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F-16C Block 52 (BMS) Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.23.0Checklist
F-16C Block 52 (BMS)FALCON BMS · Startup Checklist · 176 steps · 18 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, threat environment, package composition, and timeline. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note icing levels and significant weather. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, SAM threat zones, and NOTAM restrictions. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerSETNOTE: Bingo = min fuel to RTB. Joker = leave target area. Single-engine aircraft - fuel management is critical. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, pods, CFTs, and external tanks match mission requirements. Note CAT I or CAT III. | |
| 06 | Data Cartridge (DTC)LOADEDNOTE: Load DTC with steerpoints, threat data, radio presets, IFF codes, and laser codes for the mission. | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFF CodesSETNOTE: Set UHF/VHF presets and confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes. Brief EMCON restrictions. | |
| 08 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert airfields, runway lengths, ILS frequencies, and fuel availability. |
PHS 2 - Electrical Power8 steps
| 01 | Main Power SwitchBATTNOTE: Applies battery power. Cockpit instruments begin to illuminate. | |
| 02 | CanopyCLOSE & LOCKNOTE: Fully latch canopy before applying main power. | |
| 03 | Main Power SwitchMAIN PWRNOTE: Applies main electrical bus power. EPU RUN light may briefly illuminate. | |
| 04 | Oxygen Supply LeverON | |
| 05 | Fuel Master SwitchMASTER (Guard Up)WARNING: Engine cannot receive fuel without this switch. Confirm guard is up. | |
| 06 | ENG FEED KnobNORMNOTE: Controls fuel feed from internal tanks. NORM uses all tanks in sequence. | |
| 07 | EPU SwitchNORM (Guard Closed)NOTE: EPU in NORM - will auto-deploy if hydraulic or electrical power is lost. | |
| 08 | Cockpit LightingSET AS REQUIRED |
PHS 3 - Avionics Power-Up11 steps
| 01 | Avionics Power KnobONNOTE: Allow 30 seconds for avionics bus to stabilise before proceeding. | |
| 02 | MMC SwitchMMC | |
| 03 | ST STA SwitchST STA | |
| 04 | MFD SwitchMFD | |
| 05 | UFC SwitchUFC | |
| 06 | GPS SwitchGPS | |
| 07 | DL (Datalink) SwitchDL | |
| 08 | INS Knob (Avionics Power Panel)OFF (Initial)NOTE: Keep INS off until electrical power is fully stable. Will be set during alignment phase. | |
| 09 | Master ArmSAFE | |
| 10 | Left HDPT SwitchOFFNOTE: Hardpoint switches off during startup. | |
| 11 | Right HDPT SwitchOFF |
PHS 4 - Before Engine Start6 steps
| 01 | ThrottleCUTOFFWARNING: Throttle must be in CUTOFF before JFS activation to prevent hot start. | |
| 02 | STORES CONFIG SwitchCAT I or CAT IIINOTE: CAT I = light stores. CAT III = heavy/asymmetric stores. Set based on actual loadout. | |
| 03 | Anti-Ice SwitchAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine and probe anti-ice - ON if icing conditions exist. | |
| 04 | Ejection Seat Arm HandleARMEDCAUTION: Ensure all ground personnel are clear of the seat before arming. | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 06 | Wheel ChocksCONFIRMED IN PLACE |
PHS 5 - Engine Start (JFS)10 steps
