A-10A Thunderbolt II (BMS)FALCON BMS Startup Checklist · 169 steps
A-10A Thunderbolt II (BMS)
FALCON BMS - 0/169 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
AttackCold War
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II made its first flight on 10 May 1972 and entered USAF service in 1977, purpose-built around the devastating 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon for close air support (CAS) against armoured vehicles. Designed for survivability with redundant systems, titanium armour around the cockpit, and the ability to fly on a single engine or even without hydraulics using manual reversion, the A-10 proved its worth decisively in the Gulf War where it destroyed more than 900 Iraqi tanks. In Falcon BMS, the A-10A represents an early production airframe without the A-10C's advanced glass cockpit, operating with analogue instruments, DSMS for stores management, and the same TF34-powered twin-engine layout optimised for slow, accurate attack work.
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerFairchild Republic
first Flight1972
roleClose air support / Ground attack
crew1 pilot
engines2x GE TF34-GE-100A (9,065 lbf each)
max Speed706 km/h (381 kts)
range4,150 km (2,240 nmi, ferry)
ceiling45,000 ft
weight23,133 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review CAS mission objectives, ROE, threat environment, JTAC contact info, and timeline. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Low-level CAS ops demand good visibility and ceiling. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, kill boxes, and NOTAM restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (min to RTB) and joker fuel (leave target area). Low-altitude ops increase fuel burn significantly. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm Maverick variants, bombs, rockets, gun ammo, and pods match mission requirements. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Data Cartridge (DC) / SteerpointsNOTE: Verify DC contains steerpoints, target coordinates, divert fields, radio presets, and IFF codes. | LOADED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFF CodesNOTE: Set UHF/VHF presets. Brief JTAC frequency. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes and EMCON restrictions. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, and approach frequencies. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power11 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Applies battery power to essential buses. Cockpit instruments partially illuminate. | ON | |
| 02 | Inverter SwitchNOTE: Set to standby power during initial power-up. | STBY | |
| 03 | CanopyCAUTION: Ensure canopy is fully latched before proceeding with power-up. | CLOSED & LATCHED | |
| 04 | Anti-Collision Light | ON | |
| 05 | Navigation Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Cockpit LightingNOTE: Adjust panel, instrument, and flood lighting for conditions. | SET AS NEEDED | |
| 07 | APU Start ButtonNOTE: Hold until APU spools up. APU GEN FAIL light should extinguish within ~30 seconds. | PRESS & HOLD | |
| 08 | APU GeneratorCAUTION: Wait for APU to stabilise before switching generator on. | ON (STABLE) | |
| 09 | Left Generator | PWR | |
| 10 | Right Generator | PWR | |
| 11 | Inverter SwitchNOTE: Switch to NORM once both generators are online. | NORM |
PHS 3 — Avionics Power-Up10 steps
| 01 | Avionics MasterNOTE: Wait ~30 seconds for systems to initialise before proceeding. | ON | |
