Aircraft preflight checklist: planning worksheet
Version 1 · https://conformata.io/checklists/aviation-marine/aircraft-preflight-checklist · Made with Conformata. Guidance, not legal advice; sources at https://conformata.io/checklists/aviation-marine/aircraft-preflight-checklist/sources
Aircraft preflight checklist: planning worksheet
Aircraft preflight planning worksheet based on 14 CFR 91.103: weather, fuel, alternatives and runway data. Use it with the aircraft's POH/AFM checklist.
How often: Before beginning each flight.
- Sections
- 10
- Checks
- 48
- Critical
- 14
- Sources
- 50
0/47 answered
0%
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This worksheet does not replace the aircraft's checklist. Inspect the aircraft using the preflight checklist in its own POH or approved AFM; that checklist governs the aircraft inspection. Use this worksheet only to record your flight planning and your go or no-go decision.
Date of flight *
Aircraft registration (N-number) *
Aircraft make and model *
Name of the pilot in command *
Departure airport *
Airport of intended landing *
Flight rules *
VFRIFR
Time of flight *
DayNightCrosses sunset or sunrise (plan the 45-minute night reserve)
The flight stays in the vicinity of the departure airport
YesNo
Estimated time en route to the first landing
h
Weather reports and forecasts for the departure, route and destination have been obtained and reviewed *
YesNoN/A
Where and when the weather information was obtained
Known traffic delays that ATC has advised for this flight have been reviewed
YesNoN/A
Other available information reviewed for this flight
Usable fuel on board *
US gal
Planned fuel burn to the first point of intended landing
US gal
Planned fuel remaining at the first landing, in minutes at normal cruising speed
min
Fuel on board covers the flight to the first point of intended landing plus the reserve that applies to this flight *
YesNo
An alternative is planned in case the flight cannot be completed as planned *
YesNoN/A
Alternate airport or alternative plan
Runway length available at the departure airport *
ft
Takeoff distance computed for today's conditions *
ft
Runway length available at the airport of intended landing *
ft
Landing distance computed for the expected conditions at arrival *
ft
Takeoff and landing distances come from the flight manual data, or other reliable performance information for this aircraft *
YesNo
The computation used the expected airport elevation, runway slope, aircraft weight, wind and temperature *
YesNo
Computed takeoff and landing distances fit within the runway lengths available, with the margin you use *
YesNo
Weight and center of gravity have been computed and are within the limits in the POH/AFM *
YesNo
The airworthiness certificate is on board and displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance, legible to passengers or crew *
YesNo
An effective registration certificate, or an accepted alternative, is on board *
YesNo
The current approved flight manual, or the approved manual material, markings and placards for this aircraft, is available in the aircraft *
YesNo
The maintenance records show an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months *
YesNoN/A
Date of the last annual inspection
For a flight carrying anyone other than crew for hire, or flight instruction for hire in an aircraft the instructor provides: the aircraft has had an annual or 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service *
YesNoN/A
Hours of time in service since the last annual or 100-hour inspection
h
The aircraft preflight inspection has been completed using the aircraft's own POH/AFM checklist *
YesNo
As pilot in command, I have determined that the aircraft is in condition for safe flight *
YesNo
Pilot certificate is in my possession or readily accessible in the aircraft *
YesNo
Acceptable photo identification is in my possession or readily accessible in the aircraft *
YesNo
Medical certificate, or other documentation acceptable to the FAA, is in my possession or readily accessible in the aircraft *
YesNoN/A
I have consumed an alcoholic beverage within the last 8 hours *
YesNo
I am under the influence of alcohol, or may have an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater *
YesNo
I am using a drug that affects my faculties in any way contrary to safety *
YesNo
Number of people on board, including the pilot *
Each person on board has been briefed on how to fasten and unfasten their safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness *
YesNoN/A
Pilot in command's decision *
Go: planning complete and the aircraft is in condition for safe flightDelay: waiting for weather, fuel or another itemNo-go: flight cancelled
Reasons for the decision and anything to follow up
Pilot in command's signature
Sign the printed copy, or sign electronically in Conformata.
I reviewed the information recorded above before this flight and inspected the aircraft using its own POH/AFM checklist.
Signature
Name and date
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use this instead of my airplane's preflight checklist?
No. Inspect the aircraft with the checklist in its own POH or approved AFM. The pilot in command is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in condition for safe flight [46], and the aircraft must be operated within the limitations in its approved flight manual, markings and placards [48]. This worksheet only records the planning around that inspection.
What does 14 CFR 91.103 require before a flight?
The pilot in command becomes familiar with all available information concerning the flight [11]. For every flight, that includes runway lengths at airports of intended use and takeoff and landing distance information [8]. For IFR flights and flights not in the vicinity of an airport it also includes weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements and alternatives [5], and known ATC traffic delays [6].
How much fuel reserve do I need for a VFR flight?
Built from 50 official sources
Every check traces to the text it is based on. Read the purpose, how to use it, the rules behind it, what it does not cover and every source.
Related checklists
Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people, and completing it does not certify that work is safe.