F-4E Phantom IIDCS WORLD Startup Checklist · 210 steps
F-4E Phantom II
DCS WORLD - 0/210 STEPS
U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
FighterVietnam Era
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II is a long-range supersonic fighter-bomber that entered USAF service in 1967 as the definitive Phantom variant, introducing the internally mounted M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon that earlier models lacked. Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets producing 17,900 lbf with afterburner, it served as the backbone of American tactical airpower through Vietnam and remained in service with the USAF, Navy, and over a dozen foreign operators well into the 1990s. The Heatblur DCS module models the Israeli Air Force Kurnass (Sledgehammer) configuration with TISEO electro-optical targeting system, ARN-101 digital NRAS nav system, and capability for the full range of period-correct air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerMcDonnell Douglas
first Flight1963
roleFighter-bomber / Interceptor
crew2 (Pilot + Weapons Systems Officer)
engines2x GE J79-GE-17A (79.6 kN / 17,900 lbf with A/B each)
max Speed2,301 km/h (Mach 2.17)
range2,817 km (1,520 nmi)
ceiling58,750 ft
weight28,030 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, and threat environment. Note kill box, SPINS, and SEAD picture. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note ceiling and visibility for approach. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, and NOTAM restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (minimum to return to base) and joker fuel (time to leave target area). F-4E internal fuel ~12,145 lb. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, Sparrows, Sidewinders, bombs, ECM pods, and external tanks match the mission. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Waypoints / NavigationNOTE: Review IP, target, TACAN channels, and bullseye reference. INS steerpoints entered as required. | PROGRAMMED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFNOTE: Set ARC-164 primary and backup frequencies. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes with ATC and package. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, approach frequencies, and TACAN channels. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical / Pre-Start17 steps
| 01 | Ejection Seat PinsWARNING: Ensure ejection seat pins are removed from both seats before flight. Confirm WSO pins are also out. | REMOVED AND STOWED | |
| 02 | Throttles (Both)CAUTION: Both throttles must be fully aft to OFF position before electrical power is applied. | OFF | |
| 03 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 04 | Fore and Aft Area | CLEAR | |
| 05 | Fire Guard | POSTED | |
| 06 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Activates battery power. Verify battery voltage sufficient for start. | ON | |
| 07 | Generator Switches (Both)CAUTION: Do not engage generators during INS ALIGN mode - power interruption causes INS NO-GO. | OFF - hold clear during INS power-up | |
| 08 | Engine Master Switches (Both) | OFF | |
| 09 | External PowerNOTE: Order ground crew to connect external electrical power to aircraft. | CONNECT | |
| 10 | External Power Switch | ON | |
| 11 | Instrument Ground PowerNOTE: WSO actuates instrument ground power switch on right console. | ON (WSO actuates) | |
| 12 | Landing Gear Indicator LightsNOTE: Engage engine master switch momentarily to verify gear and flap indicators operate. | 3 GREEN (check via battery) | |
