How do pilots check, before a flight, if an aircraft is fit to do its job?First of all, you should know that all commercial aircraft are built in such a way that a failure or malfunction of one system does not compromise flight safety, because there is always a "backup" system.
For every type of aircraft, there is a manual called the M.E.L. (Minimum Equipment List). This document specifies in great detail which equipment, systems, or devices can be inoperative while still allowing the plane to depart, as well as any specific flight limitations and the timeframe within which those anomalies must be resolved.
Professional Maintenance
Before every flying day, a technician performs a thorough inspection of all onboard systems and mechanical parts, following a "checklist" provided by the aircraft manufacturer. It’s a bit like a car's scheduled service.
If everything is in order, the technician authorizes the aircraft for flight (Release to Service). This authorization expires after a certain period—typically between 24 and 48 hours—after which a new inspection is required.
In addition to these routine checks, airplanes undergo much more in-depth inspections every few flight hours and/or every few days or months of operation. These are designed to find anomalies not immediately visible during normal checks or to replace components that are subject to wear and tear.
The Pilot's "Walk-Around"
Finally, before every single flight, one of the pilots must perform the so-called "walk-around" (or external inspection). They conduct a general check of the aircraft, focusing on specific "sensitive points" critical for flight safety, such as:
and more.
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