F-15C Eagle (BMS)FALCON BMS Startup Checklist · 164 steps
F-15C Eagle (BMS)
FALCON BMS - 0/164 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
Fighter4th Gen
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle entered service with the USAF in 1979 as the definitive air superiority variant, adding 2,000 lb of additional internal fuel capacity and provisions for Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) over the original F-15A. Armed with the APG-63 pulse-Doppler radar and capable of firing AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, the Eagle compiled an extraordinary combat record of over 100 kills with zero air-to-air losses in engagements over the Middle East and Balkans. In Falcon BMS the F-15C is modelled as a dedicated air superiority platform with the APG-70 radar, AIM-120 AMRAAM capability, and a Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) cross-bleed twin-engine start procedure distinct from the single-engine F-16.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerMcDonnell Douglas (now Boeing)
first Flight1978
roleAir superiority fighter
crew1 pilot
engines2x P&W F100-PW-220 (23,770 lbf each with A/B)
max Speed2,655 km/h (Mach 2.5)
range5,550 km (3,000 nmi) with CFTs and drop tanks
ceiling65,000 ft
weight30,845 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, threat environment, timeline, and kill box assignments. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, area of operations, and recovery weather. Note icing levels and visibility. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, EMCON requirements, and any NOTAM restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (min to RTB) and joker fuel (leave target area). Twin-engine - fuel burn is high in AB. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm AIM-120, AIM-9, and any external tanks match mission requirements. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Data Transfer Module (DTM)NOTE: Verify DTM contains correct steerpoints, threat data, radio frequencies, and IFF codes for the mission. DTM is the F-15C equivalent of the F-16 Data Cartridge. | LOADED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFNOTE: Set UHF/VHF presets. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes. Brief EMCON restrictions. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, and approach frequencies. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power6 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Applies battery power. Essential bus and battery bus energise. | ON | |
| 02 | CanopyCAUTION: Ensure canopy is fully latched before applying full electrical power. | CLOSE & LOCK | |
| 03 | Emergency Vent HandleNOTE: Verify emergency vent/canopy jettison handle is in the stowed/normal position. | NORMAL (IN) | |
| 04 | Oxygen SupplyNOTE: Check oxygen quantity and flow. Diluter lever to 100% or NORM as required. | ON | |
| 05 | Cockpit LightingNOTE: Set flood, console, instrument, and warning/caution lighting for conditions. | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Emergency GeneratorsNOTE: Both emergency generator switches should be in the NORMAL position. | CHECK OFF |
PHS 3 — Avionics Power-Up9 steps
| 01 | Avionics Master SwitchNOTE: Applies power to avionics buses. Allow ~60 seconds for systems to initialise. | ON | |
| 02 | IFF PowerNOTE: Set IFF to STBY during startup - do not transmit on Mode 4 until aligned and ready. | STBY | |
| 03 | TACAN PowerNOTE: Set TACAN to T/R mode. Set departure airfield channel. | T/R | |
| 04 | UHF RadioNOTE: Select appropriate preset frequency for ground operations. | BOTH - PRESET SET | |
| 05 | VHF/UHF (IC)NOTE: Verify intercommunication system operational. | INTERCOM CHECK | |
| 06 | Radar PowerNOTE: APG-63/70 to STBY. Allow radar to warm up during INS alignment. | STBY | |
