What is the purpose of a pre-flight check?

The purpose of a pre-flight check is fundamentally centered around ensuring that the aircraft is safe for flight by verifying that all equipment functions correctly. This involves a thorough inspection of the aircraft's critical systems, such as engine operations, control surfaces, fuel levels, and safety equipment. By conducting these checks, pilots can identify and mitigate potential issues before takeoff, which is crucial for flight safety and operational efficiency.

While assessing passenger comfort, confirming flight plans, and calculating fuel consumption are important aspects of flight preparation and can enhance overall flight experience or planning, they do not directly address the primary goal of ensuring the aircraft's airworthiness. Therefore, they are secondary to the essential role of a pre-flight check in safeguarding the pilot, passengers, and the aircraft itself.