What do Pilots do before a Flight ? (Pre-Flight activities)

Introduction :

Many of us have traveled by aircraft just as any other mode of transport taking the window seat or any preferred seat, an Economy Class or a Business Class for the entire duration of flight travel. Have you ever thought about the two persons driving the flight, who is behind the safe journey of the whole flight passengers on board? What do Pilots do before a Flight? Just as passengers travel by flight, Pilots also travel, but as a navigator operating and controlling the flight from take-off to landing. In this article let us discuss what the Pilots do before a Flight?

This pre-flight routine ensures that the pilot is well-prepared, the aircraft is airworthy, and all necessary checks are completed before every flight, guaranteeing a safe and smooth journey for everyone onboard.

It involves a series of checks and preparations to confirm that the aircraft is in good working condition and that all necessary documents and resources are in place. Here's a step-by-step explanation of a typical pilot's pre-flight routine:

1. Flight Briefing :

The pre-flight routine typically starts with a flight briefing, during which the pilot is provided with essential information about the flight. This includes weather conditions, airspace restrictions, expected routes, alternate airports, fuel requirements, and any other relevant details. The pilot reviews this information to gain a clear understanding of what to expect during the flight.

2. Personal Preparation:

Personal preparation is another crucial step in the pre-flight routine. The pilot ensures they are well-rested with good sleep, alert, and in good health to operate the flight safely. Fatigue and illness can impair a pilot's ability to make sound decisions, so being physically and mentally fit is of utmost importance for a Pilot.

3. Reviewing Documentation:

Before proceeding to the aircraft, the pilot thoroughly reviews their own documentation. This includes checking the validity of their own licenses, medical certificate, and logbook. The pilot also reviews the aircraft's documentation, such as the airworthiness certificate and maintenance logs, to confirm the aircraft's legal and operational status.

4. Weather Check:

A critical aspect of the pre-flight routine is the weather check. The pilot examines the current and forecasted weather conditions along the route and at the destination and alternate airports. This includes checking for turbulence, thunderstorms, icing, visibility, and any other significant weather phenomena that might affect the flight. Weather is a dynamic factor that can impact the safety and efficiency of the flight, so the pilot must be aware of any potential weather-related challenges.

5. Flight Planning:

Flight planning is a detailed and complex task that involves numerous calculations and considerations. Based on the weather and other factors, the pilot calculates the flight plan. This includes determining the optimal route, cruising altitude, fuel requirements, and estimated flight time. The pilot must also plan for any required alternates in case the destination airport becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.

6. Weight and Balance Calculation:

Weight and balance calculation is a critical aspect of the pre-flight routine. The pilot calculates the aircraft's weight and balance to ensure it falls within safe limits. This involves factoring in the weight of passengers, cargo, and fuel. An improperly loaded aircraft can affect its stability and handling, so precise weight and balance calculations are essential.

7. Pre-Flight Inspection:

Once at the aircraft, the pilot performs a thorough pre-flight inspection. This visual inspection of the exterior includes looking for any signs of damage, loose parts, abnormalities, any bird sits or creature crawling, etc. The pilot also checks the control surfaces, tires, lights, and other critical components.

Inside the cockpit, the pilot sets up the required equipment, such as navigation charts, checklists, radios, GPS, and other necessary instruments. They confirm that all systems are functioning correctly and conduct a brief system check.

8. Cockpit Preparation:

9. Communications Check:

A communications check is another important step in the pre-flight routine. The pilot communicates with the ground staff and air traffic control to coordinate the departure procedures and receive the latest updates on air traffic and weather conditions. This communication ensures that the flight is well-coordinated with other aircraft and that any changes in weather or airspace restrictions are promptly conveyed to the pilot.

The pilot communicates with the ground staff and air traffic control to coordinate the departure procedures and receive the latest updates on air traffic and weather conditions.

10. Passenger Briefing:

Once the passengers are onboard, the pilot ensures a safety briefing done by air hostess/stewards before the take-off. This briefing includes explaining the location of emergency exits, proper use of safety equipment, and other important safety instructions, and usage of safety landing equipment in case of an emergency landing in the sea. Ensuring that passengers are aware of safety procedures is crucial to their well-being in the event of an emergency.