| 07 | RWR PowerNOTE: Radar Warning Receiver - power on. Verify display functioning. | ON | |
| 08 | ECM PowerNOTE: ALQ-135 internal ECM - power on and allow warm-up. | ON (If equipped) | |
| 09 | Master Arm | OFF |
PHS 4 — Before Engine Start8 steps
| 01 | ThrottlesWARNING: Both throttles must be in CUTOFF before engine start attempt. | CUTOFF | |
| 02 | Ejection Seat Safety PinCAUTION: Ensure area above and behind aircraft is clear before arming seat. | REMOVED (ARMED) | |
| 03 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 04 | Wheel Chocks | IN PLACE (Confirm with Crew Chief) | |
| 05 | Engine Fuel Control SwitchesNOTE: Both EFC switches - verify in MOTOR position for pre-start checks. | MOTOR (Guard Up) | |
| 06 | Anti-Ice SwitchNOTE: Engine Anti-Ice switches - set based on temperature and moisture conditions. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches pre-flight plan. Check all tanks reading correctly. | CHECK | |
| 08 | Fuel Control ModeNOTE: Engine fuel control - normal operation mode. | NORM |
PHS 5 — Engine Start (JFS)14 steps
| 01 | JFS SwitchNOTE: Jet Fuel Starter activates. Hold switch to START until JFS RUN light illuminates. | START (Hold until JFS Runs) | |
| 02 | JFS RUN LightNOTE: Confirm JFS running before advancing throttle. | ILLUMINATED | |
| 03 | Right Engine Fuel ControlNOTE: Advance right throttle over idle detent when JFS reaches operating speed. Start right engine first. | IDLE | |
| 04 | Right Engine RPMCAUTION: If no light-off by 25% RPM, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | RISING (~20-25%) | |
| 05 | Right Engine FTITWARNING: If FTIT exceeds 980 C during start, immediately retard throttle to CUTOFF. | RISING (WATCH FOR HOT START) | |
| 06 | Right Engine Oil PressureWARNING: Shut down immediately if oil pressure does not rise within 10 seconds. | RISING WITHIN 10 SEC | |
| 07 | Right Engine RPM at IdleNOTE: Allow engine to stabilise at idle before starting left engine. | ~67-68% N2 | |
| 08 | Left Engine Fuel ControlNOTE: Advance left throttle to IDLE. JFS provides cross-bleed to start left engine. | IDLE | |
| 09 | Left Engine RPMCAUTION: Monitor FTIT - same hot start limits apply to left engine. | RISING (~20-25%) | |
| 10 | Left Engine Oil PressureWARNING: Shut down left engine immediately if oil pressure does not rise. | RISING WITHIN 10 SEC | |
| 11 | Left Engine RPM at IdleNOTE: Allow both engines to stabilise at idle. | ~67-68% N2 | |
| 12 | JFS SwitchNOTE: JFS should auto-disengage. Verify JFS RUN light extinguishes. | OFF (Auto - Verify) | |
| 13 | Generator Switches (Both)NOTE: Set both engine-driven generator switches to PWR. AC/DC buses come online. | PWR (ON) | |
| 14 | External PowerNOTE: Signal ground crew to disconnect external power once generators are online. | DISCONNECT (If Used) |
PHS 6 — Post-Start Checks9 steps
| 01 | Caution / Warning LightsNOTE: Address any remaining caution or warning lights before proceeding. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 02 | Hydraulic Pressure (Systems A & B)CAUTION: Do not move flight controls until both hydraulic systems show normal pressure. | 2,850-3,000 PSI | |
| 03 | Engine Instruments - RightNOTE: Verify RPM ~67-68%, FTIT stable, oil pressure 40-80 PSI, nozzle position normal. | IN LIMITS | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments - LeftNOTE: Verify RPM ~67-68%, FTIT stable, oil pressure 40-80 PSI, nozzle position normal. | IN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Fuel Quantity IndicatorsNOTE: Verify internal fuel and CFT (Conformal Fuel Tank) quantities if fitted. | CROSS-CHECK ALL TANKS | |
| 06 | AltimeterNOTE: Set barometric altimeter. Verify reads within 75 ft of field elevation. | SET QNH / FIELD ELEVATION | |
| 07 | ADI / Attitude Reference | ERECTED AND STABLE | |
| 08 | Airspeed Indicator | ZERO | |
