Expert Opinion
AINsight: Remove before Flight
Preflight errors can lead to aircraft accidents
Bell 525 with remove before flight
(Photo: Barry Ambrose)

Improper preflight inspections have contributed to several aviation incidents and accidents. The omission of a critical task, such as removing a protective pitot probe cover or engine inlet cover can have serious consequences, including death.

Examining events where an error occurs during a preflight inspection reveals that pilots of aircraft, both large and small, and of various skill and experience levels have all made these mistakes. Often these errors or omissions are the result of distractions, less-than-perfect memories, a bias, or inattention.

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Stuart “Kipp” Lau
Contributor - Safety
About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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