before-flight inspection

preflight inspection

A regular procedure followed by a ground or flight crew each time or each day before a particular aircraft is flown, consisting of visual and operational checks of controls, instruments, etc., except for those items checked by the flight crew with the engines operating. It means checking the aircraft and systems for their serviceability and the fuel, oil, and lubricants. It does not include loading the aircraft with armament. Also called a before-flight inspection.