F-4E Phantom II (BMS)FALCON BMS Startup Checklist · 191 steps
F-4E Phantom II (BMS)
FALCON BMS - 0/191 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
FighterVietnam Era
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II first flew on 30 August 1965 and became the definitive production variant of the legendary Phantom family, introducing an internal M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon and improved J79-GE-17 smokeless engines. Operated by the USAF from 1967, it served as the primary air superiority and strike fighter through the Vietnam War and Cold War era, eventually equipping 11 nations and remaining in service with some air forces into the 2000s - with a total of 1,387 F-4Es built. In Falcon BMS, the F-4E represents the classic two-seat, twin-engine Phantom optimised for BVR engagements with AIM-7 Sparrows and close-in combat with the internal cannon, modelled with its analogue radar, Weapon System Officer rear cockpit, and period-authentic avionics.
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerMcDonnell Douglas
first Flight1965
roleMultirole fighter / Strike
crew2 (Pilot + Weapon System Officer)
engines2x GE J79-GE-17A (17,900 lbf each with A/B)
max Speed2,370 km/h (Mach 2.23)
range2,699 km (1,457 nmi, ferry)
ceiling56,000 ft
weight28,030 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, threat environment, timeline, and ingress/egress routes. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note icing levels and visibility. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, and NOTAM restrictions along route. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (min fuel to RTB) and joker fuel (leave target area). Two J79 engines burn approximately 12,000 lbs/hr in afterburner - plan carefully. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, fuel tanks, and ECM pod match mission requirements. Check asymmetric load limits. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Waypoints / SteerpointsNOTE: Plan steerpoints for departure, IP, target, egress, and divert in BMS mission editor or kneeboard. | PLANNED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFF CodesNOTE: 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, approach frequencies, and fuel availability. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power10 steps
| 01 | Seat Safety PinsWARNING: Confirm ejection seat pins are removed before flight - stow in designated pocket. | REMOVED AND STOWED | |
| 02 | CanopyNOTE: Leave canopy open during startup for ventilation. Close and lock before engine start. | OPEN | |
| 03 | ThrottlesWARNING: Both throttles must be in the fully aft CUTOFF position before any power is applied. | OFF (CUTOFF) | |
| 04 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Applies battery power to essential buses. Instrument lighting partially illuminates. | ON | |
| 05 | External PowerNOTE: Connect ground power unit if available. Reduces battery drain during long startups. | CONNECT / CHECK (If Available) | |
| 06 | Generator Switches (Both)NOTE: Set both generator switches to ON - they will supply power once engines are running. | ON | |
| 07 | Bus Tie SwitchNOTE: Allows automatic transfer of electrical loads between buses. | AUTO | |
| 08 | Cockpit LightingNOTE: Set instrument, console, and flood lighting appropriate for time of day. | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Oxygen SwitchNOTE: Open oxygen supply valve. Check O2 quantity gauge. | ON | |
| 10 | Intercom SystemNOTE: Verify ICS communication between front and rear cockpits. | CHECK (Pilot / WSO) |
PHS 3 — Avionics Power-Up8 steps
| 01 | UHF Radio (AN/ARC-164)NOTE: Set departure frequency preset. Confirm guard monitoring on 243.0 MHz. | ON / PRESET SET | |
