Where is the crash axe located during preflight checks?

The crash axe is located behind the pilot's seat during preflight checks for several important reasons related to both accessibility and safety. In an emergency situation, particularly during a crash or fire, the pilot needs to have immediate access to the crash axe to facilitate rapid evacuation or to cut through obstacles such as damaged cockpit doors or seatbelts.

Positioning the crash axe behind the pilot's seat ensures that it is within reach of the pilot while still being secured to prevent it from becoming a projectile during flight. Additionally, this location maintains compliance with safety regulations that specify emergency equipment should be easily accessible in critical scenarios.

Other locations, such as under the co-pilot's seat or in the overhead bin, may delay access during emergencies due to the time required to retrieve the axe. Similarly, storing it in the cabin storage area does not provide the immediate access necessary for the pilot to respond swiftly to an urgent situation.