What should you do if a piece of emergency equipment is missing during your preflight?

In the context of preflight checks for emergency equipment, the appropriate action when noticing that a piece of emergency equipment is missing is to immediately notify the Pilot in Command (PIC). This is crucial because the PIC is responsible for the safety and security of the flight, including ensuring all safety and emergency protocols are in place. By informing the PIC right away, they can make informed decisions about whether to delay the flight, initiate a search for the missing equipment, or take other necessary actions to ensure crew and passenger safety.

Reporting the missing equipment allows for quick assessment and action, ensuring that all regulatory and safety standards are maintained. This approach prioritizes passenger safety over other considerations, such as simply making a note of the issue or trying to substitute the missing equipment, which could compromise safety during an emergency. Timely communication with the PIC is essential for effective emergency management in aviation.