Which preflight item provides essential information for flight planning, including airports and services?

• A. Airport Facility Directory
• B. Weather
• C. Notices to Airman
• D. Weight and Balance

Answer: (A)

Preflight planning relies on a reliable source of airport and service information. The Airport Facility Directory is the go-to resource because it compiles detailed data for each airport, including available services (fuel, maintenance, hangars), operating hours, runway and taxiway specifics, radio frequencies, and other essential facilities. This makes it the best choice for planning where you can land, what services you can access, and how to contact the field.

Weather provides conditions that affect planning, but it doesn’t give the baseline information about airports and the services they offer. NOTAMs alert you to temporary hazards or closures, not the regular services at an airport. Weight and Balance focuses on how the aircraft is loaded, not on airport facilities or services.