Welcome to this lesson on aircraft preflighting from a flight simulation perspective! In this lesson, we’ll be covering all the important points you need to know to ensure your virtual aircraft is ready for takeoff.

Before we get started, it’s important to remind you to always reference your aircraft’s checklist and Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) when necessary. These resources will provide you with important information about the performance, weight, and balance of your aircraft, as well as any specific procedures or considerations you should be aware of.

Now, let’s dive into the preflight process. The first step is to perform a thorough visual inspection of the aircraft. While many virtual airplanes don’t have the same level of systems depth as real-world aircraft, more and more virtual planes are being released with state saving, damage, and other maintenance items. So it’s still important to take the time to visually inspect your aircraft and make sure everything looks as it should. Plus, even though a visual inspection isn’t always necessary in a virtual environment, it adds to the realism of your flight simulation experience and is good practice for real-world training.

During your visual inspection, be sure to check the following:

• The exterior of the aircraft, including the wings, tail, and fuselage, for any visible damage or defects.
• The tires, brakes, and landing gear for proper operation and any visible damage.
• The fuel tanks and fuel levels to ensure you have enough fuel for your planned flight.
• The engine and other systems for any visible damage or malfunctions.
• The cockpit for any loose or damaged equipment, as well as any other issues that could affect the safety of your flight.

Once you’ve completed your visual inspection, it’s time to move on to the next step: checking the aircraft’s systems and equipment. This includes checking things like the engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, and instruments. Again, refer to your aircraft’s checklist and POH for specific procedures and considerations.

After you’ve checked the systems and equipment, it’s time to perform a weight and balance calculation. This is important because the weight and balance of your aircraft can affect its performance and handling. To perform a weight and balance calculation, you’ll need to gather information about the weight of the aircraft, as well as the location of the center of gravity (CG). Again, your aircraft’s checklist and POH should provide you with the necessary information and procedures.

Finally, once you’ve completed all the above steps, it’s time to complete your preflight briefing. This is a crucial step that helps you review your planned flight, confirm that the aircraft is ready for takeoff, and identify any potential risks or issues that you should be aware of.

I hope this lesson has provided you with a helpful overview of the aircraft preflight process from a flight simulation perspective. Remember to always reference your aircraft’s checklist and POH, and to take the time to thoroughly inspect and prepare your aircraft for flight. And even though many virtual airplanes don’t have the same level of systems depth as real-world aircraft, more and more virtual planes are being released with state saving, damage, and other maintenance items, so it’s still important to take the time to perform a thorough preflight. Happy flying!