| 01 | JFS SwitchSTART 2NOTE: Right-click to START 2. Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) activates. Listen for spool-up sound. | |
| 02 | JFS RPMSTABILISED (~100%)NOTE: Wait for JFS to reach full operating speed - approximately 8-10 seconds. | |
| 03 | ThrottleIDLENOTE: Advance throttle from CUTOFF to IDLE when JFS is at speed. Engine light-off will occur. | |
| 04 | Engine RPMINCREASINGCAUTION: If no light-off occurs by 20% RPM, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | |
| 05 | FTIT (Fan Turbine Inlet Temp)RISING - MONITORWARNING: If FTIT exceeds 980 C during start (hot start) - throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | |
| 06 | Oil PressureRISING WITHIN 10 SECWARNING: Shut down immediately if oil pressure does not rise within 10 seconds of engine light-off. | |
| 07 | Nozzle Position60-80% OPEN (SETTLING)NOTE: Nozzle opens wide then progressively closes as engine accelerates to idle. | |
| 08 | Engine RPM at IDLE~62-65%NOTE: Allow engine to fully stabilise at idle. PW229 idles slightly higher than GE-129. | |
| 09 | JFS SwitchOFF (AUTO CUTOUT)NOTE: JFS disengages automatically at engine idle. Verify JFS RUN light extinguishes. | |
| 10 | FLCS BITINITIATENOTE: Press FLCS BIT button on left console to start flight control system self-test. |
PHS 6 - Post-Start Checks10 steps
| 01 | EPU SwitchNORM (Guard Closed)CAUTION: EPU ARM light should be extinguished. Verify hydrazine is not in use. | |
| 02 | FLCS BIT LightEXTINGUISHED (Test Complete)NOTE: FLCS BIT takes approximately 60 seconds. If BIT fails, investigate before taxiing. | |
| 03 | Hydraulic Pressure (A & B)2,850-3,250 PSI | |
| 04 | Engine RPM62-65% (STABLE) | |
| 05 | FTITSTABLE - IN LIMITS (<980 C) | |
| 06 | Nozzle Position~85% (AT IDLE) | |
| 07 | Oil PressureNORMAL (40-90 PSI) | |
| 08 | FUEL QTYCHECK vs PLANNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches pre-flight plan. Set BINGO bug on UFC. | |
| 09 | Caution / Warning LightsALL CLEARNOTE: Address any remaining caution lights before proceeding. | |
| 10 | Electrical BusGEN ON LINENOTE: Main generator should now be on line - battery no longer primary source. |
PHS 7 - INS / Navigation Alignment13 steps
| 01 | DTC (Data Transfer Cartridge)INSERT & LOADNOTE: Insert DTC into the Data Transfer Equipment slot. LOAD light extinguishes when complete. | |
| 02 | INS KnobNORM (ALIGN)NOTE: Set to NORM to begin full inertial alignment. Full gyrocompass alignment takes 4-8 minutes. | |
| 03 | INS Alignment ModeSTORED HEADING or NORMNOTE: STOR HDG = fast 90-second align (less accurate). NORM = full align (8 min, most accurate). | |
| 04 | UFC - STPT 1VERIFY COORDINATESNOTE: Check steerpoint 1 coordinates match briefed takeoff or first waypoint. | |
| 05 | IFF Master KnobNORM | |
| 06 | IFF Mode 4ON (CODE LOADED) | |
| 07 | IFF Mode 1 / 3SET AS BRIEFED | |
| 08 | TACANT/R, CHANNEL SETNOTE: Set TACAN channel for departure airfield. | |
| 09 | UHF RadioPRESET / MANUAL SETNOTE: Select departure frequency. Confirm guard 243.0 MHz is monitored. | |
| 10 | VHF RadioPRESET / MANUAL SET | |
| 11 | HSI / Bearing PointersSETNOTE: Confirm correct bearing pointer for TACAN or RNAV. Set course bug. | |
| 12 | INS Alignment StatusALIGNED (RDY light on DED)NOTE: Wait for ALIGN or RDY indication before switching INS to NAV. | |