| 09 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Full deflection check - stick fore/aft, left/right; rudder left/right. Check FCS response. | CHECK FREE & CORRECT |
PHS 7 — INS / Navigation Alignment7 steps
| 01 | INS Mode SelectorNOTE: Switch INS to ALIGN mode to begin full gyro alignment. Full alignment takes 8-10 minutes. | ALIGN | |
| 02 | Present Position (LAT/LONG)NOTE: Ensure ramp coordinates are entered or loaded from DTM. Verify on INS display. | ENTERED / VERIFIED | |
| 03 | Data Transfer Module (DTM)NOTE: Insert DTM into the DTC (Data Transfer Cartridge) slot. Load steerpoints, threat data, and radio presets. | INSERT & LOAD | |
| 04 | SteerpointsNOTE: Cycle through key steerpoints on HSD. Confirm they match briefed coordinates. | VERIFY COORDINATES | |
| 05 | IFF CodesNOTE: Verify Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 4 codes loaded correctly. Confirm with wingman. | LOADED FROM DTM | |
| 06 | TACAN ChannelNOTE: Set TACAN to departure airfield channel for post-takeoff navigation. | SET FOR DEPARTURE | |
| 07 | INS Alignment StatusNOTE: Wait for INS ALIGN light to extinguish or alignment status to show READY. Do not taxi until aligned. | ALIGNED (READY FOR NAV) |
PHS 8 — Weapons & Sensors8 steps
| 01 | Weapons LoadNOTE: Check armament panel - verify all loaded stations indicated correctly (AIM-120, AIM-9, gun). | VERIFY ON ARMAMENT PANEL | |
| 02 | Master ArmNOTE: Confirm Master Arm remains in SAFE during ground operations. | SAFE | |
| 03 | APG-63/70 RadarNOTE: Switch radar from STBY to ON. Complete radar BIT. Verify APG-63/70 operating normally. | ON / BIT PASS | |
| 04 | Radar ModeNOTE: Set initial radar mode to RWS for departure. Switch to appropriate mode per mission. | RWS (Range While Search) | |
| 05 | AIM-120 AMRAAMNOTE: Verify AIM-120 stations show ready on armament display. | MISSILES CHECKED (if loaded) | |
| 06 | AIM-9 SidewinderNOTE: Verify AIM-9 seeker growl present when uncaged. Recage for taxi. | UNCAGED / TONE CHECK | |
| 07 | Gun SystemNOTE: M61A1 Vulcan 20mm - verify rounds loaded. Gun switch SAFE. | LOADED / SAFE | |
| 08 | TEWS (Tactical Electronic Warfare)NOTE: Set chaff and flare programs per threat briefing. Verify RWR display active. | ACTIVE / PROGRAMS SET |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi9 steps
| 01 | Radar AltimeterNOTE: Set low altitude warning appropriate for departure (200-300 ft typical). | ON, LOW ALT WARNING SET | |
| 02 | IFF MasterNOTE: IFF from STBY to NORM once cleared by ATC. Mode 4 active. | NORM | |
| 03 | LightsNOTE: Navigation lights ON. Anti-collision light ON. Taxi light ON for taxiing. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Speed Brakes | CLOSED | |
| 05 | FlapsNOTE: F-15C uses automatic leading/trailing edge flaps. Verify in AUTO mode. | AUTO | |
| 06 | TrimNOTE: Longitudinal trim - set to takeoff position (approximately neutral). | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 07 | Seat / Harness | ADJUSTED AND LOCKED | |
| 08 | Parking Brake | RELEASE (When cleared to taxi) | |
| 09 | Nose Wheel Steering | ENGAGED |
PHS 10 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | BrakesCAUTION: Test brake effectiveness at slow speed before committing to taxi. | CHECK (Initial roll) | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: High idle may be sufficient on smooth taxiway. Avoid high power near ground personnel. | ADVANCE TO TAXI POWER | |
| 03 | Engine Instruments | IN LIMITS DURING TAXI | |
| 04 | ADI / Attitude | WINGS LEVEL CONFIRMED | |
| 05 | Altimeter | RECHECK FIELD ELEVATION | |
| 06 | Hot Pit Refuelling (If required) | COMPLETE BEFORE ARMING AREA |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | EnginesNOTE: Hold brakes and advance throttles to ~80% RPM. Verify engine instruments stable. | RUN-UP CHECK TO 80% RPM | |
