] All required equipment operational - [ ] FAA-required - [ ] Day VFR: [[A TOMATO FLAMES]] or [[A GOOSE A CAT]] (§ [[FAR 91.205 Instrument and Equipment Requirements|91.205]]) - [ ] Additional info on Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) (§ 91.207) - [ ] Additional info on position lights (§ 91.209) - [ ] Night VFR adds: [[FLAPS]] (§ [[FAR 91.205 Instrument and Equipment Requirements|91.205]]) - [ ] Transponder Requirements (§ 91.215) - [ ] Manufacturer-required: See [[KOEL]] - [ ] Process for determining if equipment is required: [[FAR 91.213 Inop Equip]] - [ ] All required inspections complete ("[[AAV1ATE]]") ## Environment - [ ] VFR weather minimums are met locally, at the destination, and everywhere in between - [ ] [[All Available Information Concerning That Flight]] (e.g. [[NWKRAFT]]) ## External Pressure - [ ] Don't let yourself be rushed - [ ] Don't go if something's not right - [ ] Consider the [[Three Strikes and You’re Out Rule]] ## Flight Planning - [ ] Complete a navlog planner, with waypoints, altitudes, fuel requirements, etc. - [ ] Consider performance requirements (eg. climb rates to clear terrain) - [ ] Consider all airspaces, terrain, and obstacles en route - [ ] Call ahead to each airport to check on fuel, transient parking, and FBO costs - [ ] File VFR Flight Plan (if desired) - [ ] Be prepared for diversion (money) ## Other - [ ] Provide passengers with [[SAFETY]] briefing - [ ] Carry necessary materials, such as VFR charts; flashlight for night flight; emergency supplies like water, food, and first aid kit --- > [!tip] > Structure for this is based on [[PAVE]]. This checklist is similar to the [[Complete IFR Preflight Checklist]]. [^insp]: Any preflight inspection will include verifying the following: . Primary/Secondary flight controls . Powerplant and propeller . Landing gear . Fuel, oil, and hydraulic . Electrical . Avionics . Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments . Environmental . Deicing and anti-icing [^med]: See [[Medical Certificate Requirements]]