What is the proper sequence of checklist items prior to takeoff for the Longitude 700?

• A. Cabin secure, flight controls set, doors/aisles clear, weight & balance verified, fuel and engine checks, flaps, lighting, transponder.
• B. Weight & balance last.
• C. Transponder off.
• D. Fuel checks after takeoff.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is following a thorough, safety-centered pre-takeoff sequence so the aircraft is configured and verified before any runway decision is made. The sequence that best fits this is to secure the cabin, set the flight controls, clear doors and aisles, verify weight and balance, perform fuel and engine checks, set flaps, confirm lighting, and then configure the transponder. This order starts with safety and crew readiness (making sure everyone is strapped in and the cabin is clear), then ensures the primary flight controls are ready for takeoff, and that there’s a clear path for emergency egress. Verifying weight and balance comes next because it directly affects performance and acceleration, climb rate, and stall margins, so it should be confirmed before you commit to takeoff configuration. Fuel and engine checks follow to confirm you have the right quantities and that the engines are healthy before you proceed. Setting flaps to the appropriate takeoff configuration and ensuring proper lighting prepares the aircraft for the actual takeoff sequence and visibility, and finally the transponder is set for ATC surveillance and squawking. This flow ensures you don’t miss critical readiness items and that performance and compliance are verified before taxi and takeoff.

Why the other options don’t fit: placing weight and balance last would leave you with an unknown or incorrect takeoff performance, which is unsafe. turning the transponder off contradicts standard ATC procedures and visibility requirements, and performing fuel checks after takeoff postpones essential verification that could affect safety.