Preflight Assessment
Private Pilot ACS · Area II · Task A · 14 CFR 91, POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Preflight Assessment for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task II-A, covering preflight assessment.
Pilot Self-Assessment (I'M SAFE) §
Before touching the aircraft: complete I'M SAFE (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion). The ACS explicitly requires pilot self-assessment as part of the preflight. A pilot who is unfit must not fly regardless of schedule pressure.
ACS PA.II.A.K1; AIM 8-1-1
Walkaround Inspection Sequence §
Follow the POH checklist — never rely on memory. Key items:
• Fuel: Quantity verified, correct grade (100LL = blue), sump every tank and gascolator, check for water (clear globules).
• Oil: Quantity on dipstick, condition (milky = water contamination).
• Pitot tube: Unobstructed, cover removed, no insects.
• Static ports: Unobstructed.
• Control surfaces: Free movement, no damage, hinges secure, correct deflection.
• Landing gear/tires: Condition, inflation, no flat spots.
• Fuel vents: Unobstructed (blocked vent = fuel starvation).
• Airframe: No visible damage, ice, frost, or contamination.
• Fuel: Quantity verified, correct grade (100LL = blue), sump every tank and gascolator, check for water (clear globules).
• Oil: Quantity on dipstick, condition (milky = water contamination).
• Pitot tube: Unobstructed, cover removed, no insects.
• Static ports: Unobstructed.
• Control surfaces: Free movement, no damage, hinges secure, correct deflection.
• Landing gear/tires: Condition, inflation, no flat spots.
• Fuel vents: Unobstructed (blocked vent = fuel starvation).
• Airframe: No visible damage, ice, frost, or contamination.
AFH Ch.2; POH
Environmental Assessment §
During the preflight, continuously assess:
• Weather versus personal minimums — is it actually improving or deteriorating from the briefing?
• Wind direction relative to runways
• Visible traffic, birds, obstacles on taxiways and approach paths
• Airport construction or closures (check NOTAMs again if time has passed since briefing)
• Weather versus personal minimums — is it actually improving or deteriorating from the briefing?
• Wind direction relative to runways
• Visible traffic, birds, obstacles on taxiways and approach paths
• Airport construction or closures (check NOTAMs again if time has passed since briefing)
ACS PA.II.A.R3
Determining Airworthiness §
The PIC is responsible for determining airworthiness before every flight (14 CFR 91.7). The annual inspection certificate does not guarantee current airworthiness — each flight requires a fresh determination. Verify: all required inspections current, no known defects, all required equipment operational, weight and balance within limits for the planned flight.
14 CFR 91.7(b)