For safety considerations, how often should an operations check be completed in flight?

The correct frequency for conducting an operations check in flight is every 20 minutes. This interval is established to ensure that the aircraft's systems remain within operational parameters and that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. Conducting an operations check every 20 minutes allows the pilot to regularly assess critical flight parameters, such as engine performance, fuel levels, and other essential systems, thereby enhancing safety and operational integrity.

This routine check also helps the pilot maintain situational awareness and ensures that any deviations from normal operation can be corrected before they lead to a more serious problem. While more frequent checks might seem beneficial, they could lead to unnecessary distractions and increase the workload on the pilot, potentially detracting from their ability to focus on flying the aircraft safely. On the other hand, checks less frequent than 20 minutes could result in overlooking developing issues, which would compromise safety. Thus, every 20 minutes strikes a proper balance between vigilance and operational efficiency.