Some times, preparing the cockpit before a flight means finding a make-shift cup holder for my iced coffee!
The cockpit setup is really the process of making the cockpit you-friendly prior to flying. The obvious first step is plugging in your headset. But that is just the beginning! For me, this process includes removing my wallet and keys from my pants pockets to my flight bag. Additionally, I will set up a suction-cup window phone mount to hold my iPhone so I can utilize the ForeFlight GPS capabilities. Any time I utilize ForeFlight I ensure that I connect my cigarette-lighter USB charger and then make sure the charger cable doesn’t interfere with the flight controls.
This process also includes items such as setting the sunshield where I want to have it positioned. Then I set the seat height to the appropriate location. For the Cessna172S model, that I flew for the majority of my flight instruction, that was 7 cranks of the lever from the lowest setting.
These items are all things that should be accomplished prior to climbing aboard the aircraft. This will make life easier once in the airplane. Rather than having to deal with being cramped and not set up. It is best to have these things completed prior to starting the aircraft so that completing the items don’t become a distraction during the taxi or during flight. Again, the more you can accomplish prior to starting the aircraft the fewer distractions you will have in your way. Remember, there is no need to rush, taking your time to get set up appropriately from the beginning will make your life (and flight) easier!