To avoid and escape ice, what should pilots ensure during preflight?

To effectively avoid and escape ice, pilots need to ensure comprehensive preflight preparations, particularly focusing on weather conditions and aircraft inspections. Thorough weather assessments allow pilots to stay informed about current and forecasted conditions, including potential icing areas, while detailed aircraft inspections ensure that all components are functioning correctly and that the aircraft is adequately equipped for the anticipated flight conditions. This includes checking de-icing and anti-icing systems, if applicable, and understanding the aircraft's capabilities in relation to icing encounters. By prioritizing these critical checks, pilots can make more informed decisions that enhance safety during flight. Evaluating systems on standby, limiting flights to shorter durations, or simply ensuring sufficient fuel does not directly address the specific threats posed by icing and therefore is not as effective in preparing for potential hazards associated with ice during flight.