Why is it crucial to check fuel quality before flight?

Checking fuel quality before flight is vital primarily to ensure safe engine operation and prevent failures. Fuel quality affects the performance and reliability of the aircraft's engine. Contaminated or substandard fuel can lead to a range of issues, including engine misfires, power losses, or even total engine failure during flight.

Ensuring that the fuel meets specific quality standards helps maintain the aircraft's safety and operational integrity. It includes checking for water contamination, particulates, and verifying fuel type against what is recommended for the aircraft. This proactive measure is crucial as it protects both the crew and passengers, ensuring that the aircraft operates efficiently and safely.

While minimizing fuel costs and complying with regulations are important factors in fuel management, they do not directly impact the immediate safety and performance of the aircraft in the same way that fuel quality does. Similarly, while determining the fuel's color may provide some insights, it is not a robust indicator of fuel quality relevant to engine performance and safety.