What is the primary purpose of the preflight checklist?

The primary purpose of the preflight checklist is to ensure that all necessary systems and equipment are checked before flight. This comprehensive checklist is designed to help pilots verify that the aircraft is safe and airworthy prior to departure, which includes checking critical systems such as avionics, flight controls, fuel systems, and emergency equipment. By following this checklist methodically, pilots can minimize the risk of overlooking important safety checks, thus enhancing the overall safety of the flight.

While determining the best route, calculating expected fuel consumption, and reviewing weather conditions are important aspects of flight planning, they are typically addressed in other stages of the preflight process rather than through the checklist itself. The checklist specifically focuses on the aircraft's readiness rather than aspects related to navigation or operational planning.