How Long Should a Pre-Flight Check Take?

The duration of a pre-flight check can vary depending on the aircraft type and the pilot's familiarity with the aircraft. Generally, it takes between 15 to 30 minutes. However, it's crucial not to rush the process, as thoroughness is more important than speed.

Are Pre-Flight Checks Mandatory for All Flights?

Yes, pre-flight checks are mandatory for all flights, regardless of the aircraft's size or type. They are a critical part of flight preparation and are required by aviation regulatory authorities.

Can Weather Impact a Pre-Flight Inspection?

Weather conditions can significantly impact a pre-flight inspection. For instance, additional checks for ice and snow on the wings and control surfaces are necessary in cold weather. Similarly, in hot weather, it's important to check for signs of overheating in the engine and avionics systems. Weather also affects how you assess the aircraft's capabilities against the expected flight conditions.

Each type of pilot certificate has different eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements.

This is the first of several articles in a series discussing the various types of pilot certifications. Certificates sometimes have privileges and limitations under 14 CFR part 61 and part 91.

According to the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge:

Privileges—define where and when the pilot may fly, with whom they may fly, the purpose of the flight, and the type of aircraft they are allowed to fly.
Limitations—the FAA may impose limitations on a pilot certificate if, during training or the practical test, the pilot does not demonstrate all skills necessary to exercise all privileges of a privilege level, category, class, or type rating.

Endorsements are a form of written authorization that show the certificate holder has received training in specific skill areas, such as complex, or high performance. Endorsements are typically issued and signed by a certified flight instructor (CFI) or check airman.

Sport Pilot

A sport pilot certificate is issued to a student pilot in order to fly airplanes, powered parachutes, weight shift control aircraft, gliders, rotorcraft (gyroplanes only), and lighter than air vehicles.

According to the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, for the aircraft listed above, the student pilot must have the following hours, depending on the aircraft:

Airplane: 20 hours
Powered Parachute: 12 hours
Weight-Shift Control (Trikes): 20 hours
Glider: 10 hours
Rotorcraft (gyroplane only): 20 hours
Lighter-Than-Air: 20 hours (airship) or 7 hours (balloon)

Privileges

A sport pilot can act as pilot in command (PIC) of a light-sport aircraft, is allowed to carry a passenger and share expenses (fuel, oil, airport expenses, and aircraft rental). A sport pilot can fly during the daytime using VFR with a minimum of 3 statute miles of visibility, while maintaining visual contact with the surface.

Limitations

A sport pilot is prohibited from flying in Class A airspace entirely. In order to fly in Class B, C, or D airspace, a sport pilot must receive training and a logbook endorsement from a CFI or CFI-S. Sport pilots are not permitted to fly outside the United States, to tow objects, to fly in furtherance of a business, and are not allowed to carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

A sport pilot certificate does not list aircraft category or class ratings. Upon successfully passing the practical test, the FAA will issue you a sport pilot certificate. Your CFI or CFI-S will write and sign your logbook for the category and class of aircraft in which you are authorized to act as PIC.

Written by Engine Sales Representative, Joshua Denton