| 02 | CICU (Central Interface Control Unit)NOTE: Must be powered before IFFCC. Controls communication between avionics. | ON | |
| 03 | IFFCC (Integrated Flight and Fire Control Computer)NOTE: Initiates built-in self-test. Wait for test to complete. | ON | |
| 04 | CDU (Control Display Unit)NOTE: Begins INS/EGI alignment. Alignment takes 4-8 minutes - initiate early. | ON | |
| 05 | TACANNOTE: Set channel for departure airfield. | T/R, CHANNEL SET | |
| 06 | CMSP (Countermeasures Set)NOTE: Powers chaff/flare dispenser and RWR. Verify RWR audio. | ON | |
| 07 | Radar AltimeterNOTE: Set low-altitude warning appropriate for departure. | ON, SET 200 FT | |
| 08 | HSI / AltimeterNOTE: Set barometric altimeter to current QNH. Verify field elevation within 75 ft. | SET QNH | |
| 09 | IFF Master SwitchNOTE: Load Mode 4 codes as briefed. | NORM | |
| 10 | IFF Mode 4 | ON (CODE LOADED) |
PHS 4 — Before Engine Start9 steps
| 01 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both Wings) | ON | |
| 02 | Crossfeed Valve | CLOSED | |
| 03 | Oxygen SystemNOTE: Verify oxygen pressure and flow indicator. | ON - CHECK FLOW | |
| 04 | Ejection Seat Safety PinsCAUTION: Confirm all seat and canopy initiation pins have been removed by crew chief. | REMOVED | |
| 05 | Seat Arm HandleWARNING: Ensure area above and around cockpit is clear before arming ejection seat. | ARMED | |
| 06 | ThrottlesWARNING: Both throttles must be in CUTOFF before JFS activation to prevent hot start. | CUTOFF | |
| 07 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 08 | Wheel Chocks | CONFIRMED WITH CREW CHIEF | |
| 09 | Fire Warning SystemNOTE: Press test button - verify both LEFT ENGINE FIRE and RIGHT ENGINE FIRE lights illuminate. | TEST |
PHS 5 — Engine Start (JFS)14 steps
| 01 | JFS Switch (Engine 1)NOTE: Jet Fuel Starter activates for right engine start. Listen for JFS spool-up sound. | START 2 | |
| 02 | JFS RUN LightCAUTION: If JFS RUN light does not illuminate within 15 seconds, abort start. | ILLUMINATED (WITHIN 15 SEC) | |
| 03 | Right Engine RPMNOTE: Monitor core RPM. Advance throttle to IDLE once RPM approaches 20%. | INCREASING TO ~20% | |
| 04 | Right ThrottleCAUTION: Do not advance throttle below 20% RPM - hot start risk. Throttle must reach IDLE within 10 sec of light-off. | IDLE | |
| 05 | Right Engine - Light-OffNOTE: TF34 should light off as throttle reaches IDLE. FTIT will spike then settle. | CONFIRMED | |
| 06 | Right Engine FTITWARNING: If FTIT exceeds 700 C during start, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately - hot start. | BELOW 700 C DURING START | |
| 07 | Right Engine RPM at IdleNOTE: Allow right engine to fully stabilise at ground idle. | ~62-65% | |
| 08 | JFS Switch (Engine 2)NOTE: JFS reactivates for left engine start. Monitor same sequence. | START 2 | |
| 09 | Left Engine RPM | INCREASING TO ~20% | |
| 10 | Left ThrottleCAUTION: Same hot start risk applies. Advance only after 20% RPM. | IDLE | |
| 11 | Left Engine FTITWARNING: Abort start if FTIT exceeds 700 C - retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | BELOW 700 C DURING START | |
| 12 | Left Engine RPM at Idle | ~62-65% | |
| 13 | JFS RUN LightNOTE: JFS cuts out automatically once both engines are at idle. Verify light is out. | EXTINGUISHED (AUTO) | |
| 14 | APUNOTE: Shut down APU once both engines are running and generators are online. | SHUT DOWN |
PHS 6 — Post-Start Checks11 steps
| 01 | Both Generators | ON / ONLINE | |
| 02 | Engine Oil Pressure (Both)WARNING: Shut down immediately if oil pressure does not rise within 10 seconds of start. | IN LIMITS | |
