Centaurus # 28 - For example, when my instructor sent me on my first solo which was in a Tiger Moth at the all over field at Bankstown yonks ago, I lined up - saw the green light from the tower and had a quick look around for aircraft on short final and then opened the throttle.
I had real good eye sight in those days. In today's jargon I would have to mutter to myself through the Gosport Tube (Google it if you wish) to check the various Threats like the Moth just landed on the grass in front of me and about to turn crosswind before taxiing. I would manage that Threat by temporarily disregarding the steady green light until the pesky Moth had definitely stopped and not about to taxi into my take off path.
Good catch Centaurus. I am enjoying the 'airmanship' thread, stirring tales of derring –do and extraordinary circumstances bringing about the superb skills. But the above quote, for my two bob, defines "Airmanship"; situational awareness, practical sense, a better than vague idea of what is actually occurring and knowing how to assess, address and reduce the risks in any situation.