What is an essential requirement during preflight checks for crew members?

Thoroughly checking weather reports and NOTAMs is crucial during preflight checks for crew members because these elements provide vital information about current flight conditions and any pertinent notices to airmen. Weather reports will inform the crew about conditions such as visibility, wind, turbulence, and any severe weather phenomena that could impact the safety of the flight. NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) communicate important updates regarding airspace restrictions, runway closures, and other operational changes that may affect the safety and routing of the flight. This information is essential for making informed decisions about the flight and ensuring that the crew is prepared for any potential issues that could arise during the flight.

While safety equipment verification is important, it is not listed as an essential requirement compared to the critical nature of understanding weather and operational notices. Maintenance on personal devices and reviewing in-flight meal selections are also not priorities in the context of ensuring flight safety, making the thorough check of weather and NOTAMs the most critical preflight task among the provided options.