AA.II.A — Preflight Assessment

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparing for safe flight.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.II.A.K1Pilot self-assessment.
• AA.II.A.K2Determining that the aircraft to be used is appropriate, airworthy, and in a condition for safe flight by locating and explaining related documents such as:
  • AA.II.A.K2aa. Airworthiness and registration certificates
  • AA.II.A.K2bb. Operating limitations, handbooks, and manuals
  • AA.II.A.K2cc. Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL)
  • AA.II.A.K2dd. Weight and balance data
• AA.II.A.K3Preventive maintenance that can be performed by the pilot or other designated crewmember.
• AA.II.A.K4Aircraft preflight inspection including:
  • AA.II.A.K4aa. Which items must be inspected
  • AA.II.A.K4bb. The reasons for checking each item
  • AA.II.A.K4cc. How to detect possible defects
  • AA.II.A.K4dd. The associated regulations
• AA.II.A.K5Environmental factors including weather, terrain, route selection, and obstructions.
• AA.II.A.K6Requirements for current and appropriate navigation data.
• AA.II.A.K7Operations specifications, management specifications, or letters of authorization applying to a particular airplane and operation, if applicable.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• AA.II.A.R1Human performance factors.
• AA.II.A.R2Inoperative equipment discovered prior to flight.
• AA.II.A.R3Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
• AA.II.A.R4External pressures.
• AA.II.A.R5Aviation security concerns.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.II.A.S1Inspect the airplane in accordance with an appropriate checklist demonstrating proper operation of applicable airplane systems. Coordinate checklist with crew, if appropriate.
• AA.II.A.S2Coordinate with ground crew and ensure adequate clearance prior to moving doors, hatches, flight control surfaces, etc.
• AA.II.A.S3Document any discrepancies found; take corrective action and acknowledge limitations imposed by MEL/CDL items, if applicable.
• AA.II.A.S4Determine if the airplane is airworthy and in condition for safe flight.
• AA.II.A.S5Identify and comply with operations specifications as required.
• AA.II.A.S6Assess factors related to the environment (weather, airports, terrain, airspace).
• AA.II.A.S7Ensure the airplane and surfaces are free of ice, snow, and frost. If icing conditions are present, demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of deicing procedures.