What should a pilot check regarding the airworthiness certificate during preflight?

During preflight checks, it is essential for a pilot to ensure the airworthiness certificate is legible to passengers. This is important because passengers should be able to see and understand that the aircraft has been certified as airworthy and meets the necessary standards for safe operation. The airworthiness certificate serves as assurance for both the pilot and passengers that the aircraft is fit for flight.

While aspects like the expiration date, the signature of the issuing authority, and weight and balance information are crucial for operational safety and compliance, the specific focus on legibility underscores the importance of transparency with passengers regarding the aircraft’s certification. Ensuring passengers can see this information contributes to their confidence in the safety of their flight experience.