Prior to takeoff - U.S. Coast guard photo

PACIFIC OCEAN - Petty Officer 1st Class Joe McGuire, an aviation maintenance technician, checks an overhead component within an MH-65D Dolphin helicopter prior to take off aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, April 15, 2012.
Before taking off, air crewmembers check various electrical and mechanical elements inside and outside an aircraft to ensure they work properly during the flight. Adding to the final checks, the aircrew had to ensure a safe lift-off from the Waesche flight deck, which can be more challenging due to the motion of the boat caused by waves.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony L. Soto