| 13 | Fuel Quantity GaugesNOTE: Verify adequate fuel for mission. Check all five gauge readings. | CHECK total and individual | |
| 14 | Fuel Transfer SwitchesNOTE: Fuel panel on right console - all transfer switches to NORMAL. | NORM | |
| 15 | Refuel Select Switch | ALL | |
| 16 | Air Refuel Switch | CLOSE | |
| 17 | Emergency Vent Switch | NORMAL |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation15 steps
| 01 | Oxygen SupplyWARNING: Confirm oxygen flow before engine start. Check blinker indicator cycles with each breath. | ON - verify flow indicator | |
| 02 | Emergency OxygenCAUTION: Confirm emergency oxygen green dot visible and manual pull ring accessible. | GREEN DOT - pin removed | |
| 03 | Canopy Defog / Air Conditioning | SET as required | |
| 04 | Rudder Pedals | ADJUSTED | |
| 05 | Stick | CYCLE - full travel check | |
| 06 | Throttle Friction | SET | |
| 07 | Circuit Breaker PanelsNOTE: Verify all circuit breakers are in. Note any that are pulled and cross-reference with mission requirements. | CHECK all in | |
| 08 | Intercom (ICS) | CHECK with WSO | |
| 09 | Master Arm Switch | SAFE | |
| 10 | Emergency Stores JettisonCAUTION: Confirm jettison button cover is closed and safed. | GUARDED - SAFE | |
| 11 | Anti-Skid SwitchNOTE: Cycle anti-skid switch to test, then verify ANTI-SKID light extinguishes. | ON - test cycle | |
| 12 | Landing Gear Handle | DOWN | |
| 13 | Slats / Flaps Indicator | OUT AND DOWN - matches switch selection | |
| 14 | Speed Brake Switch | CLOSE | |
| 15 | Drag Chute Handle | STOWED |
PHS 4 — INS Alignment (WSO)12 steps
| 01 | INS Mode SelectorNOTE: WSO confirms INS is OFF before generators are engaged to avoid NO-GO condition. | OFF - verify before power-up | |
| 02 | INS Alignment Type SwitchNOTE: GYRO COMP for highest accuracy. Set to HDG MEM before INS ON only if heading memory stored from last flight. | GYRO COMP (or HDG MEM if applicable) | |
| 03 | INS PowerCAUTION: Go from OFF to STBY - pause 2 min 15 sec - then to ALIGN. Skipping STBY may cause warm-up errors. | ALIGN (pause at STBY 2 min) | |
| 04 | INS Alignment StatusNOTE: BATH alignment completes in ~2 min 15 sec (steady light). Full GYRO COMP takes 8+ min depending on temperature. | MONITOR - wait for steady or flashing ALIGN light | |
| 05 | Navigation Computer Mode | SET per mission requirements | |
| 06 | Navigation Counter | SET to mission positions | |
| 07 | INS Coordinates | VERIFY present position | |
| 08 | WSO RadarNOTE: Set radar to STBY now - allow warm-up. Do not enable transmitter until airborne. | STBY - warm up | |
| 09 | IFF TransponderNOTE: Set Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 codes per mission brief. Activate when cleared. | STBY - codes as briefed | |
| 10 | ECM EquipmentNOTE: ALQ-119/131 pod - set per mission brief. Leave ALQ in STBY until airborne. | SET as required | |
| 11 | RWR (AN/ALR-46) | ON - verify operation | |
| 12 | TACANNOTE: Set departure field TACAN channel for navigation reference during startup. | SET channel and mode |
PHS 5 — Engine Start26 steps
| 01 | External Air Source | CONNECT - right side | |
| 02 | Right Engine Master Switch | ON | |
| 03 | External AirflowNOTE: Signal ground crew to begin applying starter air to right engine. | ACTIVATE - signal ground crew | |
| 04 | Right Engine RPM | MONITOR - wait for 10% | |
| 05 | Right Ignition ButtonCAUTION: Hold ignition button depressed. Advance throttle to mid-range then immediately return to IDLE. | PRESS AND HOLD at 10% RPM | |
