What should be prioritized during the pre-flight checks of an aircraft?

During the pre-flight checks of an aircraft, completing all safety checks and ensuring equipment functionality is paramount. This process is crucial in confirming that the aircraft is in a safe condition for flight and that all systems (such as navigation, communication, and emergency equipment) are operational. Safety checks serve to identify any potential issues that could compromise the safety of the flight, making this step essential in aviation protocols. Prioritizing these checks not only adheres to regulatory requirements but also helps in preventing accidents and incidents during takeoff and flight.

While ensuring the aircraft is clean, confirming the credentialing of ground crew, and checking passenger readiness are important aspects of airport operations, they do not take precedence over the safety checks that are vital for the aircraft's airworthiness. The safety of the aircraft and everyone on board relies on thorough inspections and functionality tests before departure.