What must a CFI check before beginning a flight lesson?

Before initiating a flight lesson, it's crucial for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to assess several critical factors to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. Checking weather conditions is vital, as adverse weather can significantly impact flight safety and the quality of instruction. Understanding aircraft airworthiness ensures that the aircraft is fit for flight, which involves verifying that it meets safety standards and is free of mechanical issues. Additionally, confirming fuel levels is essential because inadequate fuel can lead to emergency situations. Evaluating student readiness helps the instructor gauge whether the student is mentally and physically prepared for the lesson, which can influence the success of the training session.

The other options, while they contain some relevant elements, do not encapsulate the comprehensive checklist that a CFI should follow prior to a flight lesson. Instructor qualifications and training history are important but are typically reviewed periodically rather than before each flight. Flight destination details and student preferences, while useful for tailoring the lesson, are secondary to the immediate safety and readiness checks. Aircraft maintenance records and air traffic regulations are essential for compliance and safety, but they do not directly address the conditions and preparations for each individual lesson.