What is the first step if the "Master Caution" light activates during flight?

When the "Master Caution" light activates during flight, the first step is to identify all caution alerts. This is essential to understand the nature of the issue that has triggered the warning and to assess how it might affect the flight. The system generates the "Master Caution" to signal the pilot that there is a condition that requires attention, and by identifying the specific caution alerts, the pilot can evaluate the severity and take appropriate measures.

Continuing with the flight plan without addressing the caution alerts could be hazardous, as there may be critical information indicating a problem that needs immediate attention. Landing immediately may not be necessary or the best course of action, especially if the alerts indicate a non-critical issue. Switching to manual control does not address the underlying problem indicated by the caution alerts, and understanding the situation fully is crucial before making such a decision. Therefore, identifying all caution alerts is the most appropriate first step in responding to the "Master Caution" light activation.