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F-4E Phantom II Startup Checklist

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F-4E Phantom IIDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 210 steps · 16 phases
DATE PILOT TAIL
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
01Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, and threat environment. Note kill box, SPINS, and SEAD picture.
02Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note ceiling and visibility for approach.
03NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, and NOTAM restrictions.
04Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerSETNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel (minimum to return to base) and joker fuel (time to leave target area). F-4E internal fuel ~12,145 lb.
05Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, Sparrows, Sidewinders, bombs, ECM pods, and external tanks match the mission.
06Waypoints / NavigationPROGRAMMEDNOTE: Review IP, target, TACAN channels, and bullseye reference. INS steerpoints entered as required.
07Radio Frequencies / IFFSETNOTE: Set ARC-164 primary and backup frequencies. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes with ATC and package.
08Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, approach frequencies, and TACAN channels.
PHS 2 — Electrical / Pre-Start17 steps
01Ejection Seat PinsREMOVED AND STOWEDWARNING: Ensure ejection seat pins are removed from both seats before flight. Confirm WSO pins are also out.
02Throttles (Both)OFFCAUTION: Both throttles must be fully aft to OFF position before electrical power is applied.
03Parking BrakeSET
04Fore and Aft AreaCLEAR
05Fire GuardPOSTED
06Battery SwitchONNOTE: Activates battery power. Verify battery voltage sufficient for start.
07Generator Switches (Both)OFF - hold clear during INS power-upCAUTION: Do not engage generators during INS ALIGN mode - power interruption causes INS NO-GO.
08Engine Master Switches (Both)OFF
09External PowerCONNECTNOTE: Order ground crew to connect external electrical power to aircraft.
10External Power SwitchON
11Instrument Ground PowerON (WSO actuates)NOTE: WSO actuates instrument ground power switch on right console.
12Landing Gear Indicator Lights3 GREEN (check via battery)NOTE: Engage engine master switch momentarily to verify gear and flap indicators operate.
13Fuel Quantity GaugesCHECK total and individualNOTE: Verify adequate fuel for mission. Check all five gauge readings.
14Fuel Transfer SwitchesNORMNOTE: Fuel panel on right console - all transfer switches to NORMAL.
15Refuel Select SwitchALL
16Air Refuel SwitchCLOSE
17Emergency Vent SwitchNORMAL
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation15 steps
01Oxygen SupplyON - verify flow indicatorWARNING: Confirm oxygen flow before engine start. Check blinker indicator cycles with each breath.
02Emergency OxygenGREEN DOT - pin removedCAUTION: Confirm emergency oxygen green dot visible and manual pull ring accessible.
03Canopy Defog / Air ConditioningSET as required
04Rudder PedalsADJUSTED
05StickCYCLE - full travel check
06Throttle FrictionSET
07Circuit Breaker PanelsCHECK all inNOTE: Verify all circuit breakers are in. Note any that are pulled and cross-reference with mission requirements.
08Intercom (ICS)CHECK with WSO
09Master Arm SwitchSAFE
10Emergency Stores JettisonGUARDED - SAFECAUTION: Confirm jettison button cover is closed and safed.
11Anti-Skid SwitchON - test cycleNOTE: Cycle anti-skid switch to test, then verify ANTI-SKID light extinguishes.
12Landing Gear HandleDOWN
13Slats / Flaps IndicatorOUT AND DOWN - matches switch selection
14Speed Brake SwitchCLOSE
15Drag Chute HandleSTOWED
PHS 4 — INS Alignment (WSO)12 steps
01INS Mode SelectorOFF - verify before power-upNOTE: WSO confirms INS is OFF before generators are engaged to avoid NO-GO condition.
02INS Alignment Type SwitchGYRO COMP (or HDG MEM if applicable)NOTE: GYRO COMP for highest accuracy. Set to HDG MEM before INS ON only if heading memory stored from last flight.
03INS PowerALIGN (pause at STBY 2 min)CAUTION: Go from OFF to STBY - pause 2 min 15 sec - then to ALIGN. Skipping STBY may cause warm-up errors.
04INS Alignment StatusMONITOR - wait for steady or flashing ALIGN lightNOTE: BATH alignment completes in ~2 min 15 sec (steady light). Full GYRO COMP takes 8+ min depending on temperature.
05Navigation Computer ModeSET per mission requirements
06Navigation CounterSET to mission positions
07INS CoordinatesVERIFY present position
08WSO RadarSTBY - warm upNOTE: Set radar to STBY now - allow warm-up. Do not enable transmitter until airborne.
09IFF TransponderSTBY - codes as briefedNOTE: Set Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 codes per mission brief. Activate when cleared.
10ECM EquipmentSET as requiredNOTE: ALQ-119/131 pod - set per mission brief. Leave ALQ in STBY until airborne.
11RWR (AN/ALR-46)ON - verify operation
12TACANSET channel and modeNOTE: Set departure field TACAN channel for navigation reference during startup.
PHS 5 — Engine Start26 steps
01External Air SourceCONNECT - right side
02Right Engine Master SwitchON
03External AirflowACTIVATE - signal ground crewNOTE: Signal ground crew to begin applying starter air to right engine.
