What should you do if you discover something wrong or missing during the pre-flight check?

When you discover something wrong or missing during the pre-flight check, notifying the Captain and writing a message to the flight crew is the appropriate course of action. This ensures that all safety protocols are followed and that any issues are documented properly. The Captain is responsible for the overall safety of the flight and needs to be made aware of any irregularities.

Writing a message to the flight crew helps ensure that all relevant personnel are informed about the issue, allowing for proper assessment and resolution. This method of communication fosters transparency and accountability within the flight operations, making it clear that an issue has been formally addressed.

Taking immediate action without proper communication could lead to overlooking a critical safety issue, while ignoring minor discrepancies could result in more significant problems later. Reporting to ground staff may be appropriate in some contexts, but it does not ensure that the flight crew can address the issue before takeoff. Therefore, keeping all team members informed through the correct channels is vital for maintaining safety and efficiency in aviation operations.