| 02 | TACANNOTE: Set TACAN channel for departure airfield. Verify azimuth/distance display. | T/R, CHANNEL SET | |
| 03 | IFF MasterNOTE: Set to STBY during startup. Switch to NORM when cleared to taxi. | STBY | |
| 04 | IFF Modes 1/2/3NOTE: Enter briefed mode codes. Mode 4 requires crypto key loaded. | SET AS BRIEFED | |
| 05 | Radar Power SwitchNOTE: Place APQ-120 radar in STBY to begin warm-up. Allow 3-5 minutes before selecting ON. | STBY | |
| 06 | Weapons SelectorNOTE: Confirm master arm and weapons selector are in safe positions. | SAFE | |
| 07 | ECM Pod (ALQ-131, If Equipped)NOTE: Power ECM pod if equipped. Allow warm-up time before operational. | ON / WARM UP | |
| 08 | Caution / Warning PanelNOTE: Note any illuminated caution lights at this stage - some may clear after engine start. | CHECK |
PHS 4 — Before Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeNOTE: Apply parking brake firmly. Verify brake pressure is adequate. | SET | |
| 02 | Wheel Chocks | IN PLACE (Confirm with Crew Chief) | |
| 03 | Fire Guard | POSTED | |
| 04 | Fore and Aft AreaNOTE: Confirm area around aircraft is clear of personnel and equipment. | CLEAR | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Confirm fuel quantity matches planned load. Check all tanks individually. | CHECK / VERIFY | |
| 06 | Fuel Boost PumpsNOTE: Boost pumps will be activated after engine master switches are ON. | OFF (Pre-Start) | |
| 07 | Engine Master Switches (Both)NOTE: Verify both engine master switches are OFF before connecting external air. | OFF (Pre-Start) | |
| 08 | Anti-Ice SwitchNOTE: Set based on ambient temperature and conditions. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Verify controls are free and correct with full deflection check before engine start. | CHECK FREE | |
| 10 | Ejection Seat ArmedCAUTION: Ensure area around aircraft is clear of personnel before arming seats. Both pilot and WSO arm simultaneously. | ARMED |
PHS 5 — Engine Start18 steps
| 01 | Right Engine Master SwitchNOTE: Activates fuel boost pump and ignition system for right engine. | ON | |
| 02 | External Air SourceNOTE: Connect external pneumatic air cart to right engine. Verify flow established. | CONNECT RIGHT | |
| 03 | External AirflowNOTE: Open air valve on ground cart to begin spinning right engine. | ON | |
| 04 | Right Engine RPM - IncreasingNOTE: Monitor RPM rising toward 10%. Do not advance throttle yet. | CHECK INCREASING | |
| 05 | Right Throttle (at ~10% RPM)CAUTION: Advance right throttle to IDLE when RPM reaches approximately 10%. Listen for light-off. | IDLE | |
| 06 | Right EGT - Light-OffWARNING: If EGT exceeds 420 deg C at idle or rises rapidly above 700 deg C during start, retard throttle to CUTOFF immediately - HOT START. | EGT RISING (220-420 deg C at idle) | |
| 07 | External AirflowNOTE: Stop external air when right engine reaches approximately 45% RPM. Engine self-sustains. | OFF (at 45% RPM) | |
| 08 | Right Engine - IDLE ParametersNOTE: Idle RPM 65+/-1%, EGT 220-420 deg C, Fuel Flow 800-1400 pph, Oil Pressure 12-50 PSI. | VERIFY | |
| 09 | Right GeneratorNOTE: Right generator should come online automatically. Verify generator bus light extinguishes. | ON / CHECK | |
| 10 | External Air SourceNOTE: Move air cart connection to left engine for second engine start. | CONNECT LEFT | |
| 11 | Left Engine Master Switch | ON | |
| 12 | External AirflowNOTE: Open air valve to begin spinning left engine. | ON (Left) | |
| 13 | Left Throttle (at ~10% RPM)CAUTION: Advance left throttle to IDLE at approximately 10% RPM. | IDLE | |
| 14 | Left EGT - Light-OffWARNING: Monitor for hot start - EGT above 420 deg C at idle requires immediate cutoff. | EGT RISING (220-420 deg C) | |
