Before beginning flight calculations, what is a crucial step regarding aircraft weight?

Calculating the weight of the aircraft is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with operational limits. Weighing the aircraft accurately provides the current weight, which is necessary for determining whether it falls within the specified weight limitations for flight. This step aids in understanding how much payload (passengers, cargo) and fuel can be safely carried while maintaining control and performance of the aircraft.

Accurate weight knowledge influences critical flight parameters such as takeoff distance, climb rate, and fuel consumption, and is fundamental in flight planning. Without this verified weight, pilots may operate under incorrect assumptions, which can lead to unsafe conditions.

The other steps, while important in flight preparation, depend on having an accurate baseline weight to ensure that all calculations regarding fuel needs, operational restrictions, and payload remain valid. Therefore, weighing the aircraft and recording that data is the first and most critical step before other considerations in flight calculations.