Preflight briefing is the foundation of every safe flight! Proper preparation minimizes risks and ensures smooth operations. Here’s a quick guide to what every pilot needs to check:
1. Meteorology (FM 4.2.1):
-Forecast models,
-METAR reports - wind visibility and cloud base. Don’t forget temperature, weather phenomena,
-Rainfall radar check,
-Concider local geographical phenomena.
2. Airspace (FM 4.2.2):
-Airspace rules and equipment required for the flight in it
-AUP, UUP, NOTAM reports.
-QNH (regional/aerodrome).
3. Expected Flight Path (FM 4.2.4, FM 4.2.6):
-Consider wind speed and directions in reachable altitudes
-Planned flight time,
-and fuel reserve.
Ensure: "At this location, in this time, in this weather, with this fuel reserve, I can perform a safe landing."
4. Weight & Paperwork (FM 4.2.3, FM 4.2.5):
-Load caltulation within limitations,
-ARC, registration, and insurance is valid.
-Balloon within 100 hr/annual inspection limits.
A well-prepared flight is a safe flight!
Keep soaring, and always remember: safety starts with planning.
More details can be found in the Kubicek Flight Manual.