Flight preparation
The term flight preparation refers to the measures to be taken before a manned aircraft takes off to ensure a safe flight.
Before each flight, the pilot in command must familiarize himself with the information that is important for the safe conduct of the flight and satisfy himself that the aircraft and the cargo are in a safe condition. This flight preparation includes:
- Knowledge of the operating limits and characteristics of the aircraft type (flight and operating manual as well as checklists for procedures before the flight, during the flight, after the flight and for emergencies),
- Implementation of the center of gravity and weight control (loading plan),
- Review of the identity documents and documents to be carried (log book, personal flight log , airworthiness certificate with the latest inspection certificate , registration certificate , flight and operating manual, pilot's license, identity card, medical certificate of fitness ),
- Checking the technical condition of the aircraft (pre-flight check ) through the tour around the aircraft and the take-off check.
In addition, before any cross-country flight that goes beyond the vicinity of the aerodrome and for flights under instrument flight rules :
- the aviation weather information and forecasts are obtained (for example via Internet self-briefing (pc-met)),
- Information on the airspace concerned and the flight route in the aeronautical chart , in the Aviation Manual (AIP) and via published NOTAMs are taken into account.
Before a flight for which according to 25 LuftVO a flight plan has to be submitted (for example for IFR flights, possibly for cross-border visual flights or for flights at night ), advice must be obtained from the flight advisory service (AIS).
Furthermore, it is recommended that the navigation calculations are carried out in the course of flight planning in order to ensure a safe flight for the intended route (flight duration, speed over ground, heading, fuel requirement and estimated arrival at intercepting lines for dead reckoning ). This also includes familiarization with the departure and approach procedures for the airfields concerned (for example information from the aviation manual).
literature
- Year Top Special Verlag (Hrsg.): Fliegermagazin -Extra: The perfect flight preparation . Supplement to issue # 3.2011. Hamburg 2011 ( available online (PDF, 2.5 MB) - 32-page information brochure from Fliegermagazin in cooperation with German air traffic control ).