Which of the following is a critical piece of information to forward related to the aircraft's operational status?

The critical piece of information to forward related to the aircraft's operational status is the destination airport. This information is essential for air traffic control and other relevant authorities to understand where the aircraft is intending to land, which is key for flight planning, traffic management, and safety protocols. Knowing the destination allows controllers to provide appropriate routing, allocate resources, and manage airspace effectively.

In contrast, the pilot's personal information does not directly impact the aircraft's operational status. While it might be necessary for clearance and identification purposes, it is not critical in the same operational context. Passenger details are also not vital for communicating operational status, as they pertain more to the service aspect of the flight rather than its safety or navigation. Aircraft inspection records, while important for maintenance and safety checks, are not as immediately relevant to the flight's current operational status as the destination airport. Thus, focusing on the destination airport ensures that all operational considerations are adequately addressed.