What should pilots avoid when stowing items in the cockpit?

When considering what pilots should avoid when stowing items in the cockpit, it is crucial to ensure that stowed items do not interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft. Stowing items under the ejection seat, while it may seem harmless, can lead to complications in an emergency situation where the ejection seat needs to be deployed. If items are packed tightly or obstructively under the ejection seat, they could potentially hinder the pilot's ability to escape quickly and effectively, which is critical during an emergency. Therefore, keeping that area clear is essential for safety.

In contrast, the other options present specific safety hazard concerns that are also important but may not carry the same immediate criticality as the ejection seat. Items on the flight controls could interfere with maneuvering the aircraft, items near access doors may obstruct entrances or exits, and items around fuel gauges may complicate monitoring fuel levels. However, the urgency of maintaining ejection seat clearance positions the avoidance of stowing items there as particularly significant.