Before starting the engine, what should a pilot do first?

The primary action a pilot should take before starting the engine is to conduct a pre-flight inspection. This thorough examination of the aircraft ensures all systems are functioning properly and confirms that there are no safety hazards before operating the aircraft. During the pre-flight inspection, the pilot checks for fuel levels, control surfaces, and overall readiness of the aircraft to ensure it is in a safe state for flight.

Turning on the anti-collision lights helps to enhance visibility once the engine starts but is not the first priority. Checking updated weather is essential for flight planning, but this step generally occurs after the aircraft is deemed airworthy. Setting and winding the aircraft clock can be done at any point before or during pre-flight preparations but does not take precedence over ensuring the aircraft is safe to fly. Therefore, conducting a pre-flight inspection is the most critical initial step in the process before starting the engine.