How should the igniter of the MK124 flare be handled during pre-flight?

During pre-flight checks, the igniter of the MK124 flare should remain in its stowed position to ensure safety and prevent unintentional activation. The stowed position protects the igniter from being disturbed or accidentally activated as the flare is prepared for use. Keeping it secure ensures that it functions properly when needed without risk during handling prior to deployment.

While it might seem intuitive to check or inspect the igniter, doing so when it is not secured poses unnecessary safety risks. The guidelines prioritize the prevention of accidents, which is central to pre-flight protocol and overall safety measures when handling pyrotechnic devices like the MK124.