What is a requirement before starting a land aircraft?

The requirement that "a competent person must be in the pilot seat" is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of a land aircraft. This condition ensures that the individual in control of the aircraft possesses the necessary training, certification, and skills to manage the aircraft during the various phases of operation, including taxiing, takeoff, and landing. Safety management and risk mitigation in aviation heavily rely on having a qualified pilot at the controls to make informed decisions and execute maneuvers appropriately.

While ensuring that all passengers are secured, the aircraft being parked on a stable surface, and having adequate fuel levels are all important safety practices, they do not directly guarantee that the aircraft can be operated safely. If an unqualified person were in the pilot seat, even with all passengers secure or the aircraft appropriately fueled and parked, the possibility of accidents or mishaps would significantly increase. Therefore, having a competent pilot is the foundational requirement before commencing any aircraft operation.