## 5 Conclusions  
This study follows a systematic literature review on general aviation (GA) preflight conditions and planning to better understand the contributing factors of a successful flight. Our literature review shows there are only a few studies about the preflight information stage. Most existing research disproportionately focuses on inflight challenges such as adverse weather conditions, diminished situational awareness, and suboptimal risk management by pilots, with scant attention to the preflight phase. Our findings suggest that many weather-related accidents could potentially be prevented with robust preflight planning, underscoring the necessity for enhanced focus in this area. The main dimensions found in this study were identified and gathered in a conceptual framework for preflight planning, which shows the main dimensions a GA pilot must address to perform a successful flight. A particular observation is the delineation between increased automation and the deterioration of pilots' cognitive abilities. This intersection warrants further exploration, particularly concerning how automation's convenience could inadvertently contribute to skills attrition. In response to these insights, we propose a paradigm shift in GA flight license renewal criteria to follow the same criteria for commercial airlines. Current renewal processes should evolve, incorporating comprehensive proficiency checks, which extend beyond practical skill evaluation to include a robust assessment of theoretical knowledge in meteorology and proficiency in using advanced digital tools for flight planning. This  
Figure 6: Conceptual framework for preflight planning. shift is not merely a recommendation; it is a call to action for regulatory bodies and training institutions to reconsider and revamp licensing criteria, thereby harnessing the power of technology to enhance pilot preparedness and flight safety. This study not only sheds light on the overlooked aspects of preflight planning in GA but also charts a course for future research and practice aimed at bolstering flight safety. By reimagining licensing criteria and harnessing the power of technology, the aviation community can make significant strides in enhancing pilot preparedness and, consequently, flight safety. In our study, a primary limitation encountered was the variability in the capability of search engines, which led to discrepancies in research queries. Applying operational research principles and artificial intelligence tools in preflight planning presents a promising frontier. These technological interventions hold the potential to significantly augment pilots' ability to interpret and act on preflight information, thereby elevating safety standards in general aviation. Reflection on the limitations and findings of this study suggests that future research must adopt more sophisticated search strategies to ensure a comprehensive capture of relevant literature. Additionally, further investigation should critically assess the current imbalance in aviation safety research, aiming to develop more holistic safety protocols encompassing both preflight and inflight phases. Conceptualization, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; methodology, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; software, N.M.L. and F.T.N. ; validation, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; formal analysis, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; investigation, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; resources, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; data curation, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; writing--original draft preparation, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; writing--review and editing, N.M.L., F.T.N. and M.A. ; visualization, N.M.L. ; supervision, F.T.N. and M.A. ; funding acquisition, M.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This research was funded by FCT--Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia, I.P. (Portugal), under research grant UIDB/04152/2020--Centro de Investigacao em Gestao de Informacao (MagIC). Not applicable. The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The authors declare conflicts of interest.