Definition
A systematic check of an aircraft performed by the pilot before each flight to confirm that the aircraft is airworthy and properly configured for the planned operation. It typically covers a walk-around inspection of the airframe, flight controls, landing gear, propeller, engine compartment, fuel quantity and quality, oil level, lights, antennas, and required documents and equipment, following a checklist specified by the aircraft manufacturer.
Plain English
A careful look-over of the aircraft before flying it, to make sure nothing is broken, missing, or wrong, and that it is safe and ready to go.
Context Anchor
Performed before engine start and before every flight, usually with a checklist and a walk-around of the aircraft.
Derivation
Pre- (Latin, meaning 'before') + flight + inspection (Latin inspectare, 'to look into'). Literally, 'a looking-into before flight.'
Why Pilots Care
Detects discrepancies that could cause mechanical failure, satisfies regulatory requirements, and directly supports safe flight operations.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “inspection” as just looking the airplane over casually. In aviation, a preflight inspection is a deliberate, step-by-step check to decide whether the aircraft should fly.
Example Sentence 1
During her preflight inspection, she drained a fuel sample from each sump and checked it for water and proper color before starting the engine.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight inspection the pilot found low tire pressure and added air before departure.