What preflight action must a pilot undertake prior to each flight?

Prior to each flight, a pilot must become familiar with all available information concerning the flight, which encompasses a variety of crucial elements. This includes understanding the intended route, checking the weather conditions along the entire path and at both the departure and arrival airports, and gathering details about airspace restrictions, NOTAMS (Notices to Airmen), and other pertinent information that could affect the flight.

Being well-informed about all these factors helps ensure that the pilot can make sound decisions throughout the flight, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. This preflight action promotes situational awareness and the ability to respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances.

Filing a flight plan is important but is not mandatory for all flights, especially if operating under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) in certain airspace. Checking the weather exclusively at the destination is insufficient, as it's necessary to consider all weather conditions along the route. While inspecting the aircraft is important, it is typically considered part of a preflight inspection rather than the overall preflight action of familiarization with information.