| 02 | FTIT (Both Engines)NOTE: Fanjet Turbine Inlet Temp - should be below 935 C at military power. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 03 | Oil Pressure (Both) | 40-80 PSI | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Pressure (A & B) | 2,850-3,000 PSI | |
| 05 | RadarNOTE: Confirm radar is active and set to appropriate departure mode. | ON / MODE SET | |
| 06 | IFF | NORM / MODE 4 ACTIVE | |
| 07 | Master Arm | SAFE (ARM when cleared for weapons) | |
| 08 | Speed Brakes | CLOSED | |
| 09 | FlapsNOTE: At low speed on ground, check trailing edge flaps are in takeoff position. | AUTO - VERIFY TRAILING EDGE POSITION | |
| 10 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Confirm bingo fuel value entered in UFC / set on fuel panel. | RECHECK / BINGO SET | |
| 11 | CanopyWARNING: Never attempt takeoff with canopy unlocked. | CLOSED & LOCKED | |
| 12 | Ejection Seat | ARMED |
PHS 12 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | BrakesNOTE: Hold brakes while advancing throttles. | HOLD (Full brake application) | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Advance to MIL power first, check engine instruments, then light afterburners if required. | MILITARY POWER (Then AB) | |
| 03 | Afterburner CheckCAUTION: Verify both AB zones light symmetrically. Abort if asymmetric or no AB. | BOTH ZONES LIGHTING | |
| 04 | BrakesNOTE: Release brakes when both engines are at required power. | RELEASE | |
| 05 | Airspeed Indicator | ALIVE (CHECK ON ROLL) | |
| 06 | RotateNOTE: Rotate smoothly at approximately 130-145 KIAS depending on fuel and stores load. | ~130-145 KIAS | |
| 07 | Positive Rate of ClimbCAUTION: Confirm positive climb rate on VSI before raising gear. | GEAR UP | |
| 08 | Landing GearNOTE: Gear lever UP once positive climb is confirmed. | UP (< 250 KIAS) |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Gear | UP AND INDICATING | |
| 02 | AfterburnerNOTE: Pull out of AB once safely airborne and gear is up unless performance required. | AS REQUIRED (Reduce to MIL for fuel economy) | |
| 03 | Speed Brakes | CLOSED / CHECK | |
| 04 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Accelerate to 350 KIAS for military power climb schedule. | 350 KIAS (MIL POWER) | |
| 05 | ATC / Departure | CHECK IN / SQUAWK AS ASSIGNED | |
| 06 | RadarNOTE: Switch to appropriate radar mode for the mission profile. | ACTIVE / RWS or TWS | |
| 07 | RWRNOTE: Radar Warning Receiver - monitor for threat emissions post-takeoff. | MONITOR | |
| 08 | Fuel CheckNOTE: Check fuel quantity and flow. Ensure all tanks transferring correctly. | VERIFY FLOW RATE | |
| 09 | Pressurisation / EnvironmentalNOTE: Verify cabin pressurisation and oxygen flow at altitude. | CHECK |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit7 steps
| 01 | ThrottlesNOTE: Reduce to cruise power for fuel economy. Monitor fuel flow. | 80-85% RPM (Cruise Power) | |
| 02 | AltitudeNOTE: Maintain briefed cruise altitude. F-15C typically transits at medium-high altitude for range. | AS BRIEFED (Cruise FL) | |
| 03 | Radar ModeNOTE: Select appropriate radar search mode for transit. Balance detection vs. emissions. | RWS or TWS AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | EMCONNOTE: Emissions control - restrict radar/radio use if mission EMCON plan requires. | AS BRIEFED | |
| 05 | Fuel StatusNOTE: Periodically check fuel against bingo/joker plan. Transfer tanks as required. | MONITOR - CHECK JOKER | |
| 06 | Navigation / SteerpointsNOTE: Cross-check HSD position with TACAN and visual references where possible. | CYCLE AND VERIFY | |
| 07 | TEWS / RWR | MONITOR FOR THREATS |
PHS 15 — Descent / Approach8 steps
| 01 | FuelNOTE: Confirm fuel sufficient for approach and landing. Do not descend below bingo. | RECHECK - ABOVE BINGO | |
| 02 | ATIS / WeatherNOTE: Get destination ATIS or weather update before commencing approach. | OBTAIN | |
