What should be the pilot's first action if a warning light activates suddenly?

The pilot's first action when a warning light activates suddenly should be to follow emergency procedures. This response is crucial because warning lights are designed to indicate potentially serious issues that could affect the safety of the flight. By adhering to established emergency procedures, pilots ensure that they are systematically addressing the situation based on guidelines that have been developed through extensive operational experience and safety analysis.

Immediate troubleshooting might seem reasonable, but it can lead to delays or distract from addressing a critical issue effectively. Checking the operations manual can provide valuable information, but this often requires time and might not be practical in an urgent scenario. Ignoring the light, even if it appears to activate infrequently, poses a significant risk; any warning light indicates that the aircraft's systems are detecting an abnormal condition that requires immediate attention. Therefore, prioritizing emergency procedures ensures the safety of the flight and adheres to best practices in aviation.