CIGAR (aviation)

Last updated September 05, 2025

CIGAR or CIGARS is a mnemonic that refers to a pre-takeoff checklist performed by general aviation pilots. The mnemonic stands for:^[1]

Controls
Instruments
Gas
Airplane secure
Run-up.

Alternately:^[2]

Controls
Instruments
Gas
Attitude
Run-up

Yet another version was used by the U.S. Air Force:^[3]

CIGarettes For The Poor Russian Soldiers:

Controls
Instruments
Gas
Flaps
Trim
Prop
Radios
Straps.

References

↑ Flightinfo.com (2007). "Checklists". Archived from the original on 2010-02-16. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
↑ Whittsflying (n.d.). "Preflight and Checklists". Archived from the original on 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
↑ Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (April 1998). "Mnemonics". Archived from the original on 1998-12-05. Retrieved 2010-02-26.

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[TheHangar-1] Flightinfo.com (2007). "Checklists". Archived from the original on 2010-02-16. Retrieved 2010-02-26.

[Whitts-2] Whittsflying (n.d.). "Preflight and Checklists". Archived from the original on 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2010-02-26.

[AOPA-3] Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (April 1998). "Mnemonics". Archived from the original on 1998-12-05. Retrieved 2010-02-26.

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