During an overheat situation, what is the priority action to protect the avionics systems?

In an overheat situation, the priority action is to shut down the affected systems. This is essential as overheating can cause damage to avionics systems and other aircraft components that are critical for safe operation. By shutting down the systems that are experiencing overheating, you can prevent further damage or potential failure.

Taking this immediate action helps to protect the integrity of the avionics and ensures that they remain operational for the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. It is crucial to act swiftly to manage the situation effectively, thereby minimizing the risk of compromised systems that could lead to more severe issues.

While monitoring indicator lights is important for awareness, it does not directly mitigate the immediate risk of damage. Switching to a backup power supply or increasing cabin pressure are not primary actions to address an overheat concern and might not be relevant in mitigating the specific threat posed by the overheating systems. Thus, shutting down the affected systems directly addresses the source of the danger and is the most logical and effective response.