What do pilots typically monitor to ensure safe operations during flight?

Pilots typically monitor aircraft weight and balance to ensure safe operations during flight because these factors directly affect the aircraft's performance, stability, and safety. Proper weight distribution is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring that the aircraft can achieve the desired performance parameters, such as takeoff distance, climb rate, and fuel efficiency.

Monitoring weight and balance helps the pilot determine if the aircraft is within the allowable limits specified in the aircraft's manual. An aircraft that is improperly loaded can lead to adverse flight characteristics, such as poor handling or an inability to climb effectively after takeoff. Therefore, before any flight, a thorough calculation and verification process are performed related to weight and balance.

While gear retraction timing and external temperature are important considerations in flight operations, they do not have the overarching impact on overall aircraft performance and safety that weight and balance do. Gear retraction impacts efficiency primarily during the climb phase, and external temperature can affect performance but is just one of many factors pilots must consider. Thus, monitoring weight and balance is essential for ensuring safe flight operations.