Outcome 7.11 Preflight Preparation: Legal Readiness, Aircraft Status, Weather Intelligence, NOTAMs, and Airspace Compliance

Pilot in Command (PIC)

The person who has command of an aircraft during flight, responsible for the safety, operation, and navigation.

Qualification

Holding the right certificate/ratings and any required endorsements necessary for flight.

Readiness

Being current, medically eligible, and fit to fly on the day of the flight.

Pilot Certificate

A certification that establishes a pilot's privilege level, such as student or commercial.

Ratings

Specifications that define the types of aircraft or operations for which a pilot is trained and tested.

Category and Class

Categories specify the type of aircraft (e.g., airplane), while classes specify details like single-engine land.

Instrument Rating

A certification that allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Type Rating

Required training for pilots flying certain larger or more complex aircraft.

Endorsement

A logbook sign-off by an authorized instructor indicating specific training for operations.

IMSAFE

A checklist used by pilots to assess their fitness to fly: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion.

Currency

Meeting legal recency requirements to carry passengers or conduct specific operations.

Proficiency

The actual ability of a pilot to perform flying tasks safely, beyond just being legally current.

PAVE

A risk evaluation tool assessing Pilot, Aircraft, Environment, and External pressures.

Airworthiness

The condition of an aircraft being safe for operation and complying with design and maintenance requirements.

ARROW

A mnemonic for required aircraft documents: Airworthiness certificate, Registration certificate, Radio license, Operating limitations, Weight and balance information.

Airworthiness Certificate

A document affirming an aircraft's compliance with approved design and safety standards.

Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

Mandatory instructions to correct an unsafe condition in an aircraft.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL)

A list of equipment that may be inoperative under specific conditions, allowing flight.

NOTAM

A Notice to Air Missions providing time-sensitive aeronautical information.

Special Use Airspace (SUA)

Designated airspace for activities that may be hazardous to non-participating aircraft.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

Short-term restrictions on aircraft operations in specific areas for various reasons.

Surface Analysis Chart

A chart showing pressure systems and fronts to help pilots visualize weather patterns.

SIGMET

An advisory issued for significant hazardous weather affecting aircraft operations.

TAF

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, a time-sequenced weather forecast for specific airports.

FDC NOTAMs

Notices issued by the FAA's Flight Data Center detailing regulatory changes.

Controlled Airspace

Airspace in which aircraft must follow specific regulations regarding communication and equipment.

Aircraft Registration Certificate

A document proving the ownership of the aircraft.