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F-4E Phantom II Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.23.0Checklist
F-4E Phantom IIDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 210 steps · 16 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, and threat environment. Note kill box, SPINS, and SEAD picture. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note ceiling and visibility for approach. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, active MOAs, and NOTAM restrictions. | |
| 04 | Fuel 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. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm weapons, pylons, Sparrows, Sidewinders, bombs, ECM pods, and external tanks match the mission. | |
| 06 | Waypoints / NavigationPROGRAMMEDNOTE: Review IP, target, TACAN channels, and bullseye reference. INS steerpoints entered as required. | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFSETNOTE: Set ARC-164 primary and backup frequencies. Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes with ATC and package. | |
| 08 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, approach frequencies, and TACAN channels. |
PHS 2 - Electrical / Pre-Start17 steps
| 01 | Ejection Seat PinsREMOVED AND STOWEDWARNING: Ensure ejection seat pins are removed from both seats before flight. Confirm WSO pins are also out. | |
| 02 | Throttles (Both)OFFCAUTION: Both throttles must be fully aft to OFF position before electrical power is applied. | |
| 03 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 04 | Fore and Aft AreaCLEAR | |
| 05 | Fire GuardPOSTED | |
| 06 | Battery SwitchONNOTE: Activates battery power. Verify battery voltage sufficient for start. | |
| 07 | Generator Switches (Both)OFF - hold clear during INS power-upCAUTION: Do not engage generators during INS ALIGN mode - power interruption causes INS NO-GO. | |
| 08 | Engine Master Switches (Both)OFF | |
| 09 | External PowerCONNECTNOTE: Order ground crew to connect external electrical power to aircraft. | |
| 10 | External Power SwitchON | |
| 11 | Instrument Ground PowerON (WSO actuates)NOTE: WSO actuates instrument ground power switch on right console. | |
| 12 | Landing Gear Indicator Lights3 GREEN (check via battery)NOTE: Engage engine master switch momentarily to verify gear and flap indicators operate. | |
| 13 | Fuel Quantity GaugesCHECK total and individualNOTE: Verify adequate fuel for mission. Check all five gauge readings. | |
| 14 | Fuel Transfer SwitchesNORMNOTE: Fuel panel on right console - all transfer switches to NORMAL. | |
| 15 | Refuel Select SwitchALL | |
| 16 | Air Refuel SwitchCLOSE | |
| 17 | Emergency Vent SwitchNORMAL |
PHS 3 - Cockpit Preparation15 steps
| 01 | Oxygen SupplyON - verify flow indicatorWARNING: Confirm oxygen flow before engine start. Check blinker indicator cycles with each breath. | |
| 02 | Emergency OxygenGREEN DOT - pin removedCAUTION: Confirm emergency oxygen green dot visible and manual pull ring accessible. | |
| 03 | Canopy Defog / Air ConditioningSET as required | |
| 04 | Rudder PedalsADJUSTED | |
| 05 | StickCYCLE - full travel check | |
| 06 | Throttle FrictionSET | |
| 07 | Circuit Breaker PanelsCHECK all inNOTE: Verify all circuit breakers are in. Note any that are pulled and cross-reference with mission requirements. | |
| 08 | Intercom (ICS)CHECK with WSO | |
| 09 | Master Arm SwitchSAFE | |
| 10 | Emergency Stores JettisonGUARDED - SAFECAUTION: Confirm jettison button cover is closed and safed. | |
| 11 | Anti-Skid SwitchON - test cycleNOTE: Cycle anti-skid switch to test, then verify ANTI-SKID light extinguishes. | |
| 12 | Landing Gear HandleDOWN | |
| 13 | Slats / Flaps IndicatorOUT AND DOWN - matches switch selection | |
| 14 | Speed Brake SwitchCLOSE | |
| 15 | Drag Chute HandleSTOWED |
PHS 4 - INS Alignment (WSO)12 steps
| 01 | INS Mode SelectorOFF - verify before power-upNOTE: WSO confirms INS is OFF before generators are engaged to avoid NO-GO condition. | |
| 02 | INS 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. | |
| 03 | INS 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. | |
| 04 | INS 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. | |
| 05 | Navigation Computer ModeSET per mission requirements | |
| 06 | Navigation CounterSET to mission positions | |
| 07 | INS CoordinatesVERIFY present position | |
| 08 | WSO RadarSTBY - warm upNOTE: Set radar to STBY now - allow warm-up. Do not enable transmitter until airborne. | |
