F-16C Block 52 (BMS)FALCON BMS Startup Checklist · 176 steps
F-16C Block 52 (BMS)
FALCON BMS - 0/176 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
Fighter4th Gen
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The F-16C Block 52 is powered by the Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-229 engine delivering 29,100 lbf of thrust with afterburner, distinguishing it from the GE F110-powered Block 50. First flown on 22 October 1992, the Block 52 introduced the Increased Performance Engine (IPE) programme alongside expanded avionics compatibility including the APG-68(V)9 radar, internal HARM Targeting System (HTS), and compatibility with JDAM, JSOW, and AGM-84 Harpoon - making it the most capable fourth-generation multirole variant of its era. In Falcon BMS the Block 52 is modelled with the PW-229 engine's distinct performance characteristics alongside the full suite of precision-guided munitions and Link 16 datalink capability used by USAF and export operators including Greece, Poland, and South Korea.
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerGeneral Dynamics / Lockheed Martin
first Flight1992
roleMultirole fighter
crew1 pilot
engines1x P&W F100-PW-229 (29,100 lbf with A/B)
max Speed2,120 km/h (Mach 2.0)
range4,220 km (2,280 nmi, clean ferry)
ceiling50,000+ ft
weight21,772 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, threat environment, package composition, and timeline. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note icing levels and significant weather. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, SAM threat zones, and NOTAM restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Bingo = min fuel to RTB. Joker = leave target area. Single-engine aircraft - fuel management is critical. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, pods, CFTs, and external tanks match mission requirements. Note CAT I or CAT III. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Data Cartridge (DTC)NOTE: Load DTC with steerpoints, threat data, radio presets, IFF codes, and laser codes for the mission. | LOADED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFF CodesNOTE: Set UHF/VHF presets and confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes. Brief EMCON restrictions. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert airfields, runway lengths, ILS frequencies, and fuel availability. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power8 steps
| 01 | Main Power SwitchNOTE: Applies battery power. Cockpit instruments begin to illuminate. | BATT | |
| 02 | CanopyNOTE: Fully latch canopy before applying main power. | CLOSE & LOCK | |
| 03 | Main Power SwitchNOTE: Applies main electrical bus power. EPU RUN light may briefly illuminate. | MAIN PWR | |
| 04 | Oxygen Supply Lever | ON | |
| 05 | Fuel Master SwitchWARNING: Engine cannot receive fuel without this switch. Confirm guard is up. | MASTER (Guard Up) | |
| 06 | ENG FEED KnobNOTE: Controls fuel feed from internal tanks. NORM uses all tanks in sequence. | NORM | |
| 07 | EPU SwitchNOTE: EPU in NORM - will auto-deploy if hydraulic or electrical power is lost. | NORM (Guard Closed) | |
| 08 | Cockpit Lighting | SET AS REQUIRED |
PHS 3 — Avionics Power-Up11 steps
| 01 | Avionics Power KnobNOTE: Allow 30 seconds for avionics bus to stabilise before proceeding. | ON | |
| 02 | MMC Switch | MMC | |
| 03 | ST STA Switch | ST STA | |
| 04 | MFD Switch | MFD | |
| 05 | UFC Switch | UFC | |
| 06 | GPS Switch | GPS | |
| 07 | DL (Datalink) Switch | DL | |
| 08 | INS Knob (Avionics Power Panel)NOTE: Keep INS off until electrical power is fully stable. Will be set during alignment phase. | OFF (Initial) | |