| 13 | INS KnobNAV (After alignment complete)NOTE: Switch to NAV when alignment is complete. Aircraft is now navigation-capable. |
PHS 8 - Weapons & Sensors9 steps
| 01 | SMS (Stores Management System)VERIFY LOADOUT ON MFDNOTE: Check SMS MFD page. Confirm all stations match briefed stores and weights. | |
| 02 | Weapon FuzingSET AS BRIEFEDNOTE: Nose/tail fuze arm switches, impact delay - set per mission brief. | |
| 03 | FCR (Fire Control Radar)ON / WARM-UPNOTE: Select FCR on MFD. Allow radar to complete BIT. APG-68(V)9 may take 3-5 minutes. | |
| 04 | FCR BITPASS (No fault codes) | |
| 05 | EWS (Electronic Warfare Suite)PROGRAMS SETNOTE: Set chaff and flare programs per threat environment brief. Verify dispenser counts. | |
| 06 | ECM Pod (ALQ-131 / ALQ-184)ON (If equipped)NOTE: Allow ECM pod warm-up time. Verify system operational on EWS page. | |
| 07 | HARM / HTSSET (If equipped)NOTE: HTS pod - verify RWR correlation is active. Pre-tune emitters as briefed. | |
| 08 | Targeting Pod (LANTIRN/Sniper)ON / WARM-UP (If equipped)NOTE: TGP requires several minutes of warm-up before laser is ready. | |
| 09 | NVG / FLIRSET (If night mission) |
PHS 9 - Before Taxi10 steps
| 01 | Radar AltimeterON, WARNING SETNOTE: Set low altitude warning at 200 ft or as appropriate for departure profile. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET (QNH / FIELD ELEVATION)NOTE: Set baro altimeter to current QNH. Verify field elevation within 75 ft. | |
| 03 | LightsNAV ON / TAXI LIGHT ONNOTE: Position/nav lights on. Anti-collision as required. Taxi light on. | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsCHECK FREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full deflection check: stick full fore/aft, left/right; rudder full left/right. | |
| 05 | TrimSET (0-0-0 or as required) | |
| 06 | SpeedbrakesCLOSED | |
| 07 | FlapsCHECK AUTO (or as required) | |
| 08 | BrakesCHECKCAUTION: Test toe brakes before releasing parking brake. Confirm hydraulic pressure adequate. | |
| 09 | Parking BrakeRELEASENOTE: Release when cleared to taxi by GND control. | |
| 10 | Nose Wheel Steering (NWS)ENGAGED (NWS light ON)NOTE: NWS button on sidestick. High-gain NWS (HPAS) for tight turns. |
PHS 10 - Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Taxi SpeedAPPROPRIATE FOR CONDITIONSNOTE: Maximum 30 kts taxi. 10 kts for turns. Avoid hard braking. | |
| 02 | Ground CommunicationMONITOR GND FREQ | |
| 03 | Wingtip / Store ClearanceCONFIRMNOTE: With full combat stores the aircraft is wide. Verify clearance at all junctions. | |
| 04 | BrakesCHECK HEAT (Normal temps) | |
| 05 | NWSAS REQUIREDNOTE: Disengage NWS when lined up on runway. | |
| 06 | CanopyLOCKED (Confirm Handle) |
PHS 11 - Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | FuelBALANCED & QUANTITY CHECKNOTE: Check crossfeed is OFF. ENG FEED on NORM. | |
| 02 | STORES CONFIGCAT I or CAT III (As set)NOTE: Verify stores config matches actual loadout for correct FCS gains. | |
| 03 | Ejection SeatARMEDWARNING: Confirm seat is armed and safety pin is removed before entering runway. | |
| 04 | Altimeter / HUD AltitudeFIELD ELEVATION (Cross-check) | |
| 05 | Transponder (IFF)NORM / ALT REPORTNOTE: Set to NORM for ATC squawk. Mode 4 ON. | |
| 06 | LightsANTI-COLLISION ON / STROBE ON | |