| 15 | External AirflowNOTE: Stop external air when left engine reaches approximately 45% RPM. | OFF (at 45% RPM Left) | |
| 16 | Left Engine - IDLE ParametersNOTE: Idle RPM 65+/-1%, EGT 220-420 deg C, Fuel Flow 800-1400 pph, Oil Pressure 12-50 PSI. | VERIFY | |
| 17 | Left GeneratorNOTE: Left generator online. Verify bus tie light extinguishes confirming both generators online. | ON / CHECK | |
| 18 | External Power / AirNOTE: Signal crew chief to disconnect external power and air after both generators are online. | DISCONNECT |
PHS 6 — Post-Start Checks12 steps
| 01 | Both Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Confirm RPM, EGT, fuel flow, and oil pressure stable and within limits on both engines. | IN LIMITS | |
| 02 | Hydraulic Pressure (PC-1 / PC-2)NOTE: Both hydraulic systems should show approximately 3,000 PSI. PC-1 powers flight controls; PC-2 powers utility systems. | 3,000 PSI (NORMAL) | |
| 03 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel quantity in internal and external tanks matches load plan. | CHECK ALL TANKS | |
| 04 | Fuel Boost PumpsNOTE: Activate fuel boost pumps for both engines. | ON | |
| 05 | Right Boost Pump Pressure | 30+/-5 PSI | |
| 06 | Left Boost Pump Pressure | 30+/-5 PSI | |
| 07 | Air Refueling SwitchNOTE: Verify air refueling door is retracted and switch is in NORM position. | NORM (Retracted) | |
| 08 | Caution / Warning LightsNOTE: Address any remaining caution lights. Minor items may clear as systems warm up. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 09 | Cockpit PressurizationNOTE: Verify pressurization system is functioning and no CABIN PRESS warning. | CHECK | |
| 10 | Oxygen FlowNOTE: Verify oxygen flow indicator blinker is cycling with each breath. | CHECK (Blinker Moving) | |
| 11 | Spoiler ActuatorNOTE: Visually confirm spoiler actuator movement. Left spoiler check after right engine start. | CHECK | |
| 12 | Radar AltimeterNOTE: Set radar altimeter low altitude warning as appropriate for departure phase. | ON, LOW ALT SET 200 FT |
PHS 7 — INS / Navigation Setup10 steps
| 01 | INS Mode SelectorNOTE: Place INS in STBY for initial warm-up. Allow gyros to reach operating temperature. | STBY (WARM-UP) | |
| 02 | INS Alignment (GYRO COMP)NOTE: Select GYRO COMP on INS mode knob. Full alignment takes 8-10 minutes for accurate navigation. | INITIATE | |
| 03 | Present PositionNOTE: Enter current airfield coordinates into INS. Accuracy of alignment depends on correct position entry. | ENTER (Lat/Long) | |
| 04 | TACAN - Airfield ChannelNOTE: Confirm TACAN bearing and distance to airfield TACAN station. Cross-check with known position. | SET / VERIFIED | |
| 05 | Altimeter Setting (QNH)NOTE: Set QNH on barometric altimeter. Verify field elevation within +/- 75 ft. | SET | |
| 06 | Compass SystemNOTE: Verify compass heading agrees with INS and known runway heading. | SET / SLAVED | |
| 07 | Steerpoints / WaypointsNOTE: Confirm steerpoints match mission briefing coordinates. Check each steerpoint bearing and distance. | ENTERED AND VERIFIED | |
| 08 | INS Alignment StatusNOTE: Wait for INS READY light before proceeding. Do not taxi until alignment is complete. | ALIGNED (READY) | |
| 09 | INS ModeNOTE: Switch INS to NAV mode after alignment completes. Verify navigation display is active. | NAV | |
| 10 | IFF MasterNOTE: Switch IFF from STBY to NORM. Verify correct modes and codes set per briefing. | NORM |
PHS 8 — Weapons and Sensors8 steps
| 01 | Weapons Control PanelNOTE: Confirm all weapons switches are safe before proceeding. | VERIFY SAFE | |
| 02 | Optical Sight (LEAD COMP)NOTE: Set sight mode and reticle appropriate for mission weapons and profile. | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Radar (APQ-120)NOTE: Switch radar from STBY to ON after warm-up. Set initial range scale for departure phase. | ON / RANGE SET | |
