How often should pilots perform maintenance checks on their aircraft?

Performing maintenance checks before each flight as part of a pre-flight inspection is crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. This practice allows pilots to identify any potential issues, ensuring that the aircraft is in proper working condition before takeoff. Checking items such as fuel levels, control surfaces, and systems can prevent malfunctions during flight, thereby enhancing overall safety.

Conducting maintenance checks only when a malfunction is noticed fails to ensure proactive safety measures, which could lead to unsafe situations if an issue arises unexpectedly. While some checks, such as thorough inspections, might occur weekly or on a set schedule, the immediate and routine nature of the pre-flight inspection directly addresses safety just before operation, making it a fundamental part of aviation protocol.