Dudley Henriques wrote:

This is just one of those "little extras" that every pilot should include in
that last second look around the pit before opening the throttle. With me; I
always made it a point to hestiate for a few seconds for a line up re-check.

Same here. I wait just long enough to let the compass settle, check it
against the DG and against the runway I was cleared to, record the
takeoff time and turn the transponder from standby to ALT. Only takes a
few seconds once you get the procedure down.

I also hope everyone is checking their power indications, vacuum,
alternator, etc. as they commence the takeoff roll, especially if
launching into IMC.

Matt