FALCON BMS · Fighter
F-16C Block 50 Startup Checklist
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F-16C Block 50 Startup Notes
BMS models the Viper's Jet Fuel Starter with real consequences: the JFS runs off hydraulic accumulators that are only recharged by a running engine, so a botched start costs you attempts you cannot get back on the ramp. Main power on, JFS to START 2, and at 20 percent RPM lift the throttle over the idle detent (a separate keybind in BMS). The JFS cuts off around 55 percent, the generator comes online, and a NORM alignment then takes about eight minutes.
The classic BMS failure is missing the idle detent: the engine just motors, the JFS gives up, and you have drained your accumulators for nothing. Just as common is rotating the INS knob to NAV before RDY flashes on the DED, which leaves you with a degraded alignment, and powering the whole avionics stack before the generator is online. Fly the ramp start flow in order, treat 20 percent RPM as your cue, and let the alignment finish.
Common mistakes
- Missing the idle detent and draining the JFS accumulators
- Going to NAV before RDY flashes on the DED
- Powering full avionics before the main generator is online
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
F-16C Block 50FALCON BMS · Startup Checklist · 66 steps · 9 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, threat environment, and timeline. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note icing levels. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, and NOTAM restrictions. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerSETNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (min to RTB) and joker fuel (leave target area). Single-engine - fuel management is critical. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, pods, and external tanks match mission requirements. | |
| 06 | Data Cartridge (DC)LOADEDNOTE: Verify DC contains correct steerpoints, threats, radios, and IFF codes for the mission. | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFSETNOTE: Set UHF/VHF presets. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes. Brief EMCON restrictions. | |
| 08 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, and approach frequencies. |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power7 steps
| 01 | Main Power SwitchBATTNOTE: Applies battery power. Cockpit will partially illuminate. | |
| 02 | CanopyCLOSE & LOCKNOTE: Ensure canopy is fully latched before applying main power. | |
| 03 | Main Power SwitchMAIN PWRNOTE: Applies main electrical bus power. | |
| 04 | Oxygen Supply LeverON | |
| 05 | Fuel Master SwitchMASTER (Guard Up)WARNING: Engine cannot receive fuel without this switch. | |
| 06 | ENG FEED KnobNORM | |
| 07 | Cockpit LightingSET AS NEEDED |
PHS 3 — Avionics Power-Up10 steps
| 01 | Avionics Power KnobONNOTE: Wait ~30 seconds for avionics to initialise before proceeding. | |
| 02 | MMC SwitchMMC | |
| 03 | ST STA SwitchST STA | |
| 04 | MFD SwitchMFD | |
| 05 | UFC SwitchUFC | |
| 06 | GPS SwitchGPS | |
| 07 | DL SwitchDL | |
| 08 | Master ArmSAFE | |
| 09 | Left HDPT SwitchOFFNOTE: Hardpoint switches - off during startup. | |
| 10 | Right HDPT SwitchOFF |
PHS 4 — Before Engine Start6 steps
| 01 | ThrottleCUTOFFWARNING: Throttle must be in CUTOFF before JFS activation. | |
| 02 | STORES CONFIG SwitchCAT I or CAT IIINOTE: Set based on external stores loaded. | |
| 03 | Anti-Ice SwitchAS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Seat Arm HandleARMEDCAUTION: Ensure area is clear before arming ejection seat. | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 06 | Wheel ChocksIN PLACE (Confirm with Crew Chief) |
PHS 5 — Engine Start (JFS)9 steps
| 01 | JFS SwitchSTART 2NOTE: Jet Fuel Starter activates. Listen for JFS spool-up. | |
| 02 | JFS RPMSTABILISED (~100%)NOTE: Wait for JFS to reach operating speed before advancing throttle. | |
| 03 | ThrottleIDLENOTE: Advance to IDLE when JFS is at speed. Engine light-off should occur. | |
| 04 | Engine RPMINCREASINGCAUTION: If no light-off by 20% RPM, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | |
| 05 | Oil PressureRISING WITHIN 10 SECWARNING: Shut down immediately if oil pressure does not rise. | |
| 06 | Nozzle Position60–80% (SETTLING)NOTE: Nozzle should open wide then settle as engine accelerates. | |
| 07 | Engine RPM at IDLE~62–65%NOTE: Allow engine to fully stabilise at idle. | |
| 08 | JFS SwitchOFF (Auto)NOTE: JFS will cut out automatically once engine reaches idle. Verify JFS RUN light extinguishes. | |
| 09 | FLCS BITINITIATENOTE: Press FLCS BIT button on left console. Flight control system self-test. |
PHS 6 — Post-Start Checks6 steps
| 01 | EPU SwitchNORM (Guard closed)CAUTION: Ensure EPU ARM light is extinguished. | |
| 02 | FLCS BIT LightEXTINGUISHED (Test Complete) | |
| 03 | Caution / Warning LightsALL CLEARNOTE: ADDRESS any remaining caution lights before proceeding. | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Pressure (A & B)2,850–3,250 PSI | |
| 05 | FUEL QTYCHECKNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches pre-flight plan. Check BINGO setting. | |
| 06 | Engine instrumentsIN LIMITSNOTE: Verify RPM, FTIT (Fanjet Turbine Inlet Temp), Nozzle %, Oil PSI all stable. |
PHS 7 — INS / Navigation Alignment8 steps
| 01 | INS KnobNORMNOTE: Switch to NORM to begin full inertial alignment. Allow 4–8 minutes for full alignment. | |
| 02 | Data CartridgeINSERT & LOADNOTE: Insert DC into Data Transfer Equipment (DTE) slot. LOAD button light will extinguish when loaded. | |
| 03 | UFC - STPT 1VERIFY COORDINATESNOTE: Confirm steerpoints match briefed coordinates. | |
| 04 | IFF Master KnobNORMNOTE: Set IFF codes as briefed. | |
| 05 | IFF Mode 4ON (Code Loaded) | |
| 06 | TACANT/R, Channel SETNOTE: Set TACAN channel for departure airfield. | |
| 07 | HSI Course / HeadingSETNOTE: Confirm correct bearing pointer and desired course. | |
| 08 | INS Alignment StatusALIGNED (IFA or NAV)NOTE: Wait for ALIGN light on DED to show ALIGN or 8-ball to move. |
PHS 8 — Weapons & Sensors5 steps
| 01 | SMS (Stores Management System)VERIFY LOADOUTNOTE: Check MFD SMS page. Confirm all stations match briefed weapons. | |
| 02 | Weapon FuzingSET AS BRIEFED | |
| 03 | FCR (Fire Control Radar)ON / WARM UPNOTE: Allow radar to warm up during alignment. Verify BIT pass on MFD. | |
| 04 | EWS (Electronic Warfare)PROGRAMS SETNOTE: Set chaff and flare programs per threat environment briefing. | |
| 05 | ECM PodON (If equipped)NOTE: Allow warm-up time before ECM is operational. |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Radar AltimeterON, SET 200 FTNOTE: Set low altitude warning as appropriate for departure. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET QNH / FIELD ELEVATIONNOTE: Set baro altimeter to current QNH. Verify field elevation ±75 ft. | |
| 03 | LightsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Nav lights on. Anti-collision as required. Taxi light on. | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsCHECK FREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full deflection check - stick fore/aft, left/right; rudder left/right. | |
| 05 | BrakesCHECKCAUTION: Test toe brakes before releasing parking brake. | |
| 06 | Parking BrakeRELEASENOTE: Release when cleared to taxi. | |
| 07 | Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGED (NWS light ON) |