| 04 | Radar BITNOTE: Run radar built-in test if time permits. Verify no fault indications. | PASS | |
| 05 | Weapons Delivery ModeNOTE: Set DSCG weapons mode, fuzing, and release setting per mission weapons load. | SET AS BRIEFED | |
| 06 | AIM-7 Sparrow (If Loaded)NOTE: Allow AIM-7 seeker to tune. Check status lights on weapons control panel. | TUNED / STATUS CHECK | |
| 07 | AIM-9 Sidewinder (If Loaded)NOTE: Verify AIM-9 cooling tone. Check uncage capability if equipped. | COOL / STATUS CHECK | |
| 08 | Centerline / Wing Tank Fuel TransferNOTE: Verify external tank transfer switches are set correctly per tank configuration. | SET AS REQUIRED |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi12 steps
| 01 | CanopyCAUTION: Ensure canopy is fully latched and locked. Verify canopy unlock light is extinguished. | CLOSE AND LOCK | |
| 02 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Select SLATS/FLAPS OUT for takeoff. Verify slat/flap position indicators. | OUT AND DOWN (TO) | |
| 03 | Stabilizer Augmentation SwitchesNOTE: Ensure pitch and yaw SAS switches are ON for enhanced stability. | ON (Pitch and Yaw SAS) | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Full deflection check - stick fore/aft, left/right, rudder full left/right. Verify control surface response. | CHECK FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 05 | TrimNOTE: Set pitch trim 0-2 units nose up. Set rudder and aileron trim to neutral. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 06 | BrakesCAUTION: Pump brakes to verify pressure. Test differential braking before releasing parking brake. | CHECK | |
| 07 | Anti-Skid SwitchNOTE: Activate anti-skid system. Will be verified on runway prior to takeoff. | ON | |
| 08 | Internal Wing TransferNOTE: Check wing fuel transfer is operating correctly. | VERIFY | |
| 09 | Warning Lights PanelNOTE: Address any illuminated warning lights before taxi. | CHECK ALL CLEAR | |
| 10 | RadarNOTE: Place radar in STBY during ground operations. Switch ON when airborne. | STBY (Taxi) | |
| 11 | Parking BrakeNOTE: Release parking brake when cleared to taxi. | RELEASE | |
| 12 | Nose Wheel SteeringNOTE: Verify nosewheel steering is active. Taxi with small power additions to test braking. | ENGAGED |
PHS 10 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | ATC Taxi ClearanceNOTE: Obtain taxi clearance and confirm runway in use, QNH, and any taxi restrictions. | RECEIVED | |
| 02 | Taxi SpeedNOTE: Maintain safe taxi speed. F-4 has high inertia - plan stopping distances carefully. | APPROPRIATE (< 20 KTS) | |
| 03 | InstrumentsNOTE: Verify attitude indicator, compass, and turn indicator respond correctly during taxi turns. | CHECK DURING TAXI | |
| 04 | Pitot HeatNOTE: Activate pitot heat during taxi to ensure airspeed system is fully functional before takeoff. | ON | |
| 05 | Defog / Temperature ControlNOTE: Set cockpit temperature and defog as needed. | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Monitor EGT, RPM, and oil pressure throughout taxi. | MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Lineup ChecksNOTE: Run through all lineup items before entering runway. | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | Optical SightNOTE: Verify sight mode selected for departure air-to-air or air-to-ground as required. | SET FOR MISSION | |
| 03 | Internal Wing TransferNOTE: Confirm wing fuel is transferring to feed the engines. | VERIFY | |
| 04 | Stabilizer Augmentation (SAS)NOTE: Re-verify pitch and yaw SAS are ON. | BOTH ON | |