11. Start-up and Taxi:

Before takeoff, the pilot completes a final check of the aircraft's systems and flight controls, ensuring everything is functioning correctly. Once cleared for takeoff by air traffic control, the pilot accelerates the aircraft down the runway and lifts off into the air, embarking on the planned flight.

12. Runway Check:

Before take-off, pilots perform a final set of checks. They review their flight plan and verify that all pre-flight tasks have been completed. They cross-check critical systems, instruments, and flight controls, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

13. Take-off and Initial Climb :

Once air traffic control provides clearance, pilots initiate the aircraft's engines and perform the take-off. During the initial climb, they continually monitor the aircraft's performance and make adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth ascent.

Planning for landing is a critical phase of a pilot's flight preparation. It involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure a safe and smooth approach and touchdown. Here's how pilots plan for landing:

Once the flight takes off and reaches the desired altitude the Pilot constantly monitors and operation of the flight and keeps vigil over the prevailing weather conditions where they are currently flying.

Similarly, the Pilot also plans for landing the flight, and let's now see the step-by-step process for Landing.

1. Weather Analysis:

Pilots begin the landing planning process by analyzing the current and forecasted weather conditions at the destination airport and along the flight route. They check for visibility, wind direction and speed, cloud cover, and any potential weather hazards, such as thunderstorms or turbulence.

2. Instrument Approach Selection:

Based on the weather conditions and the aircraft's capabilities, pilots choose an appropriate instrument approach procedure for landing. This could be a visual approach, an instrument landing system (ILS) approach, a GPS-based approach, or other available methods.

3. Reviewing Airport Information:

Pilots review essential airport information, including runway length, runway orientation, and any relevant NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) that may impact the landing. NOTAMs could include runway closures, lighting outages, or other important details.

4. Establishing Landing Configuration:

Pilots configure the aircraft for landing by extending the flaps and landing gear. This configuration allows the aircraft to maintain a stable approach and lower speeds during descent.

5. Calculating Descent Profile:

Pilots calculate the descent profile, which includes determining the appropriate descent rate and altitude at specific points along the approach path. They consider the aircraft's weight, speed, and distance from the destination airport to create a smooth and controlled descent.

6. Communication with Air Traffic Control:

Pilots coordinate with air traffic control (ATC) as they approach the destination airport. ATC provides clearance for the approach and landing, and pilots receive information on traffic in the area and any adjustments to the approach due to air traffic conditions.

7. Briefing the Approach:

Before initiating the landing, pilots brief the approach procedure with the co-pilot or other crew members. They discuss the approach path, altitude restrictions, and any special considerations for the landing.

8. Monitoring Instruments:

During the descent and approach, pilots closely monitor various instruments and indicators. They use the altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and horizontal situation indicator to ensure the aircraft stays on the correct approach path.

9. Radio Navigation Aids:

Pilots use radio navigation aids, such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or GPS waypoints, to verify their position and alignment with the designated approach path.

10. Stabilized Approach:

A stabilized approach is essential for a safe landing. Pilots ensure that the aircraft is in the correct configuration, on the correct approach path, at the appropriate airspeed, and with a steady rate of descent.

11. Decision Height or Minimums:

For instrument approaches, pilots have specific decision heights or minimums, which are predetermined altitudes at which they must either have the runway in sight or execute a missed approach if visual contact is not established.

12. Landing Execution:

Once visual contact is established with the runway, or the appropriate conditions for the instrument approach are met, pilots execute the landing. They aim to make a smooth touchdown, typically on the main landing gear first, followed by the nose gear.

13. Post-Landing Procedures:

After landing, pilots follow post-landing procedures, including reducing engine thrust, retracting flaps, and taxiing to the assigned gate or parking area.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, a pilot's journey from pre-flight routine, take off, to safe landing is a meticulous and essential process that encompasses various steps to guarantee the safety and preparedness of the aircraft and its crew. Each stage of the pre-flight routine is carefully executed to ensure that all potential issues are addressed and that the flight can be conducted in a safe and efficient manner. The pre-flight routine is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of pilots to prioritize safety above all else, making it an indispensable aspect of every flight.