08/02/2026
✈️ A successful flight begins long before the wheels leave the ground.
Here's a quick reminder of five things every pilot should review before every flight:
☀️ Weather – Conditions can change quickly. Review METARs, TAFs, GFAs, upper winds, and radar to help you make informed decisions before takeoff.
🛩️ Aircraft Documents – Ensure all required aircraft documents are present, current, and easily accessible.
⛽ Fuel – Visually check your fuel quantity, sump the tanks for contamination, and confirm you have enough fuel, including legal reserves, for your planned flight.
🗺️ NOTAMs – Temporary changes like runway closures, lighting outages, or airspace restrictions can impact your flight. Don't skip this important part of your planning.
🧠 IMSAFE – One of the most important checks isn't on the airplane—it's on yourself. Ask whether you're fit to fly by considering Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Eating/Emotion.
💬 What does your pre-flight routine always include? Is there anything you'd add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
📌 Save this post for your next flight and share it with a fellow pilot or student pilot!