Flying Tip

Flying tip of the day. Never throw a switch or open a valve without looking for and confirming a corresponding action associated with the switch has taken place. An example.... switching on wing or engine anti ice will show a corresponding drop in EPR due to the bleed air loss. Check your EPR gauge when throwing the switch to confirm the valve has opened. A valve in trasit light or a vlave open light may be associated with a switch as well. Always check the corresponding light has illuminated. Electrically powered items will show an increase in electrical load. Never operate a fuel valve when switching tanks or crossfeeding without looking at the fuel pressure/flow gauge. If you notice a drop in fuel pressure you may be able to switch the fuel valve back to the previous tank before a loss of power has occured. If I see a pilot in the simulator throw a switch without looking for a proper response I fail that item every time.

This tip applies to every switch/lever/valve in the cockpit. Don't perform an action without looking for an appropriate response. It will pay off one day. It's saved me on a few occasions.