The preflight inspection is a thorough and systematic means by which a pilot determines if the aircraft is airworthy and in condition for safe operation.
AIM 5-1-1 Preflight Preparation
PHAK Ch-02 (6) Risk: Assessing and Mitigating
PHAK Ch-09 (8) Aircraft Inspections
AFH Ch-02 (2) Preflight Assessment of the Aircraft 2-2 through 2-9
AFH Ch-10 (6) Preparation and Preflight
91.103 Preflight action
91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness
Cessna 172 PIM Section 4 Preflight Inspection
Cessna SOPM 1-30 Section 1-2: Pre-Flight Procedures
FOM 4.5 - Aircraft Pre-flight Inspection
Private Pilot ACS Page 12 Task A. Preflight Assessment