What must be ensured before entering the cockpit?

Before entering the cockpit of the Super Hornet, it is critical to ensure that the seats and canopy jettison handles are pinned. This safety precaution is essential for preventing accidental activation of the ejection seats, which could lead to serious injury or unintended ejection during ground operations or pre-flight checks.

Pinning the seats and canopy jettison handles adds an extra layer of safety for personnel entering the cockpit and ensures that the ejection mechanism remains inoperative until it is intentionally needed. Proper protocol dictates that all safety measures be in place before personnel access the cockpit, emphasizing the importance of following established procedures to maintain a safe working environment.

While functional instruments, battery charge, and operational external lights are important factors for overall aircraft readiness, they do not have the same immediate implication for personnel safety as securing the seats and canopy jettison handles.