Definition
A preflight inspection is a mandatory walk-around and cockpit check that the pilot in command must perform before each flight. Required by FAR 91.103 and equivalent regulations worldwide, the inspection follows a checklist specific to the aircraft type and covers the exterior structure, flight controls, engine compartment, fuel and oil levels, tires, lights, pitot-static system, avionics, and required documents. The goal is to confirm that the aircraft is in a condition safe for flight. During the preflight, the pilot looks for visible damage, fluid leaks, loose fasteners, worn tires, contaminated fuel, and any items that were previously reported as squawks but may not yet be resolved. The inspection also includes verifying that the aircraft's registration, airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, and weight and balance information are on board and current. For student pilots, learning to conduct a thorough preflight is one of the first and most important skills taught during training. Instructors emphasize that the preflight is not a formality — it is the pilot's first and best line of defense against mechanical failures in flight. Rushing or skipping preflight items has been a contributing factor in numerous general aviation accidents.
Why It Matters for Flight Schools
In a flight school environment, preflight inspections happen dozens of times per day across the fleet. Each student and renter is responsible for conducting their own preflight, but instructors must verify that students perform the checks correctly, especially during early training stages. This creates an operational rhythm where aircraft are continuously being inspected, flown, returned, and inspected again. When a pilot discovers a discrepancy during preflight, they must report it as a squawk and the aircraft may need to be taken out of service until maintenance addresses the issue. An efficient process for capturing and routing preflight-discovered squawks is critical to keeping the rest of the day's schedule on track.
How Aviatize Handles This
Aviatize integrates preflight inspection workflows into the dispatch process, providing digital checklists that students and instructors can complete on a tablet or phone before each flight. Any discrepancy found during preflight can be logged as a squawk directly from the checklist, automatically notifying maintenance and updating the aircraft's availability status. By digitizing the preflight process, Aviatize creates a permanent record of every inspection, which is valuable for safety audits, insurance documentation, and identifying recurring issues with specific aircraft. The system ensures that no aircraft is dispatched with an unresolved preflight finding, closing the loop between inspection, maintenance, and scheduling.