BLITTS is a

mnemonic A mnemonic ( ) device, or memory device, is any learning technique that aids information retention or retrieval (remembering) in the human memory for better understanding. Mnemonics make use of elaborative encoding, retrieval cues, and imag ...

used by some

aircraft An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines ...

pilots to run an aircraft checklist during line-up or before lining up to

takeoff Takeoff is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle leaves the ground and becomes airborne. For aircraft traveling vertically, this is known as liftoff. For aircraft that take off horizontally, this usually involves starting with a t ...

. Aviation Mnemonics from Cram.com
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Definition

The mnemonic is interpreted as: * Boost Pump - If the aircraft requires the fuel boost pump to be on for takeoff operations, this is the reminder to turn on this switch or otherwise enable the pump or check that it has been enabled, * Lights - As required. While a beacon strobe would typically already be on, other lights such as the landing light, navigation lights and perhaps others may be desirable as well, * Instruments - All instruments are set and ready for flight. What this entails will vary by aircraft and its specific installed equipment, * Transponder - Prior to takeoff, the

transponder In telecommunications, a transponder is a device that, upon receiving a signal, emits a different signal in response. The term is a blend word, blend of ''transmitter'' and ''responder''. In air navigation or radio frequency identification, a T ...

typically must be set to 'on' and additionally into a proper mode. Though some transponders will automatically activate into the appropriate mode based on a trigger aircraft airspeed, this point also serves to remind pilots to check the appropriate code is set on the transponder, * Takeoff Time - It is considered a best practice to note the takeoff time for planning purposes; such as navigation and fuel burn, even if electronic instruments are being used, * Seatbelts - Seatbelts and shoulder harness secure.

References

Aviation mnemonics Aviation safety {{aviation-stub