Before beginning any clearing turns, what should a pilot ensure?

Before initiating any clearing turns, a pilot should ensure that the airspace is clear. This is crucial for maintaining safety during flight maneuvers. Clearing turns are performed to check for other aircraft, obstacles, or hazards that may not be immediately visible. By confirming that the area is free of traffic and obstacles, the pilot can execute the maneuver safely and without the risk of collision.

While it is also important to have the aircraft in a stable configuration, such as a straight climb, and ensuring that passengers are secure, these factors do not directly relate to the immediate safety concerns of the clearing turns. Engaging the autopilot is not relevant in this context, as clearing turns require active maneuvering by the pilot to visually assess the environment.