When should a plane test be performed?

• A. Before use
• B. During use
• C. Any of the above
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

Testing a plane is about safety through timely checks. You should perform a plane test before you begin using it to confirm that it’s properly configured, has no obvious defects, and is ready for operation. You should also perform it during use when conditions change or you have reason to suspect something might be off, so you can catch developing issues early. If you only test before use, wear, damage, or mounting shifts that happen during operation could go unnoticed. If you only test during use, you might start out with a fault that wasn’t detected, which could be dangerous. So the best practice is that a plane test can be conducted either before use or during use, depending on the situation and protocol.