| 06 | Right Throttle | ADVANCE to half then IDLE at 10% RPM | |
| 07 | Right Engine Light-OffWARNING: If no lightoff within 30 seconds, advance throttle to MIL then back to IDLE. If still no light, abort start and clear fuel from engine before retry. | EGT RISING - confirm lightoff | |
| 08 | Right Ignition Button | RELEASE on lightoff | |
| 09 | External Airflow | DISCONTINUE at 45% RPM | |
| 10 | Right Engine EGTCAUTION: EGT must remain within 220-420 C at idle. Abort if temperature exceeds limits. | 220-420 C | |
| 11 | Right Engine RPM (Idle) | 65% RPM (+/- 1%) | |
| 12 | Right Engine Fuel Flow | 800-1,400 PPH | |
| 13 | Right Boost Pump Pressure | 30 PSI (+/- 5 PSI) | |
| 14 | Right Engine Oil Pressure | 12-50 PSI | |
| 15 | Hydraulic Pressure | CHECK within limits | |
| 16 | Right Generator Switch | ON | |
| 17 | Spoiler Actuator (Left) | CHECK - verify light extinguished | |
| 18 | Air Refueling Door | CHECK as required | |
| 19 | Left Engine StartNOTE: Follow identical sequence for left engine start using left-side starter air connection. | REPEAT steps 46-61 for left engine | |
| 20 | Left Engine EGT | 220-420 C | |
| 21 | Left Engine RPM (Idle) | 65% RPM (+/- 1%) | |
| 22 | Left Generator Switch | ON | |
| 23 | Right GeneratorNOTE: Cycle right generator OFF then ON to verify bus tie opens properly. Bus tie open light should be out. | CYCLE OFF then ON - check bus tie light | |
| 24 | Bus Tie Open Light | OUT (extinguished) | |
| 25 | External Air Source | DISCONNECT | |
| 26 | External Power | DISCONNECT |
PHS 6 — Post-Start / Avionics19 steps
| 01 | INS ModeNOTE: When ALIGN light flashes (GYRO COMP) or stays steady (BATH), rotate to NAV mode. | NAV - when alignment complete | |
| 02 | INS Navigation | VERIFY position accuracy | |
| 03 | Communications - ARC-164 UHF | SET - primary frequency | |
| 04 | Intercom Volume | SET | |
| 05 | TACAN | CONFIRM channel and mode | |
| 06 | Radar Altimeter | ON - set low altitude warning | |
| 07 | Optical Sight (AN/ASG-26) | SET mode as required | |
| 08 | CADC (Air Data Computer) | ON - verify operation | |
| 09 | Pitot HeatNOTE: Turn on pitot heat if icing conditions expected or temperature near 0 C. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 10 | Anti-Ice Switch | AS REQUIRED | |
| 11 | Hydraulic Pressure (Both)CAUTION: Both hydraulic systems must read 3,000 PSI before taxiing. | 3,000 PSI - verify both systems | |
| 12 | Flight ControlsCAUTION: Full stick and rudder - verify all surfaces move freely with no binding. | CYCLE - full deflection check | |
| 13 | Trim | SET 0-0-0 (pitch/roll/yaw) | |
| 14 | Stabilator Augmentation Switches | ENGAGE (both channels) | |
| 15 | Yaw Stability Augmenter | ENGAGE | |
| 16 | Slats / FlapsNOTE: Slats and flaps should be out and down for takeoff unless max gross weight demands adjustment. | OUT AND DOWN - verify position | |
| 17 | Internal Wing Transfer | NORMAL | |
| 18 | Master Caution Light | TEST - then check clear | |
| 19 | Warning / Caution Panel | CHECK - no uncommanded lights |
PHS 7 — Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | CanopyNOTE: WSO closes first, then pilot. Both verify locked indicators. | CLOSE AND LOCK - WSO then Pilot | |
| 02 | Ejection Seats | ARMED - both seats | |
| 03 | IFF | AS BRIEFED | |
| 04 | Anti-Skid | ON - light out | |
| 05 | Parking Brake | RELEASE when ready to taxi | |
| 06 | Wheel Brakes | CHECK - test both sides before moving |
PHS 8 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Taxi Speed | SAFE - max 15 kts straight, 5 kts turning | |
