What does the FAA require regarding flight planning?

The FAA mandates that all necessary preparations must be completed prior to the flight to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This preparation includes a thorough review of weather conditions, route planning, fuel requirements, and other critical factors that contribute to the safe conduct of the flight. Such comprehensive planning helps pilots anticipate challenges and make informed decisions that are crucial during the operational phase of a flight.

While printed flight plans can be useful, they are not a strict requirement, nor is adjusting plans mid-flight always permissible without considering safety and communication protocols. Thus, the focus on thorough pre-flight preparation underscores the FAA's emphasis on safety and operational readiness.