Definition
The pilot's required review and preparation before a flight, including becoming familiar with all available information concerning that flight. Under 14 CFR 91.103, this includes weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed, any known traffic delays, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and aircraft takeoff and landing performance data.
Plain English
The checks and information-gathering a pilot must do before flying, so they know what to expect and can confirm the flight can be done safely.
Context Anchor
In an icing discussion, preflight action includes checking for conditions that could create ice on the aircraft and planning how to avoid or leave those conditions.
Derivation
Pre-' means 'before,' and 'flight action' means the things the pilot does. The phrase is regulatory shorthand for everything the pilot must actively do before the wheels leave the ground — not just a casual look-over.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures regulatory compliance and reduces the risk of in-flight emergencies from undetected issues such as ice on critical surfaces.
Intuition Check
Preflight action does not mean only walking around the airplane before departure. In FAA use, it also means reviewing the information and planning needed before the flight begins.
Example Sentence 1
As part of her preflight action, she reviewed the icing forecasts and confirmed her route avoided the freezing levels reported along the planned altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Thorough preflight action includes checking for visible moisture and temperature conditions that could lead to icing after takeoff.