Plain English Meaning

Before you fly, you check every instrument in the cockpit to make sure it is turned on, reading correctly, and working as it should.

Full Definition

A systematic verification of flight, navigation, and engine instruments performed before takeoff to confirm that each instrument is powered, properly indicating, and functioning within acceptable tolerances. For IFR operations it includes checks of the attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, turn coordinator, magnetic compass, clock, pitot-static system indications, communication and , , and any required or self-tests, performed at appropriate phases such as , , during , and before takeoff.