What is the primary purpose of conducting a Pre-Flight Inspection?

The primary purpose of conducting a Pre-Flight Inspection is to ensure safety and operational readiness. This crucial procedure involves a systematic check of the aircraft’s systems and components before flight to detect any potential issues that could affect flight safety or performance. Inspections look at critical elements such as control surfaces, instrumentation, and overall aircraft condition. By confirming that everything is functioning properly, the crew can identify and address any discrepancies, ensuring that the aircraft is safe to operate. This proactive approach reduces risks associated with mechanical failures during flight, thereby enhancing passenger safety and maintaining operational integrity.

The other options, while related to the overall flight preparation process, do not encompass the full scope of reasons behind conducting a Pre-Flight Inspection. Checking fuel levels is a part of the broader set of checks, but it does not cover the entire purpose of ensuring safety and readiness. Documenting maintenance history and preparing flight plans are important aspects of flight operations but do not directly pertain to the Pre-Flight Inspection's goal of assessing the aircraft's condition immediately prior to flying.