| 03 | Engine RPM (Both)NOTE: Verify both engines stabilised at ground idle. | STABLE ~62-65% | |
| 04 | FTIT (Both Engines) | STABLE, BELOW 560 C AT IDLE | |
| 05 | Hydraulic Pressure (Both Systems)CAUTION: Low hydraulic pressure indicates a system fault - do not taxi. | 2,850-3,150 PSI | |
| 06 | Caution / Warning LightsNOTE: Address any remaining caution or warning lights before proceeding. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify total fuel matches pre-flight plan. Set BINGO fuel on DSMS. | CHECK - BOTH TANKS | |
| 08 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Full stick and rudder deflection check. Verify all control surfaces respond correctly. | FREE & CORRECT | |
| 09 | Flap Lever | UP (VERIFY POSITION) | |
| 10 | Speed Brake | CLOSED | |
| 11 | Landing Gear Lever | DOWN, 3 GREEN |
PHS 7 — INS / Navigation Alignment6 steps
| 01 | CDU Alignment StatusNOTE: Full INS alignment requires 4-8 minutes. Do not move aircraft during alignment. | WAIT FOR ALIGN | |
| 02 | Data CartridgeNOTE: Verify steerpoints appear in CDU. Confirm steerpoint 1 coordinates match briefed target area. | LOADED VIA CDU | |
| 03 | CDU SteerpointsNOTE: Scroll through each steerpoint - confirm coordinates, altitudes, and names. | VERIFY COORDINATES | |
| 04 | CDU Alignment CompleteNOTE: CDU displays alignment quality. Proceed when alignment is satisfactory. | ALIGN STATUS GOOD | |
| 05 | Altimeter (CDU vs Baro)NOTE: Compare CDU GPS altitude with barometric altimeter. Should agree within 200 ft. | CROSS-CHECK | |
| 06 | Heading Indicator | SET ALIGNED WITH COMPASS |
PHS 8 — Weapons & Sensors7 steps
| 01 | Master ArmNOTE: Confirm Master Arm is SAFE for ground operations. | SAFE | |
| 02 | DSMS (Digital Stores Management System)NOTE: Check DSMS display - confirm all stations match briefed weapons. | VERIFY LOADOUT | |
| 03 | Maverick PowerNOTE: If AGM-65 Mavericks are loaded, allow video seeker warm-up time. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | TGP / EO PodNOTE: Targeting pod requires warm-up before IR or TV is usable. | ON - WARM UP | |
| 05 | CMSP ModeNOTE: Set chaff and flare programs per threat environment briefing. | MAN OR AUTO AS BRIEFED | |
| 06 | EWS ProgramsNOTE: Confirm chaff/flare burst count and interval match threat type. | VERIFY / SET | |
| 07 | Gun SystemNOTE: Confirm GAU-8/A ammo count on HUD or DSMS display. | VERIFY AMMO COUNT |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | INS Alignment | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET QNH - FIELD ELEVATION CHECK | |
| 03 | LightsNOTE: Anti-collision on. Taxi/landing light as required. | NAV ON, TAXI LIGHT ON | |
| 04 | Nosewheel SteeringNOTE: Confirm NWS armed for taxi. Test steering before releasing parking brake. | ENGAGED (NWS LIGHT ON) | |
| 05 | BrakesCAUTION: Apply and release toe brakes - confirm response before releasing parking brake. | TEST | |
| 06 | Parking BrakeNOTE: Release when cleared to taxi by ATC or flight lead. | RELEASE |
PHS 10 — Taxi5 steps
| 01 | Taxi SpeedNOTE: Keep speed to a walk on ramp. Increase slightly on straight taxiways. | SLOW - WALKING PACE | |
| 02 | Brake CheckCAUTION: Test brakes immediately after starting to move to confirm normal function. | TEST ON ROLLOUT | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Apply into-wind aileron during taxi in crosswind conditions. | CROSSWIND INPUT CHECK | |
| 04 | Lights | AS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONS | |
