Flying is a very exciting and thrilling hobby or job. But it definitely should not be taken as an easy thing to do. Pilots have their work cut out for them every time they step foot in the cockpit. That is why it’s super important for pilots to keep their cool and not to panic when things go south. There are a couple objectives that all pilots and maybe even passengers should do before taking flight.

1. Make sure that you, as the pilot, are good and safe to fly. Make sure to not follow the hazardous attitudes of: anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation. Also, making sure you are not fatigued or sick in any way.
2. Check the weather prior to heading to the airport and also before you take flight. Makes sure to look at the METAR and TAFs any NOTAMs or AIRMET/SIGMETs. Most importantly, make sure to listen to the ATIS before departing.
3. When you are in the cockpit, make safe decision with logic behind every decision. Follow the checklists in the cockpit designed for safe operations. Give all of the passengers and crew a safety briefing of the flight and of the aircraft. Also, pertinent weather information is important and should be notified to everyone in the aircraft  
4. Make sure to have enough fuel for the entire flight and at least 30 minutes of extra fuel in case of alternate routing or emergencies. 
5. If any severe weather pops up en route to the destination, plan accordingly and make a safe decision to bypass the weather. 
6. If the weather is not looking good at the destination airport, then make sure to have an alternate airport to land at.
7. Always be one step ahead of the aircraft when flying. Make sure that you as the pilot, are in control of the aircraft and to not let the aircraft control you.