| 05 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Final flight control check at runway hold short. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 06 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Visually verify flap and slat position indicators show OUT and DOWN. | OUT AND DOWN - CONFIRMED | |
| 07 | Anti-IceNOTE: Set engine and pitot anti-ice as required for conditions. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Note total fuel and confirm bingo fuel setting on fuel low warning. | CHECK TOTAL | |
| 09 | CanopyCAUTION: Confirm canopy locked before entering active runway. | CLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 10 | Warning LightsNOTE: No red or amber lights on caution/warning panel. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 11 | Defog / TempNOTE: Ensure windscreen is clear. Set defog as needed. | SET | |
| 12 | Command Selector ValveNOTE: Set command selector to normal position for flight. | NORM | |
| 13 | Ejection SeatsCAUTION: Both pilot and WSO confirm ejection seat mode selector is set correctly per crew coordination. | ARMED (Both Crew Confirm) | |
| 14 | IFFNOTE: Confirm IFF in NORM with correct codes for departure. | NORM / CODES SET |
PHS 12 — Takeoff13 steps
| 01 | Runway LineupNOTE: Align on runway centerline. Set heading reference on HSI to runway heading. | ALIGNED | |
| 02 | Anti-SkidNOTE: Check anti-skid light status before brake release. | VERIFIED ON (Before Roll) | |
| 03 | Compass CheckNOTE: Verify compass and INS heading agree with runway heading. | RUNWAY HEADING CONFIRMED | |
| 04 | Circuit BreakersNOTE: Quick scan of circuit breaker panel - all in. | CHECK IN | |
| 05 | BrakesNOTE: Apply toe brakes firmly. Advance throttles to 85% RPM before release for engine stabilization check. | HOLD | |
| 06 | Engine Parameters at 85% RPMCAUTION: Do not advance beyond 85% until engine parameters are confirmed stable. | VERIFY (EGT ~450 C, FF ~4000 PPH, Nozzles 1/4, Oil 30-40 PSI) | |
| 07 | Throttles to Military PowerNOTE: Advance both throttles to full military (non-afterburner) power. Or select afterburner for heavy loads or short runways. | MILITARY POWER | |
| 08 | Brakes ReleaseNOTE: Release brakes when engines are stable at military or afterburner power. Confirm equal thrust from both engines. | RELEASE | |
| 09 | Nose Gear SteeringNOTE: Use nose gear steering for directional control during initial roll. Rudder becomes effective at approximately 70 knots. | ENGAGED TO 70 KTS | |
| 10 | Nose Gear SteeringNOTE: Disengage NWS when rudder steering becomes effective. Switch to rudder for directional control. | DISENGAGE AT ~70 KTS | |
| 11 | RotationNOTE: Apply aft stick pressure prior to nose wheel liftoff. Maintain 10-12 deg nose-high attitude for fly-off. | APPLY AFT STICK (V1~180 KTS) | |
| 12 | Landing GearWARNING: Retract gear before reaching 250 knots maximum gear limit airspeed. Verify gear handle UP and warning light out. | RETRACT (< 250 KTS) | |
| 13 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Retract slats and flaps above 180 knots. Verify slat/flap indicators show IN and UP. | NORM (RETRACT > 180 KTS) |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Gear IndicatorsNOTE: Confirm all three gear indicators show UP. Verify gear warning light is extinguished. | ALL UP (3 Green Out) | |
| 02 | Slats / Flaps IndicatorsNOTE: Confirm slats and flaps fully retracted on position indicator. | IN AND UP | |
| 03 | Climb AttitudeNOTE: Maintain 10-12 deg nose-high until reaching 350 KIAS, then adjust pitch to maintain airspeed. | 10-12 DEG NOSE HIGH TO 350 KIAS | |
| 04 | AfterburnerNOTE: Cancel afterburner after gear and flaps are up and climb established. Monitor EGT and fuel flow. | CANCEL (If Used) | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Verify RPM, EGT, oil pressure, and hydraulic pressure in limits during climb. | CHECK IN LIMITS | |