| 05 | Transponder | ALT (Mode C ON) |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET (HOLDING SHORT) | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: A-10 normally takes off with flaps up. Use 7% (takeoff detent) for short field only. | UP (0%) | |
| 03 | TrimNOTE: Pitch trim approximately 1 deg nose-up. Aileron and rudder trim zeroed. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 04 | Master ArmCAUTION: Confirm Master Arm SAFE before departure. Only arm on runway or as mission requires. | SAFE | |
| 05 | CMSP / EWS | ARMED AS BRIEFED | |
| 06 | IFF | MODE 4 ON, SQUAWK SET | |
| 07 | Radar Altimeter | ON - LOW ALT WARN SET | |
| 08 | Seat and Harness | TIGHT & LOCKED | |
| 09 | Engine Instruments (Both)NOTE: Verify RPM, FTIT, oil pressure, and hydraulics before lining up. | IN LIMITS | |
| 10 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - BOTH SIDES EQUAL | |
| 11 | Nosewheel Steering | ENGAGED | |
| 12 | Flight Controls | FULL SWEEP - FREE & CORRECT |
PHS 12 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Advance throttles smoothly to MIL (Military) thrust. A-10 does not use afterburner. | ADVANCE TO MIL | |
| 03 | Engine ResponseCAUTION: If one engine does not spool up equally, abort takeoff and diagnose. | CONFIRM BOTH ENGINES AT MIL | |
| 04 | Airspeed Alive | CHECK (~30 kts) | |
| 05 | Rotation Speed (Vr)NOTE: Rotate gently at Vr. Heavier loads increase Vr to 130-140 KIAS. | ~120 KIAS (CLEAN, LIGHT) | |
| 06 | RotateNOTE: Lift nose to approximately 10 deg pitch attitude. Do not over-rotate. | POSITIVE RATE | |
| 07 | Landing GearNOTE: Raise gear after confirmed positive rate of climb. | UP (POSITIVE CLIMB CONFIRMED) | |
| 08 | Gear Lights | 3 LIGHTS OUT (GEAR UP & LOCKED) |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Landing Gear | UP - CONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Flaps | UP (IF USED) | |
| 03 | Throttles | AS REQUIRED FOR CLIMB | |
| 04 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Typically climb at 250-300 KIAS. Best rate of climb near 250 KIAS. | 250 KIAS BELOW 10,000 FT | |
| 05 | AltimeterNOTE: Set standard pressure when crossing transition altitude. | TRANSITION ALT - SET STD (29.92 / 1013) | |
| 06 | Lights | ANTI-COLLISION ON, TAXI LIGHT OFF | |
| 07 | Fuel Crossfeed | CHECK BOTH TANKS FEEDING | |
| 08 | CMSP / EWS | ARMED - MODE AS BRIEFED | |
| 09 | TGP / EO PodNOTE: Verify targeting pod IR or TV image is clear before entering target area. | OPERATIONAL |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit7 steps
| 01 | Cruise SpeedNOTE: Optimal cruise for range. Higher speed increases fuel burn significantly. | 280-310 KIAS TYPICAL | |
| 02 | Altitude | AS PLANNED / ATC CLEARANCE | |
| 03 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Check fuel every 10-15 minutes. Monitor for imbalance greater than 200 lbs. | MONITOR - BOTH TANKS | |
| 04 | Joker / Bingo Fuel | MONITOR - BRIEF FLIGHT LEAD IF REACHING JOKER | |
| 05 | Weapons Systems | SAFE - UNTIL FENCE IN | |
| 06 | EWS / CMSPNOTE: Monitor RWR for threat indications during transit. | STANDBY | |
| 07 | Navigation (CDU Steerpoints)NOTE: Confirm CDU steering to next steerpoint is accurate. | TRACKING |
PHS 15 — Fence In (Entering Combat Area)7 steps
| 01 | Master ArmWARNING: Verify safe separation from friendly forces and aircraft before arming. | ARM | |
| 02 | DSMS Weapon SelectNOTE: Select correct weapon type and station for first attack. | SELECTED AS BRIEFED | |