| 02 | Nose Wheel Steering | ENGAGE - use NWS button on stick | |
| 03 | Brakes | CHECK both sides during initial roll | |
| 04 | Flight Instruments | MONITOR - verify altimeters, ADI, HSI | |
| 05 | Altimeter | SET QNH - both front and rear | |
| 06 | Standby Compass | CHECK - compare heading | |
| 07 | Engine Instruments | CROSSCHECK during taxi |
PHS 9 — Before Takeoff16 steps
| 01 | Optical Sight | SET mode as briefed | |
| 02 | Internal Wing Transfer | NORMAL | |
| 03 | STAB AUG Switches | ENGAGE - all three | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsNOTE: WSO confirms control surfaces move without restriction. | UNRESTRICTED - full deflection | |
| 05 | Slats / Flaps | OUT AND DOWN | |
| 06 | Anti-Ice | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | STAB Trim | 1-3 UNITS NOSE DOWN | |
| 08 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - confirm sufficient for mission | |
| 09 | Canopies | CLOSED AND LOCKED - both | |
| 10 | Warning Lights | TEST - then clear | |
| 11 | Defog / Temperature | SET as required | |
| 12 | Command Selector (WSO)NOTE: WSO sets command selector valve for ejection sequence - dual (both seats) or single. | AS BRIEFED | |
| 13 | Pitot Heat | ON | |
| 14 | Anti-Skid | ON - light out | |
| 15 | Compass Heading | CHECK - verify runway heading | |
| 16 | Circuit Breakers | CHECK IN |
PHS 10 — Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Wheel Brakes | APPLY - hold position | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Advance to 85% RPM max before brake release. Verify EGT 450 C, fuel flow 4,000 PPH, nozzles 1/4, oil pressure 30-40 PSI. | ADVANCE to 85% RPM - CHECK ENGINE GAUGES | |
| 03 | Engine Gauges | CHECK - EGT 450 C, FF 4,000 PPH | |
| 04 | Afterburner (if used)NOTE: Select MIL power first, then advance through detent into afterburner. Check for zone lights. | MIL then AFTERBURNER | |
| 05 | Wheel Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 06 | Nose Gear Steering | DISENGAGE at 70 KNOTS | |
| 07 | Stick | MOVE AFT at 80 KNOTS | |
| 08 | Rotation SpeedNOTE: Rotation speed varies with gross weight and configuration. Typical rotation 150-165 KIAS clean. | ROTATE at 150-165 KIAS (clean) | |
| 09 | Pitch Attitude | MAINTAIN 10-12 degrees nose up |
PHS 11 — After Takeoff / Climb11 steps
| 01 | Landing Gear | UP - positive rate of climb confirmed | |
| 02 | Slats / FlapsCAUTION: Do not retract slats and flaps below 180 KIAS. Risk of loss of lift. | NORM (retract above 180 KIAS minimum) | |
| 03 | Afterburner | DISENGAGE as required - MIL power for climb | |
| 04 | Gear Indicator | 3 UP AND LOCKED | |
| 05 | Pitch Attitude | 10-12 degrees until 350 KIAS | |
| 06 | Airspeed | ADJUST PITCH TO HOLD 350 KIAS climb | |
| 07 | Heading | AS PER FLIGHT PLAN / DEPARTURE | |
| 08 | Altimeter | SET - crosscheck standard (29.92) at transition | |
| 09 | Radar | OPERATE - set as briefed (WSO) | |
| 10 | IFF | AS BRIEFED | |
| 11 | Throttles | MIL or as required for climb profile |
PHS 12 — Cruise / Transit10 steps
| 01 | Altimeters | SET QNE / QNH - compare main and standby | |
| 02 | Radar Altimeter | AS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Fuel State | MONITOR - compute time to bingo / joker | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments | CROSSCHECK both engines - RPM / EGT / FF / oil | |
| 05 | Oxygen | CHECK - flow indicator cycling | |
| 06 | Cockpit Pressure | CHECK pressurization schedule | |
| 07 | Anti-Ice | AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Navigation (INS) | MONITOR and update as required | |
