What must a pilot-in-command obtain as part of preflight planning for a flight within fuel range?

Obtaining weather reports and fuel requirements is critical for a pilot-in-command as part of preflight planning. Weather reports provide essential information about current and forecasted conditions along the intended flight path, enabling the pilot to make informed decisions regarding safety and flight operations. Additionally, understanding fuel requirements is vital to ensure that the aircraft has sufficient fuel not only for the trip but also for reserves during the flight, including any unexpected changes like weather diversions or delays. These elements are crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight, aligning with regulatory requirements and best practices in aviation.

Other considerations, such as flight manual updates or route confirmations, while important in specific contexts, are not as directly related to immediate operational safety as the weather and fuel specifics are. Passenger count, while it has implications for weight and balance, is secondary to the essential operational factors of weather and fuel management in preflight planning.