| 09 | Master Arm | SAFE | |
| 10 | Left HDPT SwitchNOTE: Hardpoint switches off during startup. | OFF | |
| 11 | Right HDPT Switch | OFF |
PHS 4 — Before Engine Start6 steps
| 01 | ThrottleWARNING: Throttle must be in CUTOFF before JFS activation to prevent hot start. | CUTOFF | |
| 02 | STORES CONFIG SwitchNOTE: CAT I = light stores. CAT III = heavy/asymmetric stores. Set based on actual loadout. | CAT I or CAT III | |
| 03 | Anti-Ice SwitchNOTE: Engine and probe anti-ice - ON if icing conditions exist. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Ejection Seat Arm HandleCAUTION: Ensure all ground personnel are clear of the seat before arming. | ARMED | |
| 05 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 06 | Wheel Chocks | CONFIRMED IN PLACE |
PHS 5 — Engine Start (JFS)10 steps
| 01 | JFS SwitchNOTE: Right-click to START 2. Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) activates. Listen for spool-up sound. | START 2 | |
| 02 | JFS RPMNOTE: Wait for JFS to reach full operating speed - approximately 8-10 seconds. | STABILISED (~100%) | |
| 03 | ThrottleNOTE: Advance throttle from CUTOFF to IDLE when JFS is at speed. Engine light-off will occur. | IDLE | |
| 04 | Engine RPMCAUTION: If no light-off occurs by 20% RPM, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | INCREASING | |
| 05 | FTIT (Fan Turbine Inlet Temp)WARNING: If FTIT exceeds 980 C during start (hot start) - throttle to CUTOFF immediately. | RISING - MONITOR | |
| 06 | Oil PressureWARNING: Shut down immediately if oil pressure does not rise within 10 seconds of engine light-off. | RISING WITHIN 10 SEC | |
| 07 | Nozzle PositionNOTE: Nozzle opens wide then progressively closes as engine accelerates to idle. | 60-80% OPEN (SETTLING) | |
| 08 | Engine RPM at IDLENOTE: Allow engine to fully stabilise at idle. PW229 idles slightly higher than GE-129. | ~62-65% | |
| 09 | JFS SwitchNOTE: JFS disengages automatically at engine idle. Verify JFS RUN light extinguishes. | OFF (AUTO CUTOUT) | |
| 10 | FLCS BITNOTE: Press FLCS BIT button on left console to start flight control system self-test. | INITIATE |
PHS 6 — Post-Start Checks10 steps
| 01 | EPU SwitchCAUTION: EPU ARM light should be extinguished. Verify hydrazine is not in use. | NORM (Guard Closed) | |
| 02 | FLCS BIT LightNOTE: FLCS BIT takes approximately 60 seconds. If BIT fails, investigate before taxiing. | EXTINGUISHED (Test Complete) | |
| 03 | Hydraulic Pressure (A & B) | 2,850-3,250 PSI | |
| 04 | Engine RPM | 62-65% (STABLE) | |
| 05 | FTIT | STABLE - IN LIMITS (<980 C) | |
| 06 | Nozzle Position | ~85% (AT IDLE) | |
| 07 | Oil Pressure | NORMAL (40-90 PSI) | |
| 08 | FUEL QTYNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches pre-flight plan. Set BINGO bug on UFC. | CHECK vs PLAN | |
| 09 | Caution / Warning LightsNOTE: Address any remaining caution lights before proceeding. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 10 | Electrical BusNOTE: Main generator should now be on line - battery no longer primary source. | GEN ON LINE |
PHS 7 — INS / Navigation Alignment13 steps
| 01 | DTC (Data Transfer Cartridge)NOTE: Insert DTC into the Data Transfer Equipment slot. LOAD light extinguishes when complete. | INSERT & LOAD | |
| 02 | INS KnobNOTE: Set to NORM to begin full inertial alignment. Full gyrocompass alignment takes 4-8 minutes. | NORM (ALIGN) | |
| 03 | INS Alignment ModeNOTE: STOR HDG = fast 90-second align (less accurate). NORM = full align (8 min, most accurate). | STORED HEADING or NORM | |