04Right Engine RPMMONITOR - wait for 10%
05Right Ignition ButtonPRESS AND HOLD at 10% RPMCAUTION: Hold ignition button depressed. Advance throttle to mid-range then immediately return to IDLE.
06Right ThrottleADVANCE to half then IDLE at 10% RPM
07Right Engine Light-OffEGT RISING - confirm lightoffWARNING: 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.
08Right Ignition ButtonRELEASE on lightoff
09External AirflowDISCONTINUE at 45% RPM
10Right Engine EGT220-420 CCAUTION: EGT must remain within 220-420 C at idle. Abort if temperature exceeds limits.
11Right Engine RPM (Idle)65% RPM (+/- 1%)
12Right Engine Fuel Flow800-1,400 PPH
13Right Boost Pump Pressure30 PSI (+/- 5 PSI)
14Right Engine Oil Pressure12-50 PSI
15Hydraulic PressureCHECK within limits
16Right Generator SwitchON
17Spoiler Actuator (Left)CHECK - verify light extinguished
18Air Refueling DoorCHECK as required
19Left Engine StartREPEAT steps 46-61 for left engineNOTE: Follow identical sequence for left engine start using left-side starter air connection.
20Left Engine EGT220-420 C
21Left Engine RPM (Idle)65% RPM (+/- 1%)
22Left Generator SwitchON
23Right GeneratorCYCLE OFF then ON - check bus tie lightNOTE: Cycle right generator OFF then ON to verify bus tie opens properly. Bus tie open light should be out.
24Bus Tie Open LightOUT (extinguished)
25External Air SourceDISCONNECT
26External PowerDISCONNECT
PHS 6 — Post-Start / Avionics19 steps
01INS ModeNAV - when alignment completeNOTE: When ALIGN light flashes (GYRO COMP) or stays steady (BATH), rotate to NAV mode.
02INS NavigationVERIFY position accuracy
03Communications - ARC-164 UHFSET - primary frequency
04Intercom VolumeSET
05TACANCONFIRM channel and mode
06Radar AltimeterON - set low altitude warning
07Optical Sight (AN/ASG-26)SET mode as required
08CADC (Air Data Computer)ON - verify operation
09Pitot HeatAS REQUIREDNOTE: Turn on pitot heat if icing conditions expected or temperature near 0 C.
10Anti-Ice SwitchAS REQUIRED
11Hydraulic Pressure (Both)3,000 PSI - verify both systemsCAUTION: Both hydraulic systems must read 3,000 PSI before taxiing.
12Flight ControlsCYCLE - full deflection checkCAUTION: Full stick and rudder - verify all surfaces move freely with no binding.
13TrimSET 0-0-0 (pitch/roll/yaw)
14Stabilator Augmentation SwitchesENGAGE (both channels)
15Yaw Stability AugmenterENGAGE
16Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN - verify positionNOTE: Slats and flaps should be out and down for takeoff unless max gross weight demands adjustment.
17Internal Wing TransferNORMAL
18Master Caution LightTEST - then check clear
19Warning / Caution PanelCHECK - no uncommanded lights
PHS 7 — Before Taxi6 steps
01CanopyCLOSE AND LOCK - WSO then PilotNOTE: WSO closes first, then pilot. Both verify locked indicators.
02Ejection SeatsARMED - both seats
03IFFAS BRIEFED
04Anti-SkidON - light out
05Parking BrakeRELEASE when ready to taxi
06Wheel BrakesCHECK - test both sides before moving
PHS 8 — Taxi7 steps
01Taxi SpeedSAFE - max 15 kts straight, 5 kts turning
02Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGE - use NWS button on stick
03BrakesCHECK both sides during initial roll
04Flight InstrumentsMONITOR - verify altimeters, ADI, HSI
05AltimeterSET QNH - both front and rear
06Standby CompassCHECK - compare heading
07Engine InstrumentsCROSSCHECK during taxi
PHS 9 — Before Takeoff16 steps
01Optical SightSET mode as briefed
02Internal Wing TransferNORMAL
03STAB AUG SwitchesENGAGE - all three
04Flight ControlsUNRESTRICTED - full deflectionNOTE: WSO confirms control surfaces move without restriction.
05Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN
06Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
07STAB Trim1-3 UNITS NOSE DOWN
08Fuel QuantityCHECK - confirm sufficient for mission
09CanopiesCLOSED AND LOCKED - both
10Warning LightsTEST - then clear
11Defog / TemperatureSET as required
12Command Selector (WSO)AS BRIEFEDNOTE: WSO sets command selector valve for ejection sequence - dual (both seats) or single.
13Pitot HeatON
14Anti-SkidON - light out
15Compass HeadingCHECK - verify runway heading
16Circuit BreakersCHECK IN
PHS 10 — Takeoff9 steps
01Wheel BrakesAPPLY - hold position
02ThrottlesADVANCE to 85% RPM - CHECK ENGINE GAUGESNOTE: 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.
03Engine GaugesCHECK - EGT 450 C, FF 4,000 PPH
04Afterburner (if used)MIL then AFTERBURNERNOTE: Select MIL power first, then advance through detent into afterburner. Check for zone lights.
