What component of a pre-flight checklist addresses the aircraft's fuel levels?

The component of a pre-flight checklist that specifically addresses the aircraft's fuel levels is the fuel and oil levels checks. This part of the checklist is critical because verifying the fuel levels ensures that the aircraft has sufficient fuel for the planned flight, accounting for both the anticipated consumption and any reserve requirements. It helps to prevent fuel exhaustion during flight, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Regularly checking fuel levels is part of ensuring overall aircraft safety and operational readiness. In addition to fuel levels, this component often includes checks of the oil levels, which is equally important as proper lubrication is necessary for the engine to operate correctly. By including both fuel and oil in this check, it ensures that all aspects related to the engine's operational health are addressed before takeoff.

The other choices, while relevant to safety and operational readiness, do not specifically focus on the critical issue of fuel levels. Performance checks focus on various aspects of aircraft performance, safety equipment checks verify emergency gear and systems, and weight and balance calculations ensure that the aircraft is loaded correctly. While all these factors contribute to safe operations, they do not directly monitor fuel levels, which is the primary concern of fuel and oil levels checks.