Plain English Meaning

A talk between the instructor and student before they fly, covering what the lesson will involve, what the student is expected to do, and how well they need to do it.

Full Definition

A structured conversation held between instructor and learner before a training flight, used to review the objectives of the lesson, the maneuvers and procedures to be performed, the standards expected, and any safety considerations relevant to the flight.

Context Anchor

Used in flight training before the learner and instructor begin a lesson or training flight.

Derivation

‘Preflight’ simply means ‘before flight,’ and ‘discussion’ comes from the Latin discutere, meaning ‘to examine or talk through.’ Together it points to a deliberate talk-through of the flight before it happens.

Why Pilots Care

Aligns instructor and student expectations, reduces in-flight confusion, and improves learning efficiency and safety during the lesson.