| 09 | Command Selector (WSO) | AS BRIEFED | |
| 10 | WeaponsCAUTION: Do not arm weapons until cleared by mission brief and in proper airspace. | ARMED per pre-attack checklist |
PHS 13 — Descent / Approach14 steps
| 01 | Altimeters | SET QNH for destination | |
| 02 | TACAN | SET - destination field channel | |
| 03 | Radar / WSO | CONFIGURE for approach as required | |
| 04 | Anti-Ice | AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Speed Brakes | EXTEND as required for descent | |
| 06 | Fuel State | CHECK - above bingo for approach | |
| 07 | IFF | SET as required for approach | |
| 08 | Landing GearCAUTION: Do not extend landing gear above 300 KIAS. | DOWN below 300 KIAS | |
| 09 | Landing Gear Indicator | 3 GREEN | |
| 10 | Slats / Flaps | OUT AND DOWN - below 240 KIAS | |
| 11 | Approach SpeedNOTE: Final approach speed typically 155-165 KIAS depending on gross weight. Add 5 kts for gusts. | ON SPEED - 155-165 KIAS (weight dep.) | |
| 12 | Anti-Skid | ON | |
| 13 | Speed Brakes | RETRACT for final approach | |
| 14 | Optical Sight | SET STBY |
PHS 14 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | Final Approach Speed | 155-165 KIAS on-speed | |
| 02 | Glidepath | MAINTAIN 2.5-3 degree glidepath | |
| 03 | Threshold Crossing | REDUCE POWER at threshold | |
| 04 | TouchdownNOTE: Two-point landing on main gear. Avoid holding off in ground effect at high speed. | MAIN GEAR FIRST - smooth flare | |
| 05 | Throttles | IDLE on touchdown | |
| 06 | Nose Gear | LOWER SMOOTHLY after main gear touchdown | |
| 07 | Drag ChuteNOTE: Pull drag chute handle to assist deceleration. Minimum 100 KIAS for deployment. | DEPLOY on rollout as required | |
| 08 | Wheel Brakes | APPLY - anti-skid protection active | |
| 09 | Drag Chute Jettison | JETTISON below 60 KIAS to clear runway | |
| 10 | Afterburner | DISENGAGE if engaged for go-around |
PHS 15 — After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Speed Brakes | CLOSE | |
| 02 | Slats / Flaps | LEAVE OUT AND DOWN until clear of runway | |
| 03 | Anti-Ice | OFF | |
| 04 | Radar | STBY (WSO) | |
| 05 | Weapons (Master Arm) | SAFE | |
| 06 | IFF | STBY or as briefed | |
| 07 | Pitot Heat | OFF | |
| 08 | Nose Wheel Steering | ENGAGE for taxi | |
| 09 | Taxi to ParkingNOTE: Maintain safe taxi speed. Avoid sharp turns on wet surfaces. | FOLLOW MARSHAL signals |
PHS 16 — Shutdown21 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Ejection Seat PinsWARNING: Insert ejection seat safety pins in both seats before shutdown. Confirm WSO pins are in. | INSERT - both seats | |
| 03 | Slats / Flaps | RETRACT after parking | |
| 04 | Speed Brakes | CLOSE | |
| 05 | Radar (WSO) | OFF | |
| 06 | INS Mode | OFF - WSO | |
| 07 | ECM Equipment | OFF | |
| 08 | Communications | OFF | |
| 09 | TACAN | OFF | |
| 10 | Throttles (Both)NOTE: Allow engines to cool at idle for 2-3 minutes before shutdown. Do not rush shutdown after heavy use of afterburner. | IDLE - run down period 2-3 minutes | |
| 11 | Anti-Ice | OFF | |
| 12 | Left ThrottleNOTE: Shut down left engine first. | OFF | |
| 13 | Left Engine RPM | MONITOR - wind down to zero | |
| 14 | Right Throttle | OFF | |
| 15 | Right Engine RPM | MONITOR - wind down to zero | |
| 16 | Generator Switches (Both) | OFF | |
| 17 | Engine Master Switches (Both) | OFF | |
| 18 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 19 | Oxygen Supply | OFF | |
| 20 | Canopy | OPEN | |
| 21 | Post-Flight Inspection | COMPLETE - debrief with ground crew |