Before flying an unfamiliar aircraft, what should a pilot do?

Reviewing the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) of the unfamiliar aircraft is essential for a pilot before flying. The POH provides crucial information specific to that aircraft, such as its operational limitations, performance data, weight and balance information, fuel consumption rates, and emergency procedures. Understanding these details ensures that the pilot can operate the aircraft safely and within the manufacturer's guidelines.

Learning about the aircraft's systems and limitations prepares the pilot for various phases of flight and enables them to react appropriately in different situations. A thorough review of the POH helps the pilot develop an understanding of how the aircraft behaves and what to expect during normal and abnormal operations.

Other actions, such as checking weather conditions, performing a pre-flight inspection, and contacting air traffic control, are also important aspects of flight preparation. However, they are supplementary steps that do not provide the foundational knowledge specific to the aircraft itself, which is critical for safety in an unfamiliar aircraft.