The pilot wellbeing check has been around for a while now, and it’s often just too easy to just recall the mnemonic, say the words and rush out to the plane. But long before we drive to the airfield, we need to plan our flights from the most important element – YOU!

We can sometimes reason to ourselves that we are OK, both physically and mentally, but the airborne environment takes no prisoners. From suffering barotrauma from a head cold, a stressful week at work, or that night shift that went over time, these and many other factors can and will affect your performance in the air – no matter how much you want to fly. 

Do ensure you answer “YES” to the following questions, as part of assessment on aircraft records: 

• Is the aircraft’s maintenance logbook up to date?  
• Are the maintenance records in order?  

Check out a sample Maintenance Release (MR) documentation by RAAus’ one of most valued FTS members. The document highlights: 

• Purpose of an MR, and  
• Responsibilities of both Pilots and Maintainer in completing the records and reviewing them before and after each flight. 

Checking the paperwork

Having all the necessary paperwork on board ensures that your aircraft is legally and safely able to operate. It’s also a good practice to check these documents yourself, not just assume they are up to date. 

A thorough pre-flight inspection is more than just a box to tick on a checklist. It’s your last line of defence. From checking for fuel contamination to inspecting control surfaces for free movement and security, every item is there for a reason. Don’t let familiarity lead to complacency. 

The following video that RAAus created is still a valuable reference for things to be checked / steps to follow in your pre-flight inspection. Take a moment to listen to our expert! 

Check out this article by a recreational pilot who has shared his first-hand experience of overlooking a small airworthiness item on the ground, and what it may cost you dearly in the air: Take a closer look.

The phrase “if it fits, it flies” is a myth.  

Flying an aircraft with no regard for published weight and balance limits is extremely dangerous. An overloaded aircraft needs a much higher airspeed to take off and will have a significantly reduced climb performance. Even a seemingly small shift in the aircraft’s centre of gravity (CG) can dramatically compromise manoeuvrability and stability in flight. 

💡 Consider: 

• If your CG is too far aft, the aircraft may pitch up prematurely on take-off or become difficult to control during landing flare.  
• If it’s too far forward, you may struggle to rotate for take-off.  
• The first time you’ll find out if it’s wrong is as you become airborne 

Always remember to check your aircraft’s weight and balance to ensure a safe and predictable flight. 

For a great read on this topic, check out the CASA Safety Topic on Weight and Balance. 

NOTAMs are essential for staying informed about temporary hazards and changes to the national airspace system. They cover everything from runway closures and taxiway blockages to temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and military exercises. Skipping a NOTAM brief is like driving into an unfamiliar city without looking at a map—you might get lucky, but you’re more likely to run into unexpected problems. 

The sky is a shared space, and some areas—like military restricted airspace—are off-limits for a reason. These aren’t just invisible boundaries; they’re critical zones for national security and military training. Flying into the unknown without a proper check of NOTAMs can have serious consequences.  

“Your radio is your lifeline to the world” 

A quick pre-flight radio check ensures you can transmit and receive clearly.  

• Can you hear the local ATIS or other aircraft on the frequency?  
• Is your squawk set? 

These small checks ensure you are a known and predictable factor in the airspace, and that you can communicate when the need arises.