What is the primary purpose of the preflight inspection?

The primary purpose of the preflight inspection is to ensure that the aircraft is in a safe and airworthy condition before flight. This inspection is a crucial step in the flight preparation process and involves a thorough examination of the aircraft's exterior and interior components. By checking for visual signs of wear, damage, and proper functioning of critical systems and controls, the pilot or crew can identify any issues that may compromise safety during the flight. This helps in confirming that the aircraft complies with safety regulations and operational standards.

While checking passenger readiness is important for overall flight operations, it is secondary to the aircraft’s airworthiness. Similarly, calculating fuel requirements and evaluating weather conditions are important aspects of flight planning but do not form part of the primary intent behind the preflight inspection itself. The focus of this inspection is fundamentally based on the aircraft’s physical condition to ensure that it is capable of safe operation.