What is the primary purpose of the pre-flight inspection?

The primary purpose of the pre-flight inspection is to ensure the aircraft is airworthy and safe for flight. This involves a thorough examination of the aircraft's critical components, systems, and equipment to verify that everything is functioning properly and that there are no issues that could impact the safety of the flight.

Conducting a pre-flight inspection helps identify potential mechanical problems, fuel levels, oil conditions, and the overall state of the aircraft's structure and systems. By verifying that the aircraft is in a safe condition for flight, the pilot can mitigate risks and enhance the safety of both the crew and passengers during the operation.

While preparing the flight plan, checking weather conditions, and loading passengers and cargo are vital parts of the overall pre-flight process, none of these activities directly addresses the essential concern of ensuring the aircraft itself is safe and ready for the upcoming flight. Thus, the focus of the pre-flight inspection centers on airworthiness, making it a crucial step for responsible flight operations.