What is a crucial step during cockpit preparations regarding flight controls?

During cockpit preparations, ensuring that the flight controls are clear of obstructions before adjustment is a vital step. This process is essential for safety because any obstruction could potentially hinder the full range of motion required for effective control of the aircraft.

Clearing the flight controls helps to confirm that the pilot can freely manipulate the controls during critical phases of flight, such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing. This precaution reduces the risk of accidents caused by improper or incomplete control responses due to physical barriers, ensuring that the pilot has total command of the aircraft's movements.

While synchronization with autopilot, calibration for takeoff, and securing controls are important aspects of cockpit setups, they do not address the immediate need to verify that the controls can be operated without interference. Hence, addressing obstructions takes precedence in ensuring both operational readiness and safety.