What should be checked as part of a proper pre-flight assessment?

A proper pre-flight assessment is crucial to ensure the safety and performance of an aircraft. Checking all control surfaces and their linkage attachment is vital because these components directly affect the aircraft's ability to respond to pilot inputs. Control surfaces, such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders, are essential for maneuvering the aircraft in the air. If these surfaces are not functioning properly or are not securely attached, it could lead to a loss of control during flight, posing significant risks to safety.

While the weight and balance of the aircraft, passenger seating arrangements, and weather conditions at the destination are all important aspects of pre-flight checks, they do not specifically relate to the operational integrity of the aircraft's flight control system. Understanding the connection between control surfaces and flight safety emphasizes why this check is indispensable in a comprehensive pre-flight assessment.