What should be included in pre-flight planning according to the FOM?

Pre-flight planning is a critical phase in ensuring a safe and effective flight operation. The inclusion of weather assessments and route evaluations is paramount as these factors significantly influence flight safety and operational efficiency. Understanding the weather conditions—such as wind patterns, temperatures, and forecasts—allows flight crews to make informed decisions about the best routes to take, altitudes to fly, and potential hazards to avoid.

Additionally, route evaluations help identify the most efficient paths, considering air traffic, airspace restrictions, and other operational variables. Together, these components form the backbone of pre-flight planning, ensuring the flight is not only compliant with regulations but also optimized for safety and performance.

The other options do not contribute to effective pre-flight planning. Personal expenses, passenger preferences, or simplified checklists while interesting, are not necessary components of safety and operational planning for a flight.