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Aircraft preflight checklist: planning worksheet: sources and guidance

A supplementary worksheet for the preflight action a pilot in command takes before each flight: becoming familiar with all available information [11]. That includes runway lengths and takeoff and landing distances for any flight [8], and weather, fuel and alternatives for IFR flights and flights not in the vicinity of an airport [5]. The aircraft's own POH/AFM checklist governs the aircraft inspection.

How often: Before beginning each flight.[11]

Purpose

This page does not replace your aircraft's checklist. The aircraft preflight checklist that governs the walk-around and cockpit checks is the one in your aircraft's own Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). No one may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations in the approved flight manual, markings and placards [48].

What this worksheet adds is a record of the preflight planning around that inspection. Before beginning a flight, each pilot in command must become familiar with all available information concerning that flight [11]. The worksheet walks through the items the rule names (weather, fuel, alternatives, known traffic delays, runway lengths and takeoff and landing distances) plus the documents, pilot items and passenger briefing that commonly come up on the same day, and ends with your go or no-go decision.

Who should use it

Pilots in command flying US civil aircraft under Part 91, including student pilots planning with an instructor. Flight schools and flying clubs can use completed worksheets to see how each flight was planned. The pilot in command is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of the aircraft [29], so the pilot in command completes and signs it.

How often

Before beginning each flight [11]. Start it at home while planning, and finish the last sections at the aircraft after the POH/AFM inspection.

How to use this checklist

  1. Fill in the flight details. Whether the flight is VFR or IFR, day or night, and local or cross-country decides which fuel reserve and planning items apply.
  2. Work through weather, fuel, alternatives and runway performance. Take fuel flow, takeoff and landing distances and weight and balance limits from the aircraft's POH/AFM.
  3. Check the aircraft documents, then inspect the aircraft using the POH/AFM checklist. This worksheet deliberately lists no aircraft inspection steps.
  4. Answer the pilot and passenger items honestly. A "yes" to alcohol within 8 hours, to being under the influence of alcohol, or to a drug that affects your faculties means you do not fly.
  5. Record your decision. If any critical item fails, the decision is delay or no-go.

Most critical items are ones where the rule itself says no one may operate or begin the flight unless the condition is met, such as an airworthy aircraft [45], enough fuel [13] and no alcohol within 8 hours [20]. The POH/AFM inspection is also marked critical, because it is how you determine that the aircraft is in condition for safe flight [46].

What the rules say

  • Before beginning a flight, the pilot in command becomes familiar with all available information concerning that flight [11]. For an IFR flight or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport [7], this includes weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements and alternatives if the flight cannot be completed [5], and known traffic delays that ATC has advised [6].
  • For any flight, it includes runway lengths at airports of intended use and takeoff and landing distance information [8]: the flight manual data where an approved flight manual with that data is required [9], and otherwise reliable performance information for the expected airport elevation, runway slope, gross weight, wind and temperature [10].
  • The pilot in command is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight [46], and discontinues the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical or structural conditions occur [47].
  • The aircraft carries an airworthiness certificate [24], displayed so that passengers or crew can read it [28], and an effective registration certificate [25] or one of the accepted alternatives, such as the second copy of the registration application for operation within the United States [26].
  • Except as the rule provides [31], the aircraft has had an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months [30] [32]. The exceptions include aircraft with a special flight permit, a current experimental airworthiness certificate, a light-sport special airworthiness certificate or a provisional airworthiness certificate [39], and aircraft on the progressive or other listed inspection programs [40] [41].
  • An aircraft carrying anyone other than crew for hire [37], or used by its provider to give flight instruction for hire [36], has also had an annual or 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service [33]. This matters for flight schools and clubs that rent aircraft with instruction.
  • Each person on board is briefed on fastening and unfastening their safety belt and shoulder harness [12].

What this checklist does not cover

  • The aircraft inspection itself. Use the preflight checklist in the aircraft's own Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM); that checklist governs, and this worksheet does not replace it.
  • Aircraft-specific limits, speeds, fuel grades and procedures, which come from the aircraft's POH/AFM, markings and placards.
  • Pilot currency, flight reviews, ratings and endorsements needed for the flight.
  • Airspace, flight plan filing and air traffic control procedures.
  • Commercial operations under Parts 121, 125 and 135, and rules outside the United States.
  • Personal minimums and a structured risk assessment; your flight school, club or operator may have its own.

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?

In an airplane, enough fuel to reach the first point of intended landing, considering wind and forecast weather [13], and then to fly for at least 30 minutes during the day [14] or at least 45 minutes at night [15], at normal cruising speed. For a rotorcraft the reserve is at least 20 minutes [16].

What about fuel for an IFR flight?

Enough to complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing [17], fly from there to the alternate airport when an alternate is needed [18], and then fly for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed, or 30 minutes for helicopters [19].

What documents must be on board the aircraft?

An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate [24] and an effective registration certificate [25]. For operation within the United States the second copy of the registration application is accepted [26], as are a Part 48 certificate or a foreign registration certification [27]. Where a flight manual is required, a current approved flight manual must be available in the aircraft [49]. The pilot carries, or has readily accessible in the aircraft, a pilot certificate [1] and photo identification [2].

How long after drinking alcohol can I fly?

Not within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage [20]. Eight hours is not enough on its own: you also may not fly while under the influence of alcohol [21], while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater [23] or while using a drug that affects your faculties in any way contrary to safety [22].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]14 CFR 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  2. [2]14 CFR 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]14 CFR 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations (c)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  4. [4]14 CFR 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations (c)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. [5]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  6. [6]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  7. [7]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  9. [9]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (b)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  10. [10]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (b)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  11. [11]14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action (introductory text) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  12. [12]14 CFR 91.107 Use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, and child restraint systems (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. [16]14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]14 CFR 91.167 Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  18. [18]14 CFR 91.167 Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]14 CFR 91.167 Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  20. [20]14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  22. [22]14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (a)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  25. [25]14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  26. [26]14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  27. [27]14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  28. [28]14 CFR 91.203 Civil aircraft: Certifications required (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]14 CFR 91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  31. [31]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  32. [32]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  34. [34]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  35. [35]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  36. [36]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  37. [37]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  38. [38]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  39. [39]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (c)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  40. [40]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (c)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  41. [41]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (c)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  42. [42]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (c)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  43. [43]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (d) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  44. [44]14 CFR 91.409 Inspections (e) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  45. [45]14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  46. [46]14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  47. [47]14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements (b)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements (b)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.