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Lights, Camera, Action!

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots often use the "Lights - Camera - Action" mnemonic for critical pre-takeoff checks after receiving takeoff clearance, covering external lighting (landing light and strobe, timed to avoid blinding others), transponder to "alt" mode, and final engine/control settings.
  • The article also suggests an additional "SHT" quicklist for pilots departing into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), verifying suction, heading, and departure time.
  • Finally, pilots are reminded to continuously monitor engine gauges (CHT, oil pressure/temp) and confirm airspeed during the takeoff roll for a safe ascent.
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Pilots longing to indulge their inner filmmaker must love the shorthand before-takeoff checklist “Lights – Camera – Action.” If you aren’t familiar with this handy mnemonic, it’s intended to be recited immediately after receiving takeoff clearance and rolling past the hold-short line onto the active runway (or making the call on the common traffic advisory frequency) and includes final to-do items you won’t have time to read from a written checklist. Here’s what it means:

Lights – turn on your required external lighting, i.e. landing light and strobe.

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