| 07 | RadarEMITTER AS REQUIREDNOTE: FCR to appropriate mode. EMCON restrictions observed if applicable. | |
| 08 | Takeoff TrimSET FOR CONDITIONSNOTE: Pitch trim: set for weight and CG. Lateral and directional trim: zero. | |
| 09 | Abort SpeedCALCULATED AND BRIEFEDNOTE: Know your abort speed. Runway remaining awareness is critical. | |
| 10 | Wing Sweep / FlapsUP (Standard)NOTE: F-16 uses no flaps for takeoff under normal conditions. |
PHS 12 - Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Cleared for TakeoffCONFIRM FROM TWR | |
| 02 | ThrottleMIL POWER (then AB if required)NOTE: Advance to MIL. Select afterburner zone if needed for heavy weight or short runway. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK (RPM / FTIT / NOZ)CAUTION: Do not release brakes until RPM is stable at MIL. FTIT and nozzle must be in limits. | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | NWSMAINTAIN CENTERLINENOTE: NWS disengages above approx 60 kts. Use rudder for directional control. | |
| 06 | Rotation Speed (Vr)~145-165 KIAS (WEIGHT DEP)NOTE: Rotate at computed Vr. Typical clean light: 145 KIAS. Heavy loaded: up to 165 KIAS. | |
| 07 | RotationSMOOTH 10-12 DEG PITCH ATTITUDENOTE: Apply smooth back pressure. FBW system limits to 13 deg/sec rotation rate. | |
| 08 | Gear UpPOSITIVE RATE - GEAR UPCAUTION: Do not exceed 300 KIAS with gear down. | |
| 09 | AfterburnerAS REQUIRED (DISENGAGE ABOVE 300 KT / AS PLANNED) |
PHS 13 - After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | GearUP AND LOCKED (3 GREEN OFF) | |
| 02 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 03 | Climb Speed300-350 KIAS TO FL200, THEN M0.85+NOTE: Transition to Mach number above ~FL200. | |
| 04 | ThrottleMIL or AB AS REQUIRED FOR CLIMBNOTE: Select appropriate power for mission climb schedule. | |
| 05 | AltimeterTRANSITION ALTITUDE - CHECK QNE/QNHNOTE: Set altimeter to standard (29.92 / 1013 hPa) above transition altitude. | |
| 06 | TransponderNORM / ALT REPORT CONFIRMED | |
| 07 | Oxygen / ECSCHECK (100% above 10,000 ft)NOTE: Verify oxygen flow and cabin pressurisation is normal. | |
| 08 | Fuel StateMONITOR vs PLANNOTE: Check fuel burn vs plan at climb through FL100 and FL200. | |
| 09 | Weapons SafetyMASTER ARM - SAFE (Until armed for attack) |
PHS 14 - Cruise / Transit8 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeASSIGNED ALTITUDE LEVELNOTE: Optimum cruise altitude typically FL360-FL400 for Block 52 at mission weight. | |
| 02 | Cruise Speed0.85-0.90 MACH (AS PLANNED)NOTE: Cruise speed depends on mission profile and fuel constraint. | |
| 03 | ThrottleAS REQUIRED FOR CRUISENOTE: At cruise altitude MIL power is not required. Reduce to optimum. | |
| 04 | Fuel StateMONITOR - CHECK JOKER/BINGO BUGS | |
| 05 | NavigationSTEERPOINTS SEQUENCING CORRECTLYNOTE: Verify steerpoint sequencing on HSD and UFC DED. | |
| 06 | RadarAS REQUIRED (BVR SEARCH OR STANDBY) | |
| 07 | CommunicationsMONITOR ASSIGNED FREQS | |
| 08 | BINGO CheckCONFIRM CURRENT BINGO SETTINGNOTE: Review bingo fuel as mission evolves - update if divert is required. |
PHS 15 - Descent / Approach10 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherOBTAINEDNOTE: Get ATIS for destination. Note QNH, runway in use, weather, and NOTAM restrictions. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET QNH (At transition level) | |
