Useful Aviation Mnemonics

Here are some handy mnemonics that pilot use to help verify the completion of certain tasks. Of course, conscientious checklist usage should be primary, but these can also help. CIGAR Runup/Ground Check C controls check I instruments set G gas (proper tank, pump on, etc) A attitude (flaps, trim, etc.) R runup LCA Before Takeoff LIGHTS strobes, navs, landing CAMERA transponder (so ATC can "see" you) ACTION any other actions to be performed like boost pump on, control checks, flaps and trim set, etc. BLITTS Line-Up Check B boost pump on L lights as required I instruments set T transponder on T takeoff time noted S seat, belts, doors secured FLARE Enroute F flaps set (if extended during takeoff) L lights as required A auxiliary fuel pump off (if on for departure) R radar transponder on E engine (lean mixture when at altitude) GUMPS Before Landing G gas (proper tank, pump on or off, etc.) U undercarriage M mixture set P prop set and/or primer in/locked S switches (lights, pitot heat, etc.) Note: add C in front of GUMPS for carb heat (becomes "Charlie GUMPS") MPG Before Landing M mixture set P prop set G three green (gear down) CCCC Go Around C cram it (full throttle) C clean it (flaps up) C cool it (cowl flaps) C call it (make radio call) Note: if your aircraft has carb heat rather than cowl flaps, use that for "cool it." FACTS After Landing F flaps up A auxiliary fuel pump off C cowl flaps T transponder standby S switches (pitot heat, lights, etc.) FLARE After Landing F flaps up L lights as required A auxiliary fuel pump off R radar transponder standby E check for ELT activation MIDGET After Landing M master off I ignition off D doors/windows locked G gust lock installed E ELT off T tiedown plane TTTTTT (IFR) Crossing a Fix / Approach T turn to proper headnig T time hold or approach T twist OBS knob to inbound course T throttle adjustments, as required T talk - procedure turn inbound, entering the hold, etc. WIRETAP (IFR) Nearing Destination W Weather (AWOS, ATIS, ASOS, etc.) I instruments set R radios tuned E elevation (check final approach fix altitude) T talk to ATC A altitudes for decision height or minimum descent altitude P procedure for missed approach APTATEN (IFR) I tems in Sequence A aircraft identification P position (name of fix) T time crossing fix A altitude T type of flight plan E ETA at next reporting point N name of next reporting point HAMSACC (IFR) Required Reported Items H holding (time and altitude) A altitude changes M missed approach S safety of flight (if anything affects it) A airspeed changes (of 5% or 10kts) C communication or navigation capability loss C climb rate (when unable to maintain 500fpm)