| 04 | UFC - STPT 1NOTE: Check steerpoint 1 coordinates match briefed takeoff or first waypoint. | VERIFY COORDINATES | |
| 05 | IFF Master Knob | NORM | |
| 06 | IFF Mode 4 | ON (CODE LOADED) | |
| 07 | IFF Mode 1 / 3 | SET AS BRIEFED | |
| 08 | TACANNOTE: Set TACAN channel for departure airfield. | T/R, CHANNEL SET | |
| 09 | UHF RadioNOTE: Select departure frequency. Confirm guard 243.0 MHz is monitored. | PRESET / MANUAL SET | |
| 10 | VHF Radio | PRESET / MANUAL SET | |
| 11 | HSI / Bearing PointersNOTE: Confirm correct bearing pointer for TACAN or RNAV. Set course bug. | SET | |
| 12 | INS Alignment StatusNOTE: Wait for ALIGN or RDY indication before switching INS to NAV. | ALIGNED (RDY light on DED) | |
| 13 | INS KnobNOTE: Switch to NAV when alignment is complete. Aircraft is now navigation-capable. | NAV (After alignment complete) |
PHS 8 — Weapons & Sensors9 steps
| 01 | SMS (Stores Management System)NOTE: Check SMS MFD page. Confirm all stations match briefed stores and weights. | VERIFY LOADOUT ON MFD | |
| 02 | Weapon FuzingNOTE: Nose/tail fuze arm switches, impact delay - set per mission brief. | SET AS BRIEFED | |
| 03 | FCR (Fire Control Radar)NOTE: Select FCR on MFD. Allow radar to complete BIT. APG-68(V)9 may take 3-5 minutes. | ON / WARM-UP | |
| 04 | FCR BIT | PASS (No fault codes) | |
| 05 | EWS (Electronic Warfare Suite)NOTE: Set chaff and flare programs per threat environment brief. Verify dispenser counts. | PROGRAMS SET | |
| 06 | ECM Pod (ALQ-131 / ALQ-184)NOTE: Allow ECM pod warm-up time. Verify system operational on EWS page. | ON (If equipped) | |
| 07 | HARM / HTSNOTE: HTS pod - verify RWR correlation is active. Pre-tune emitters as briefed. | SET (If equipped) | |
| 08 | Targeting Pod (LANTIRN/Sniper)NOTE: TGP requires several minutes of warm-up before laser is ready. | ON / WARM-UP (If equipped) | |
| 09 | NVG / FLIR | SET (If night mission) |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi10 steps
| 01 | Radar AltimeterNOTE: Set low altitude warning at 200 ft or as appropriate for departure profile. | ON, WARNING SET | |
| 02 | AltimeterNOTE: Set baro altimeter to current QNH. Verify field elevation within 75 ft. | SET (QNH / FIELD ELEVATION) | |
| 03 | LightsNOTE: Position/nav lights on. Anti-collision as required. Taxi light on. | NAV ON / TAXI LIGHT ON | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Full deflection check: stick full fore/aft, left/right; rudder full left/right. | CHECK FREE & CORRECT | |
| 05 | Trim | SET (0-0-0 or as required) | |
| 06 | Speedbrakes | CLOSED | |
| 07 | Flaps | CHECK AUTO (or as required) | |
| 08 | BrakesCAUTION: Test toe brakes before releasing parking brake. Confirm hydraulic pressure adequate. | CHECK | |
| 09 | Parking BrakeNOTE: Release when cleared to taxi by GND control. | RELEASE | |
| 10 | Nose Wheel Steering (NWS)NOTE: NWS button on sidestick. High-gain NWS (HPAS) for tight turns. | ENGAGED (NWS light ON) |
PHS 10 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Taxi SpeedNOTE: Maximum 30 kts taxi. 10 kts for turns. Avoid hard braking. | APPROPRIATE FOR CONDITIONS | |
| 02 | Ground Communication | MONITOR GND FREQ | |
| 03 | Wingtip / Store ClearanceNOTE: With full combat stores the aircraft is wide. Verify clearance at all junctions. | CONFIRM | |
| 04 | Brakes | CHECK HEAT (Normal temps) | |
| 05 | NWSNOTE: Disengage NWS when lined up on runway. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Canopy | LOCKED (Confirm Handle) |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | FuelNOTE: Check crossfeed is OFF. ENG FEED on NORM. | BALANCED & QUANTITY CHECK | |
| 02 | STORES CONFIGNOTE: Verify stores config matches actual loadout for correct FCS gains. | CAT I or CAT III (As set) | |