05Wheel BrakesRELEASE
06Nose Gear SteeringDISENGAGE at 70 KNOTS
07StickMOVE AFT at 80 KNOTS
08Rotation SpeedROTATE at 150-165 KIAS (clean)NOTE: Rotation speed varies with gross weight and configuration. Typical rotation 150-165 KIAS clean.
09Pitch AttitudeMAINTAIN 10-12 degrees nose up
PHS 11 — After Takeoff / Climb11 steps
01Landing GearUP - positive rate of climb confirmed
02Slats / FlapsNORM (retract above 180 KIAS minimum)CAUTION: Do not retract slats and flaps below 180 KIAS. Risk of loss of lift.
03AfterburnerDISENGAGE as required - MIL power for climb
04Gear Indicator3 UP AND LOCKED
05Pitch Attitude10-12 degrees until 350 KIAS
06AirspeedADJUST PITCH TO HOLD 350 KIAS climb
07HeadingAS PER FLIGHT PLAN / DEPARTURE
08AltimeterSET - crosscheck standard (29.92) at transition
09RadarOPERATE - set as briefed (WSO)
10IFFAS BRIEFED
11ThrottlesMIL or as required for climb profile
PHS 12 — Cruise / Transit10 steps
01AltimetersSET QNE / QNH - compare main and standby
02Radar AltimeterAS REQUIRED
03Fuel StateMONITOR - compute time to bingo / joker
04Engine InstrumentsCROSSCHECK both engines - RPM / EGT / FF / oil
05OxygenCHECK - flow indicator cycling
06Cockpit PressureCHECK pressurization schedule
07Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
08Navigation (INS)MONITOR and update as required
09Command Selector (WSO)AS BRIEFED
10WeaponsARMED per pre-attack checklistCAUTION: Do not arm weapons until cleared by mission brief and in proper airspace.
PHS 13 — Descent / Approach14 steps
01AltimetersSET QNH for destination
02TACANSET - destination field channel
03Radar / WSOCONFIGURE for approach as required
04Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
05Speed BrakesEXTEND as required for descent
06Fuel StateCHECK - above bingo for approach
07IFFSET as required for approach
08Landing GearDOWN below 300 KIASCAUTION: Do not extend landing gear above 300 KIAS.
09Landing Gear Indicator3 GREEN
10Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN - below 240 KIAS
11Approach SpeedON SPEED - 155-165 KIAS (weight dep.)NOTE: Final approach speed typically 155-165 KIAS depending on gross weight. Add 5 kts for gusts.
12Anti-SkidON
13Speed BrakesRETRACT for final approach
14Optical SightSET STBY
PHS 14 — Landing10 steps
01Final Approach Speed155-165 KIAS on-speed
02GlidepathMAINTAIN 2.5-3 degree glidepath
03Threshold CrossingREDUCE POWER at threshold
04TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - smooth flareNOTE: Two-point landing on main gear. Avoid holding off in ground effect at high speed.
05ThrottlesIDLE on touchdown
06Nose GearLOWER SMOOTHLY after main gear touchdown
07Drag ChuteDEPLOY on rollout as requiredNOTE: Pull drag chute handle to assist deceleration. Minimum 100 KIAS for deployment.
08Wheel BrakesAPPLY - anti-skid protection active
09Drag Chute JettisonJETTISON below 60 KIAS to clear runway
10AfterburnerDISENGAGE if engaged for go-around
PHS 15 — After Landing9 steps
01Speed BrakesCLOSE
02Slats / FlapsLEAVE OUT AND DOWN until clear of runway
03Anti-IceOFF
04RadarSTBY (WSO)
05Weapons (Master Arm)SAFE
06IFFSTBY or as briefed
07Pitot HeatOFF
08Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGE for taxi
09Taxi to ParkingFOLLOW MARSHAL signalsNOTE: Maintain safe taxi speed. Avoid sharp turns on wet surfaces.
PHS 16 — Shutdown21 steps
01Parking BrakeSET
02Ejection Seat PinsINSERT - both seatsWARNING: Insert ejection seat safety pins in both seats before shutdown. Confirm WSO pins are in.
03Slats / FlapsRETRACT after parking
04Speed BrakesCLOSE
05Radar (WSO)OFF
06INS ModeOFF - WSO
07ECM EquipmentOFF
08CommunicationsOFF
09TACANOFF
10Throttles (Both)IDLE - run down period 2-3 minutesNOTE: Allow engines to cool at idle for 2-3 minutes before shutdown. Do not rush shutdown after heavy use of afterburner.
11Anti-IceOFF
12Left ThrottleOFFNOTE: Shut down left engine first.
13Left Engine RPMMONITOR - wind down to zero
14Right ThrottleOFF
15Right Engine RPMMONITOR - wind down to zero
16Generator Switches (Both)OFF
17Engine Master Switches (Both)OFF
18Battery SwitchOFF
19Oxygen SupplyOFF
20CanopyOPEN
21Post-Flight InspectionCOMPLETE - debrief with ground crew
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