Student pilots and certificated pilots
Official Preflight Source Checklist
A structured path through charts, airport information, NOTAMs, weather, and regulations before flight.
This page is educational and does not replace the current FAA publication or regulation.
Start with the operation
Define the aircraft, route, timing, altitude range, fuel plan, and operating rules. The sources you need depend on the flight you are actually planning.
Review the route environment
Use current charts and airport information to identify airspace, terrain, obstacles, frequencies, runway data, services, and special-use considerations along the route.
Check time-sensitive information
Weather, NOTAMs, temporary flight restrictions, runway status, and airspace constraints can change after an initial plan is built. Recheck the information close enough to departure to support the decision you are making.