Thorough explanation of pre-flight checklist! [video available]
04.21.2025 | ブログ
The pre-flight checklist consists of four important steps.
In the video, you can closely follow our trainee, Mr. Erikuchi, and see the actual pre-flight procedures (the video is about 25 minutes long).
Furthermore, not only the procedures but also aviation terminology is explained. Therefore, this video is recommended for those who are about to start flight training and for those who want to do image training!！
We hope you will make use of it in your future training.
▶︎ Imagine Training as soon as possible!
*Please note that the information presented in the article and video is only an example. We recommend that you also refer to other educational materials and other resources for safe flying.
Pre-flight Checklist: 4 Steps for Pilot Trainees to Practice
1. Briefing
First, a pre-flight meeting is held between the instructor and trainees to motivate them before the flight.
【Objective】
- Clarify the flight plan and organize training goals and tasks.
- Confirm weather conditions and information on the aircraft to be used.
Highlights in the video!
👤 Instructor: “What are your goals for this time?”
👦 Trainee Erikuchi: “I want to make a smooth and clean descent from the traffic pattern!”
2. Move to the parking area
Then, check the sky and wind conditions as you actually move to the aircraft. Although this move is rarely considered important before the flight, it is a surprisingly important time for communication, with flat conversations between trainees and instructors during this time.
【Objective】
- Check actual sky conditions (wind, cloud cover, movement of other aircraft)
- Enhance communication
Video Highlights!
👀 Our school's tarmac at Long Beach Airport!
3. Pre-Flight Inspection
Next, we check the condition of the aircraft before the flight. Next, we check the condition of the aircraft prior to flight. We check for external damage and of course the operation of the electrical system. Fuel and oil levels are also checked, and if they are low, they are replenished to ensure safe flight readiness.
Examples
- Examples of external checks:
- Damage to the fuselage (dents, cracks, etc.)
- Fuel leaks (take samples)
- Tire condition (wear, foreign objects trapped)
- Damage to antennas and pitot tubes
- Free movement of moving parts (ailerons, rudder, elevators)
- Examples of internal checks
- Check of onboard documents
- Check of electrical system
- Fuel and oil quantity
*Above There are more.
Highlights of the video!
👤 Advice from Principal Nakamura: "Don't just check the fuselage from up close, look at it from far away and check for spots (puddles of water due to oil leaks, etc.)!
4. Taxiing
Then move toward the runway, keeping an eye out for other aircraft. Again, be aware of your surroundings and taxi safely.
Takeoff
Finally, it is time to take off! Flight training is about to begin in earnest. Off you go!
The above is the pre-flight checklist for pilot trainees! We hope you find it useful for your future training!
Extra! A glossary of aviation terms used in the video!
We hope you will find it useful as you watch and study the video!
- Traffic Pattern: the predetermined flight path that an aircraft flies when taking off and landing at an airport
- Touch-and-Go Landing: taking off immediately after the aircraft's wheels touch the runway
- Go-Around: aborting the landing and climbing back up depending on runway conditions during landing Normal Takeoff and Landing: normal takeoff and landing
- Normal Takeoff and Landing: normal takeoff and landing
- Flare: a maneuver performed during landing to slow the descent rate and make the landing softer
- Roundout: a maneuver to smoothly transition the aircraft from approach to landing position
- Approach: the last section of approach and landing Approach: the final section of approach and landing
- Descent: a descent
- Sky Clear: clear skies and zero cloud cover
- Ballooning: a momentary rise due to excessive stick pull during a flare
- Headwind: a headwind
- Flaps: high lift/drag devices that increase the lift/drag of the aircraft
- Pitot Tube: a device that measures the speed of air
- Aileron: An auxiliary wing that controls the tilt of the fuselage
- Elevator: Controls the vertical movement of the nose
- Rudder: Controls the lateral movement of the nose
Sky Creation is committed to supporting those who want to become pilots! The following article explains in detail how to choose an aviation school, if you are interested.