| 06 | RadarNOTE: Switch radar from STBY to ON now that aircraft is airborne. Set appropriate search range. | SWITCH TO ON (Airborne) | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Note fuel at wheels-up. Calculate fuel flow to confirm within expected parameters. | CHECK AND MONITOR | |
| 08 | Anti-IceNOTE: Monitor for icing conditions en route. Activate engine anti-ice as needed. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | ATC / Radar ContactNOTE: Contact departure control or mission freq. Report airborne and climbing. | CHECK IN |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit10 steps
| 01 | Altimeter / BARO SettingNOTE: Set altimeter to FL transition altitude. Compare pilot and WSO altimeter readings. | SET AND COMPARE (Pilot/WSO) | |
| 02 | Radar AltimeterNOTE: Set radar altimeter low altitude warning appropriate for route altitude. | ON / LOW WARN SET | |
| 03 | Command Selector ValveNOTE: Verify command selector in NORM position for cruise. | NORM | |
| 04 | TACANNOTE: Verify TACAN bearing and distance to next steerpoint or waypoint navaid. | CHECK NAVIGATION | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel is transferring from external tanks. Monitor total fuel against time plan. Note joker and bingo fuel targets. | CHECK / MONITOR TRANSFER | |
| 06 | Operations Check (Oxygen)NOTE: Verify O2 blinker cycling normally. Check PSI. | FLOW NORMAL | |
| 07 | Cockpit PressurizationNOTE: Verify cabin altitude and differential pressure are within normal range. | CHECK NORMAL | |
| 08 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Periodic check of RPM, EGT, oil, and hydraulic pressure throughout cruise. | IN LIMITS | |
| 09 | Standby CompassNOTE: Periodically cross-check standby compass with primary heading reference. | CHECK / VERIFY HEADING | |
| 10 | Anti-IceNOTE: Monitor for airframe icing. Activate engine anti-ice if required. | ADJUST AS REQUIRED |
PHS 15 — Descent / Approach9 steps
| 01 | Altimeter (QNH)NOTE: Set destination airfield QNH. Compare with WSO altimeter. Note transition altitude. | SET (Destination) | |
| 02 | TACAN (Destination)NOTE: Set destination airfield TACAN channel. Verify bearing and distance to field. | SET | |
| 03 | RadarNOTE: Place radar in STBY when no longer needed. Reduces emissions during approach. | STBY (Prior to Approach) | |
| 04 | IFFNOTE: Confirm correct IFF codes for recovery. Squawk assigned code if applicable. | NORM / CODES CONFIRM | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel is above bingo. If below joker, notify wingman/flight lead. | CHECK TOTAL vs BINGO | |
| 06 | WeaponsNOTE: Confirm all weapons are safed and not live before approach to pattern. | SAFE / VERIFY | |
| 07 | Anti-IceNOTE: Maintain engine and pitot anti-ice if icing conditions exist during descent. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Air Refueling SwitchNOTE: Extend air refueling door to depressurize fuel tanks before landing. Reduces fuel tank overpressure risk. | EXTEND (Prior to Landing) | |
| 09 | Landing Pattern EntryNOTE: Enter visual pattern at 230 KIAS minimum maneuvering speed. 250 KIAS single engine. | 230 KIAS MINIMUM |
PHS 16 — Landing12 steps
| 01 | Pattern Entry SpeedNOTE: Maintain minimum 230 knots in the pattern with flaps up. | 230 KIAS (NORMAL) / 250 KIAS (SINGLE ENGINE) | |
| 02 | Landing GearNOTE: Select landing gear down on downwind leg in level flight. Verify 3 green indicators. | DOWN (DOWNWIND) | |
| 03 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Select slats/flaps OUT when slowing below 210 knots. Actual flap extension may not occur until 210 KIAS. | OUT AND DOWN (BELOW 210 KTS) | |