| 03 | Ejection SeatWARNING: Confirm seat is armed and safety pin is removed before entering runway. | ARMED | |
| 04 | Altimeter / HUD Altitude | FIELD ELEVATION (Cross-check) | |
| 05 | Transponder (IFF)NOTE: Set to NORM for ATC squawk. Mode 4 ON. | NORM / ALT REPORT | |
| 06 | Lights | ANTI-COLLISION ON / STROBE ON | |
| 07 | RadarNOTE: FCR to appropriate mode. EMCON restrictions observed if applicable. | EMITTER AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Takeoff TrimNOTE: Pitch trim: set for weight and CG. Lateral and directional trim: zero. | SET FOR CONDITIONS | |
| 09 | Abort SpeedNOTE: Know your abort speed. Runway remaining awareness is critical. | CALCULATED AND BRIEFED | |
| 10 | Wing Sweep / FlapsNOTE: F-16 uses no flaps for takeoff under normal conditions. | UP (Standard) |
PHS 12 — Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Cleared for Takeoff | CONFIRM FROM TWR | |
| 02 | ThrottleNOTE: Advance to MIL. Select afterburner zone if needed for heavy weight or short runway. | MIL POWER (then AB if required) | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsCAUTION: Do not release brakes until RPM is stable at MIL. FTIT and nozzle must be in limits. | CHECK (RPM / FTIT / NOZ) | |
| 04 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 05 | NWSNOTE: NWS disengages above approx 60 kts. Use rudder for directional control. | MAINTAIN CENTERLINE | |
| 06 | Rotation Speed (Vr)NOTE: Rotate at computed Vr. Typical clean light: 145 KIAS. Heavy loaded: up to 165 KIAS. | ~145-165 KIAS (WEIGHT DEP) | |
| 07 | RotationNOTE: Apply smooth back pressure. FBW system limits to 13 deg/sec rotation rate. | SMOOTH 10-12 DEG PITCH ATTITUDE | |
| 08 | Gear UpCAUTION: Do not exceed 300 KIAS with gear down. | POSITIVE RATE - GEAR UP | |
| 09 | Afterburner | AS REQUIRED (DISENGAGE ABOVE 300 KT / AS PLANNED) |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Gear | UP AND LOCKED (3 GREEN OFF) | |
| 02 | Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 03 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Transition to Mach number above ~FL200. | 300-350 KIAS TO FL200, THEN M0.85+ | |
| 04 | ThrottleNOTE: Select appropriate power for mission climb schedule. | MIL or AB AS REQUIRED FOR CLIMB | |
| 05 | AltimeterNOTE: Set altimeter to standard (29.92 / 1013 hPa) above transition altitude. | TRANSITION ALTITUDE - CHECK QNE/QNH | |
| 06 | Transponder | NORM / ALT REPORT CONFIRMED | |
| 07 | Oxygen / ECSNOTE: Verify oxygen flow and cabin pressurisation is normal. | CHECK (100% above 10,000 ft) | |
| 08 | Fuel StateNOTE: Check fuel burn vs plan at climb through FL100 and FL200. | MONITOR vs PLAN | |
| 09 | Weapons Safety | MASTER ARM - SAFE (Until armed for attack) |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit8 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeNOTE: Optimum cruise altitude typically FL360-FL400 for Block 52 at mission weight. | ASSIGNED ALTITUDE LEVEL | |
| 02 | Cruise SpeedNOTE: Cruise speed depends on mission profile and fuel constraint. | 0.85-0.90 MACH (AS PLANNED) | |
| 03 | ThrottleNOTE: At cruise altitude MIL power is not required. Reduce to optimum. | AS REQUIRED FOR CRUISE | |
| 04 | Fuel State | MONITOR - CHECK JOKER/BINGO BUGS | |
| 05 | NavigationNOTE: Verify steerpoint sequencing on HSD and UFC DED. | STEERPOINTS SEQUENCING CORRECTLY | |
| 06 | Radar | AS REQUIRED (BVR SEARCH OR STANDBY) | |
| 07 | Communications | MONITOR ASSIGNED FREQS | |
| 08 | BINGO CheckNOTE: Review bingo fuel as mission evolves - update if divert is required. | CONFIRM CURRENT BINGO SETTING |