| 03 | Descent Speed300-350 KIAS / M0.85 (INITIAL)NOTE: Reduce speed progressively during descent. | |
| 04 | Fuel StateABOVE BINGO + ALTERNATE FUEL | |
| 05 | WeaponsSAFE - MASTER ARM OFFNOTE: Dearm all weapons. Master arm to SAFE prior to entering traffic area. | |
| 06 | Radar / SensorsSTANDBY OR OFF AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | IFFMODE 3 SQUAWK ASSIGNED | |
| 08 | TACANSET TO AIRFIELD CHANNEL | |
| 09 | Landing DataCOMPUTEDNOTE: Know approach speed for current weight. Typical final approach: 160-180 KIAS. | |
| 10 | LightingANTI-COLLISION ON / NAV LIGHTS ON |
PHS 16 - Landing11 steps
| 01 | Cleared to LandCONFIRMED FROM TWR | |
| 02 | Landing GearDOWN (3 GREEN)CAUTION: Extend gear below 300 KIAS. Confirm 3 green lights - nose, left, right. | |
| 03 | SpeedbrakesAS REQUIREDNOTE: Speedbrakes can assist approach deceleration. | |
| 04 | Final Approach SpeedON-SPEED AOA (15-15.5 DEG AoA)NOTE: F-16 flies on-speed AoA reference. Typically 150-170 KIAS depending on weight. | |
| 05 | Glidepath3-DEGREE (2.5-3.5 ACCEPTABLE) | |
| 06 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - SMOOTHNOTE: Do not flare excessively. Fly the aircraft onto the runway. | |
| 07 | Nose GearLOWER GENTLY - 50-70 KIASCAUTION: Lower nose wheel gently after touchdown to avoid runway FOD ingestion. | |
| 08 | BrakesAPPLY PROGRESSIVELYNOTE: Anti-skid is active. Maintain straight rollout. Avoid heavy braking above 100 kts. | |
| 09 | Drag Chute (If equipped)DEPLOY AT ~120 KTASNOTE: BMS aircraft do not all have drag chutes - deploy if equipped per mission brief. | |
| 10 | SpeedbrakesOPEN (After touchdown) | |
| 11 | ThrottleIDLE |
PHS 17 - After Landing10 steps
| 01 | Clear RunwayEXIT AT FIRST AVAILABLE TAXIWAY | |
| 02 | SpeedbrakesRETRACTED | |
| 03 | Drag Chute (If deployed)JETTISON AT TAXIWAY TURN | |
| 04 | RadarSTANDBY OR OFF | |
| 05 | WeaponsMASTER ARM - SAFE (Confirm) | |
| 06 | LightsTAXI LIGHT ON / STROBES OFF | |
| 07 | NWSENGAGED FOR TAXI | |
| 08 | Brake TemperatureMONITORNOTE: After heavy braking, allow brake temperature to reduce before applying parking brake. | |
| 09 | IFFSTANDBY | |
| 10 | Fuel StateNOTE ACTUAL LANDING FUEL |
PHS 18 - Shutdown18 steps
| 01 | Parking SpotIN POSITION | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 03 | Wheel ChocksIN PLACE (Confirm with Crew Chief) | |
| 04 | Ejection SeatSAFE (Pin inserted)WARNING: Ground crew must not approach cockpit until seat safety pin is installed. | |
| 05 | AvionicsOFF (All switches)NOTE: Turn off all avionics switches on avionics power panel in reverse order of startup. | |
| 06 | FCR / RadarOFF | |
| 07 | EWSOFF | |
| 08 | Master ArmOFF | |
| 09 | Avionics Power KnobOFF | |
| 10 | ThrottleIDLE - ALLOW ENGINE COOL-DOWNNOTE: Allow engine to cool at idle for 2 minutes before shutdown to prevent soak-back damage. | |
| 11 | ThrottleCUTOFFNOTE: Move throttle to CUTOFF. Engine will spool down. | |
| 12 | Engine RPMDECREASING TO ZERO | |
| 13 | Fuel Master SwitchOFF | |
| 14 | Oxygen Supply LeverOFF | |
| 15 | Main Power SwitchOFF | |
| 16 | CanopyOPEN | |
| 17 | DTCREMOVE (If required)NOTE: Remove data cartridge for post-mission debrief download. | |
| 18 | Post-Flight InspectionWALK AROUND COMPLETE |