<<I'd be surprised if any reasonable modern aircraft operating handbook
wouldn't include that as a key check-list item.>> (Lancair list posting)

I don't know if the Cardinal RG is a "reasonably modern" aircraft or not,
but the POH does not suggest using the electric pump on takeoff.  I wouldn't
be surprised if it wasn't because they thought the expensive high pressure
electric pump (fuel injection) has a limited operating life and they knew I
would forget to turn it off.  The indicator light on the Lancair would make
the difference.  I wonder if I should put one on my Cardinal - sounds like a
good thing to do.  We did have an engine failure caused by the fuel system
and my partner flying it DID NOT remember to try the electric pump.  It
wouldn't have done any good anyway, but using it more often might trigger
one's brain to think of it quicker in an emergency.

Gary Casey
C177RG, Lancair project