| 09 | IFF TransponderSTBY - codes as briefedNOTE: Set Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 codes per mission brief. Activate when cleared. | |
| 10 | ECM EquipmentSET as requiredNOTE: ALQ-119/131 pod - set per mission brief. Leave ALQ in STBY until airborne. | |
| 11 | RWR (AN/ALR-46)ON - verify operation | |
| 12 | TACANSET channel and modeNOTE: Set departure field TACAN channel for navigation reference during startup. |
PHS 5 - Engine Start26 steps
| 01 | External Air SourceCONNECT - right side | |
| 02 | Right Engine Master SwitchON | |
| 03 | External AirflowACTIVATE - signal ground crewNOTE: Signal ground crew to begin applying starter air to right engine. | |
| 04 | Right Engine RPMMONITOR - wait for 10% | |
| 05 | Right Ignition ButtonPRESS AND HOLD at 10% RPMCAUTION: Hold ignition button depressed. Advance throttle to mid-range then immediately return to IDLE. | |
| 06 | Right ThrottleADVANCE to half then IDLE at 10% RPM | |
| 07 | Right 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. | |
| 08 | Right Ignition ButtonRELEASE on lightoff | |
| 09 | External AirflowDISCONTINUE at 45% RPM | |
| 10 | Right Engine EGT220-420 CCAUTION: EGT must remain within 220-420 C at idle. Abort if temperature exceeds limits. | |
| 11 | Right Engine RPM (Idle)65% RPM (+/- 1%) | |
| 12 | Right Engine Fuel Flow800-1,400 PPH | |
| 13 | Right Boost Pump Pressure30 PSI (+/- 5 PSI) | |
| 14 | Right Engine Oil Pressure12-50 PSI | |
| 15 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK within limits | |
| 16 | Right Generator SwitchON | |
| 17 | Spoiler Actuator (Left)CHECK - verify light extinguished | |
| 18 | Air Refueling DoorCHECK as required | |
| 19 | Left Engine StartREPEAT steps 46-61 for left engineNOTE: Follow identical sequence for left engine start using left-side starter air connection. | |
| 20 | Left Engine EGT220-420 C | |
| 21 | Left Engine RPM (Idle)65% RPM (+/- 1%) | |
| 22 | Left Generator SwitchON | |
| 23 | Right 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. | |
| 24 | Bus Tie Open LightOUT (extinguished) | |
| 25 | External Air SourceDISCONNECT | |
| 26 | External PowerDISCONNECT |
PHS 6 - Post-Start / Avionics19 steps
| 01 | INS ModeNAV - when alignment completeNOTE: When ALIGN light flashes (GYRO COMP) or stays steady (BATH), rotate to NAV mode. | |
| 02 | INS NavigationVERIFY position accuracy | |
| 03 | Communications - ARC-164 UHFSET - primary frequency | |
| 04 | Intercom VolumeSET | |
| 05 | TACANCONFIRM channel and mode | |
| 06 | Radar AltimeterON - set low altitude warning | |
| 07 | Optical Sight (AN/ASG-26)SET mode as required | |
| 08 | CADC (Air Data Computer)ON - verify operation | |
| 09 | Pitot HeatAS REQUIREDNOTE: Turn on pitot heat if icing conditions expected or temperature near 0 C. | |
| 10 | Anti-Ice SwitchAS REQUIRED | |
| 11 | Hydraulic Pressure (Both)3,000 PSI - verify both systemsCAUTION: Both hydraulic systems must read 3,000 PSI before taxiing. | |
| 12 | Flight ControlsCYCLE - full deflection checkCAUTION: Full stick and rudder - verify all surfaces move freely with no binding. | |
| 13 | TrimSET 0-0-0 (pitch/roll/yaw) | |
| 14 | Stabilator Augmentation SwitchesENGAGE (both channels) | |
| 15 | Yaw Stability AugmenterENGAGE | |
| 16 | Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN - verify positionNOTE: Slats and flaps should be out and down for takeoff unless max gross weight demands adjustment. | |
| 17 | Internal Wing TransferNORMAL | |
| 18 | Master Caution LightTEST - then check clear | |
| 19 | Warning / Caution PanelCHECK - no uncommanded lights |
PHS 7 - Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | CanopyCLOSE AND LOCK - WSO then PilotNOTE: WSO closes first, then pilot. Both verify locked indicators. | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatsARMED - both seats | |
| 03 | IFFAS BRIEFED | |
| 04 | Anti-SkidON - light out | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeRELEASE when ready to taxi | |
| 06 | Wheel BrakesCHECK - test both sides before moving |
PHS 8 - Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Taxi SpeedSAFE - max 15 kts straight, 5 kts turning | |
| 02 | Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGE - use NWS button on stick | |
| 03 | BrakesCHECK both sides during initial roll | |
| 04 | Flight InstrumentsMONITOR - verify altimeters, ADI, HSI | |
| 05 | AltimeterSET QNH - both front and rear | |
| 06 | Standby CompassCHECK - compare heading | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsCROSSCHECK during taxi |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff16 steps