| 04 | Angle of AttackNOTE: Fly on-speed AOA (19.2 units / middle aural tone) for optimum approach. Do not fly by airspeed alone. | 19.2 UNITS (ON-SPEED) | |
| 05 | GlidepathNOTE: Maintain 2.5 to 3 degree glideslope producing approximately 700 fpm rate of descent. | 2.5 - 3 DEG (700 FPM DESCENT) | |
| 06 | Power ManagementNOTE: Use power to control glidepath. Use pitch to control AOA. Maintain coordinated approach. | ADJUST FOR AOA / GLIDEPATH | |
| 07 | Base Leg / Final AOANOTE: Establish and maintain on-speed AOA on base leg or final approach. | ON-SPEED ESTABLISHED | |
| 08 | TouchdownNOTE: At touchdown reduce power to idle immediately. Deploy drag chute to assist deceleration. | POWER TO IDLE / DEPLOY DRAG CHUTE | |
| 09 | Drag ChuteNOTE: Deploy drag chute at touchdown. Effective between 180 and 70 knots for maximum deceleration. | DEPLOY AT TOUCHDOWN | |
| 10 | Directional ControlNOTE: Use rudder and ailerons for directional control above 70 knots. Transition to differential braking below 70 knots. | RUDDER/AILERONS TO 70 KTS, THEN BRAKES | |
| 11 | Full Aft StickNOTE: Hold full aft stick throughout rollout to keep nose gear loaded for aerodynamic braking. | MAINTAIN THROUGHOUT ROLLOUT | |
| 12 | BrakingNOTE: Apply wheel brakes as needed. Maximum braking after nose gear contacts runway. | APPLY AS REQUIRED |
PHS 17 — After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Drag ChuteNOTE: Jettison drag chute when clear of runway and at safe taxi speed. Crew chief will retrieve. | JETTISON (Taxi Speed) | |
| 02 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Retract slats and flaps after clearing runway. | NORM (RETRACT) | |
| 03 | Anti-SkidNOTE: Switch anti-skid off after clearing active runway. | OFF | |
| 04 | Air Refueling DoorNOTE: Return air refueling switch to NORM to retract door. | RETRACT (NORM) | |
| 05 | RadarNOTE: Place radar in STBY or OFF during taxi. Reduces risk to ground personnel. | STBY or OFF | |
| 06 | IFFNOTE: Return IFF to STBY after clearing runway. | STBY | |
| 07 | LightsNOTE: Set taxi light and nav lights appropriately for post-landing taxi. | AS REQUIRED FOR TAXI | |
| 08 | Pitot HeatNOTE: Turn off pitot heat once parked to prevent ground crew hazard. | OFF (After Parking) | |
| 09 | WeaponsNOTE: Confirm all weapons in safe condition before reaching parking area. | SAFE / CONFIRM |
PHS 18 — Shutdown13 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeNOTE: Apply parking brake firmly before shutdown. | SET | |
| 02 | Wheel Chocks | IN PLACE (Signal Crew Chief) | |
| 03 | AvionicsNOTE: Switch avionics, radar, ECM, and navigation systems off or to minimum power. | OFF / STANDBY | |
| 04 | Ejection SeatsNOTE: Both pilot and WSO safe ejection seats before exiting aircraft. | SAFE (Both Crew) | |
| 05 | IFFNOTE: Zeroize IFF codes if required by mission security requirements. | OFF / ZEROIZE | |
| 06 | Right ThrottleNOTE: Retard right throttle to CUTOFF. Engine will begin winding down. | CUTOFF | |
| 07 | Left ThrottleNOTE: Retard left throttle to CUTOFF simultaneously or sequentially. | CUTOFF | |
| 08 | Engine Spool-DownNOTE: Both engines should spool down smoothly. Monitor EGT until cool. | MONITOR (RPM Decreasing) | |
| 09 | Engine Master Switches (Both)WARNING: Do not switch engine master OFF until engines have fully spooled down. Premature cutoff can cause fire. | OFF (After Full Spool-Down) | |
| 10 | Generators (Both)NOTE: Switch off both generators after engines have stopped. | OFF | |
| 11 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Switch off battery after all systems have been properly shut down. | OFF | |
| 12 | CanopyNOTE: Open canopy for crew egress and aircraft cooling. | OPEN | |
| 13 | Post-Flight InspectionNOTE: Conduct post-flight walkaround. Note any discrepancies for maintenance debrief. | COMPLETE |