| 03 | Maverick SeekerNOTE: If AGM-65 loaded, uncage seeker and verify video. | UNCAGE / SCANNING | |
| 04 | TGP | SLAVED TO TARGET OR STEERPOINT | |
| 05 | CMSPNOTE: AUTO mode releases countermeasures automatically on radar lock. | AUTO OR MAN - AS BRIEFED | |
| 06 | Altimeter | CHECK LOW-ALT WARNING SET | |
| 07 | Joker Fuel | CHECK - CONFIRM ABOVE JOKER |
PHS 16 — Descent / Approach10 steps
| 01 | Master ArmNOTE: Safe weapons when leaving the combat area. | SAFE (POST-COMBAT) | |
| 02 | CMSP / EWS | STANDBY | |
| 03 | Altimeter | QNH SET (BELOW TRANSITION LEVEL) | |
| 04 | Landing GearNOTE: Extend gear below 220 KIAS maximum gear extension speed. | DOWN (BELOW 220 KIAS) | |
| 05 | Gear Down Lights | 3 GREEN | |
| 06 | FlapsNOTE: Normal approach: 20% flaps. Full flaps (100%) for short field. Max flap speed 185 KIAS. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Approach SpeedNOTE: On-speed approach at approximately 155-165 KIAS for typical combat landing weight. Heavier = faster. | ~155-165 KIAS (NORMAL WEIGHT) | |
| 08 | Speed BrakeNOTE: Speed brake can be deployed in flight to manage energy on approach. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Fuel Balance | CHECK - BOTH TANKS | |
| 10 | IFF | CODE VALID FOR RECOVERY |
PHS 17 — Landing8 steps
| 01 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: Adjust for weight. Cross threshold at approximately 1.3 Vs. | ~150-160 KIAS | |
| 02 | GlidepathNOTE: Fly ILS or visual approach. A-10 handles crosswinds well due to wide gear track. | 3 DEG GLIDESLOPE | |
| 03 | TouchdownNOTE: Land on main gear. Avoid hard arrivals - gear struts and airframe are durable but not indestructible. | MAIN GEAR FIRST | |
| 04 | Nosewheel | LOWER SMOOTHLY AFTER TOUCHDOWN | |
| 05 | ThrottlesNOTE: Retard to idle at touchdown. | IDLE | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeNOTE: Deploy speed brake immediately after main gear touchdown. | DEPLOY FULL | |
| 07 | BrakesCAUTION: Anti-skid is active. Smooth brake application prevents tire damage. Heavy braking from high speed risks brake overheat. | APPLY AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Runway TurnoffNOTE: Clear runway promptly. Notify ATC when clear. | EXIT AT SAFE SPEED |
PHS 18 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Speed Brake | CLOSE | |
| 02 | Flaps | UP | |
| 03 | Lights | TAXI LIGHT ON, LANDING LIGHT OFF | |
| 04 | Master Arm | SAFE - CONFIRM | |
| 05 | CMSP / EWS | SAFE / OFF | |
| 06 | IFF | STBY OR OFF AS DIRECTED | |
| 07 | Brake TempCAUTION: After heavy braking, allow brakes to cool before setting parking brake - hot brakes can cause fire. | MONITOR - ALLOW COOLING IF HOT | |
| 08 | Nosewheel Steering | ENGAGED FOR TAXI |
PHS 19 — Shutdown13 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Retard both throttles to CUTOFF simultaneously. | CUTOFF (BOTH) | |
| 03 | Engine Spool DownNOTE: Allow engines to fully spool down before shutting off electrical power. | MONITOR - BOTH ENGINES | |
| 04 | CMSP / EWS | OFF | |
| 05 | Avionics | OFF | |
| 06 | Navigation / Taxi Lights | OFF | |
| 07 | Anti-Collision Light | OFF | |
| 08 | Fuel Boost Pumps | OFF (BOTH) | |
| 09 | Generators (Both) | OFF | |
| 10 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Confirm all electrical power off. | OFF | |
| 11 | Ejection Seat Safety PinsWARNING: Re-install seat and canopy initiation pins before exiting the aircraft. | INSTALLED | |
| 12 | Canopy | OPEN | |
| 13 | Post-Flight ReportNOTE: Log any squawks, fuel remaining, and weapons expenditures for debrief. | COMPLETE |