What should be verified with the pilot prior to beginning an approach?

Verifying the current weather prior to beginning an approach is essential for several reasons. Weather conditions can significantly impact both the flight safety and the approach strategy used by pilots. For instance, visibility, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and potential weather phenomena (such as turbulence or thunderstorms) can all influence how the approach will be conducted, including whether the approach can be safely completed or if an alternate route needs to be considered.

Understanding the current weather helps pilots make informed decisions regarding the landing, including the type of approach to use (precision or non-precision), whether to execute a go-around, and what landing techniques may be necessary under specific conditions. This knowledge is critical to ensuring both the safety of the flight and compliance with air traffic control instructions.

The other aspects, while important in their own right, do not have the immediate and critical impact on the safety of the approach as the current weather does. Flight plan details, aircraft weight, and altitude restrictions are also important considerations but are generally addressed earlier in the flight profile or may not vary as quickly as weather conditions do.