| 03 | Altimeter | SET QNH (Destination) | |
| 04 | ILS / TACAN ApproachNOTE: Set ILS frequency or TACAN channel for recovery airfield approach. | SET / TUNE | |
| 05 | Radar Altimeter | ON / LOW ALT WARNING SET | |
| 06 | Radar ModeNOTE: Reduce radar emissions near friendly airfield unless air threat exists. | STBY (If EMCON) or OFF | |
| 07 | Speed BrakesNOTE: Deploy speed brakes to increase descent rate while controlling airspeed. | AS REQUIRED FOR DESCENT | |
| 08 | Descent SpeedNOTE: Initiate descent at 300-350 KIAS clean. Slow to pattern speed on final. | 300-350 KIAS CLEAN |
PHS 16 — Landing12 steps
| 01 | IFFNOTE: Ensure IFF transmitting for recovery airfield identification. | NORM / CODES ACTIVE | |
| 02 | Landing GearNOTE: Select gear DOWN at or below 250 KIAS. Verify 3 green. | DOWN (< 250 KIAS) | |
| 03 | Landing Gear IndicationWARNING: Do not land without 3 green gear indication. Declare emergency if not confirmed. | 3 GREEN | |
| 04 | Speed Brakes | CLOSED FOR LANDING | |
| 05 | FlapsNOTE: Auto flaps system commands full trailing edge down for landing. | AUTO - VERIFY FULL DOWN POSITION | |
| 06 | Approach SpeedNOTE: Approach speed depends on fuel and store weight. On-speed AOA targeting. | 155-165 KIAS (CLEAN WEIGHT DEP.) | |
| 07 | AOA IndexerNOTE: Use AOA indexer for on-speed indication. Target the centre/on-speed bracket. | ON-SPEED (CHECK BRACKET) | |
| 08 | Master Arm | SAFE | |
| 09 | TouchdownNOTE: Grease the main gear on, then gently lower nose. Full stab trim authority maintained. | SMOOTH - MAIN GEAR FIRST | |
| 10 | Anti-Skid BrakingCAUTION: Do not apply heavy braking until nosewheel is on the runway. | APPLY AFTER NOSEWHEEL DOWN | |
| 11 | Drag Chute (If required)NOTE: F-15C is not equipped with a drag chute - use anti-skid braking and aerodynamic braking. | DEPLOY AT ~175 KIAS | |
| 12 | Nose High Aerodynamic BrakingNOTE: Hold slight nose-high attitude after touchdown to use aerodynamic drag for deceleration. | HOLD 10-12 DEG AOA UNTIL ~100 KIAS |
PHS 17 — After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Speed Brakes | CLOSED | |
| 02 | Flaps | AUTO (Check retracting) | |
| 03 | Landing Gear | DOWN (Leave DOWN - Verify) | |
| 04 | IFFNOTE: Set IFF to STBY after clearing active runway. | STBY | |
| 05 | RadarNOTE: Reduce radar emissions on the ground. | STBY or OFF | |
| 06 | Master Arm | SAFE / OFF | |
| 07 | LightsNOTE: Switch to taxi lighting configuration for ground movement. | TAXI LIGHT ON / LANDING LIGHT OFF | |
| 08 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Record fuel state for debrief. Check against bingo/joker planning. | NOTE AND REPORT | |
| 09 | BrakesNOTE: Monitor brake temperature if heavy braking was used. Taxi slowly if hot. | NORMAL OPERATION |
PHS 18 — Shutdown15 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Wheel Chocks | IN PLACE (Signal Crew Chief) | |
| 03 | Avionics | OFF (All Systems) | |
| 04 | Radar | OFF | |
| 05 | ECM / RWR | OFF | |
| 06 | IFF | OFF | |
| 07 | Master Arm | OFF | |
| 08 | Left ThrottleNOTE: Retard left throttle to CUTOFF to shut down left engine. | CUTOFF | |
| 09 | Right ThrottleNOTE: Retard right throttle to CUTOFF to shut down right engine. | CUTOFF | |
| 10 | Engine ShutdownNOTE: Monitor both engines spooling down. Allow full spool-down before moving. | BOTH RPM DECREASING | |
| 11 | Oxygen Supply | OFF | |
| 12 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Master battery off - cockpit goes dark. | OFF | |
| 13 | Ejection Seat Safety PinCAUTION: Re-install seat safety pin before exiting cockpit. | INSTALLED (SAFE) | |
| 14 | CanopyNOTE: Open canopy after engines are fully stopped and crew chief gives the all-clear. | OPEN | |
| 15 | Post-Flight InspectionNOTE: Walk around aircraft with crew chief. Note any discrepancies for maintenance debrief. | COMPLETE WITH CREW CHIEF |