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Lights, Camera, Action!

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Lights - Camera - Action" mnemonic is a critical pre-takeoff checklist used by pilots upon entering the active runway.
  • This checklist details: activating landing and strobe "Lights," setting the transponder to "alt" mode ("Camera"), and confirming "Action" such as mixture, flaps, trim, fuel pump, and applying takeoff power.
  • Pilots are also advised to use supplemental quicklists (like "SHT") for specific departure scenarios and to monitor engine gauges and airspeed during the takeoff roll for safety.
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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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