Definition
A pre-takeoff verification of the cockpit, performed before beginning the takeoff roll, in which the pilot confirms that flight instruments, flight controls, trim settings, engine indications, and required systems are properly set and functioning for the planned departure. In the context of instrument takeoffs, particular attention is given to the attitude indicator, heading indicator, and other instruments the pilot will rely on once outside visual references are lost.
Plain English
A final look around the cockpit before takeoff to make sure every instrument, control, and switch is set correctly and working. It's the last chance to catch a problem on the ground rather than discover it once airborne.
Context Anchor
Used before takeoff, especially before an instrument takeoff, when the pilot must rely on cockpit instruments immediately after liftoff.
Derivation
“Flight deck” originally referred to the deck area used for aircraft operations on a ship, and later came to mean the pilot’s operating area in an aircraft. “Check” here means a deliberate verification, not a quick look.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the heading indicator and other references match the actual runway alignment, preventing immediate directional errors once the aircraft begins moving in low visibility.
Intuition Check
Do not read “check” as a casual glance. In this context, a flight deck check means a deliberate, item-by-item confirmation that the cockpit is ready for takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
Before lining up on the runway, the pilot completed the flight deck check, confirming the attitude indicator was upright and the heading indicator matched the runway heading.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument takeoff briefing the instructor reminded the student to perform the flight deck check so the aircraft would track straight once airborne.