PHS 15 — Descent / Approach10 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherNOTE: Get ATIS for destination. Note QNH, runway in use, weather, and NOTAM restrictions. | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET QNH (At transition level) | |
| 03 | Descent SpeedNOTE: Reduce speed progressively during descent. | 300-350 KIAS / M0.85 (INITIAL) | |
| 04 | Fuel State | ABOVE BINGO + ALTERNATE FUEL | |
| 05 | WeaponsNOTE: Dearm all weapons. Master arm to SAFE prior to entering traffic area. | SAFE - MASTER ARM OFF | |
| 06 | Radar / Sensors | STANDBY OR OFF AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | IFF | MODE 3 SQUAWK ASSIGNED | |
| 08 | TACAN | SET TO AIRFIELD CHANNEL | |
| 09 | Landing DataNOTE: Know approach speed for current weight. Typical final approach: 160-180 KIAS. | COMPUTED | |
| 10 | Lighting | ANTI-COLLISION ON / NAV LIGHTS ON |
PHS 16 — Landing11 steps
| 01 | Cleared to Land | CONFIRMED FROM TWR | |
| 02 | Landing GearCAUTION: Extend gear below 300 KIAS. Confirm 3 green lights - nose, left, right. | DOWN (3 GREEN) | |
| 03 | SpeedbrakesNOTE: Speedbrakes can assist approach deceleration. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: F-16 flies on-speed AoA reference. Typically 150-170 KIAS depending on weight. | ON-SPEED AOA (15-15.5 DEG AoA) | |
| 05 | Glidepath | 3-DEGREE (2.5-3.5 ACCEPTABLE) | |
| 06 | TouchdownNOTE: Do not flare excessively. Fly the aircraft onto the runway. | MAIN GEAR FIRST - SMOOTH | |
| 07 | Nose GearCAUTION: Lower nose wheel gently after touchdown to avoid runway FOD ingestion. | LOWER GENTLY - 50-70 KIAS | |
| 08 | BrakesNOTE: Anti-skid is active. Maintain straight rollout. Avoid heavy braking above 100 kts. | APPLY PROGRESSIVELY | |
| 09 | Drag Chute (If equipped)NOTE: BMS aircraft do not all have drag chutes - deploy if equipped per mission brief. | DEPLOY AT ~120 KTAS | |
| 10 | Speedbrakes | OPEN (After touchdown) | |
| 11 | Throttle | IDLE |
PHS 17 — After Landing10 steps
| 01 | Clear Runway | EXIT AT FIRST AVAILABLE TAXIWAY | |
| 02 | Speedbrakes | RETRACTED | |
| 03 | Drag Chute (If deployed) | JETTISON AT TAXIWAY TURN | |
| 04 | Radar | STANDBY OR OFF | |
| 05 | Weapons | MASTER ARM - SAFE (Confirm) | |
| 06 | Lights | TAXI LIGHT ON / STROBES OFF | |
| 07 | NWS | ENGAGED FOR TAXI | |
| 08 | Brake TemperatureNOTE: After heavy braking, allow brake temperature to reduce before applying parking brake. | MONITOR | |
| 09 | IFF | STANDBY | |
| 10 | Fuel State | NOTE ACTUAL LANDING FUEL |
PHS 18 — Shutdown18 steps
| 01 | Parking Spot | IN POSITION | |
| 02 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 03 | Wheel Chocks | IN PLACE (Confirm with Crew Chief) | |
| 04 | Ejection SeatWARNING: Ground crew must not approach cockpit until seat safety pin is installed. | SAFE (Pin inserted) | |
| 05 | AvionicsNOTE: Turn off all avionics switches on avionics power panel in reverse order of startup. | OFF (All switches) | |
| 06 | FCR / Radar | OFF | |
| 07 | EWS | OFF | |
| 08 | Master Arm | OFF | |
| 09 | Avionics Power Knob | OFF | |
| 10 | ThrottleNOTE: Allow engine to cool at idle for 2 minutes before shutdown to prevent soak-back damage. | IDLE - ALLOW ENGINE COOL-DOWN | |
| 11 | ThrottleNOTE: Move throttle to CUTOFF. Engine will spool down. | CUTOFF | |
| 12 | Engine RPM | DECREASING TO ZERO | |
| 13 | Fuel Master Switch | OFF | |
| 14 | Oxygen Supply Lever | OFF | |
| 15 | Main Power Switch | OFF | |
| 16 | Canopy | OPEN | |
| 17 | DTCNOTE: Remove data cartridge for post-mission debrief download. | REMOVE (If required) | |
| 18 | Post-Flight Inspection | WALK AROUND COMPLETE |