| 01 | Optical SightSET mode as briefed | |
| 02 | Internal Wing TransferNORMAL | |
| 03 | STAB AUG SwitchesENGAGE - all three | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsUNRESTRICTED - full deflectionNOTE: WSO confirms control surfaces move without restriction. | |
| 05 | Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN | |
| 06 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | STAB Trim1-3 UNITS NOSE DOWN | |
| 08 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - confirm sufficient for mission | |
| 09 | CanopiesCLOSED AND LOCKED - both | |
| 10 | Warning LightsTEST - then clear | |
| 11 | Defog / TemperatureSET as required | |
| 12 | Command Selector (WSO)AS BRIEFEDNOTE: WSO sets command selector valve for ejection sequence - dual (both seats) or single. | |
| 13 | Pitot HeatON | |
| 14 | Anti-SkidON - light out | |
| 15 | Compass HeadingCHECK - verify runway heading | |
| 16 | Circuit BreakersCHECK IN |
PHS 10 - Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Wheel BrakesAPPLY - hold position | |
| 02 | ThrottlesADVANCE 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. | |
| 03 | Engine GaugesCHECK - EGT 450 C, FF 4,000 PPH | |
| 04 | Afterburner (if used)MIL then AFTERBURNERNOTE: Select MIL power first, then advance through detent into afterburner. Check for zone lights. | |
| 05 | Wheel BrakesRELEASE | |
| 06 | Nose Gear SteeringDISENGAGE at 70 KNOTS | |
| 07 | StickMOVE AFT at 80 KNOTS | |
| 08 | Rotation SpeedROTATE at 150-165 KIAS (clean)NOTE: Rotation speed varies with gross weight and configuration. Typical rotation 150-165 KIAS clean. | |
| 09 | Pitch AttitudeMAINTAIN 10-12 degrees nose up |
PHS 11 - After Takeoff / Climb11 steps
| 01 | Landing GearUP - positive rate of climb confirmed | |
| 02 | Slats / FlapsNORM (retract above 180 KIAS minimum)CAUTION: Do not retract slats and flaps below 180 KIAS. Risk of loss of lift. | |
| 03 | AfterburnerDISENGAGE as required - MIL power for climb | |
| 04 | Gear Indicator3 UP AND LOCKED | |
| 05 | Pitch Attitude10-12 degrees until 350 KIAS | |
| 06 | AirspeedADJUST PITCH TO HOLD 350 KIAS climb | |
| 07 | HeadingAS PER FLIGHT PLAN / DEPARTURE | |
| 08 | AltimeterSET - crosscheck standard (29.92) at transition | |
| 09 | RadarOPERATE - set as briefed (WSO) | |
| 10 | IFFAS BRIEFED | |
| 11 | ThrottlesMIL or as required for climb profile |
PHS 12 - Cruise / Transit10 steps
| 01 | AltimetersSET QNE / QNH - compare main and standby | |
| 02 | Radar AltimeterAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Fuel StateMONITOR - compute time to bingo / joker | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsCROSSCHECK both engines - RPM / EGT / FF / oil | |
| 05 | OxygenCHECK - flow indicator cycling | |
| 06 | Cockpit PressureCHECK pressurization schedule | |
| 07 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Navigation (INS)MONITOR and update as required | |
| 09 | Command Selector (WSO)AS BRIEFED | |
| 10 | WeaponsARMED per pre-attack checklistCAUTION: Do not arm weapons until cleared by mission brief and in proper airspace. |
PHS 13 - Descent / Approach14 steps
| 01 | AltimetersSET QNH for destination | |
| 02 | TACANSET - destination field channel | |
| 03 | Radar / WSOCONFIGURE for approach as required | |
| 04 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Speed BrakesEXTEND as required for descent | |
| 06 | Fuel StateCHECK - above bingo for approach | |
| 07 | IFFSET as required for approach | |
| 08 | Landing GearDOWN below 300 KIASCAUTION: Do not extend landing gear above 300 KIAS. | |
| 09 | Landing Gear Indicator3 GREEN | |
| 10 | Slats / FlapsOUT AND DOWN - below 240 KIAS | |
| 11 | Approach SpeedON SPEED - 155-165 KIAS (weight dep.)NOTE: Final approach speed typically 155-165 KIAS depending on gross weight. Add 5 kts for gusts. | |
| 12 | Anti-SkidON | |
| 13 | Speed BrakesRETRACT for final approach | |
| 14 | Optical SightSET STBY |
PHS 14 - Landing10 steps
| 01 | Final Approach Speed155-165 KIAS on-speed | |
| 02 | GlidepathMAINTAIN 2.5-3 degree glidepath | |
| 03 | Threshold CrossingREDUCE POWER at threshold | |
| 04 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - smooth flareNOTE: Two-point landing on main gear. Avoid holding off in ground effect at high speed. | |
| 05 | ThrottlesIDLE on touchdown | |
| 06 | Nose GearLOWER SMOOTHLY after main gear touchdown | |
| 07 | Drag ChuteDEPLOY on rollout as requiredNOTE: Pull drag chute handle to assist deceleration. Minimum 100 KIAS for deployment. | |
| 08 | Wheel BrakesAPPLY - anti-skid protection active | |
| 09 | Drag Chute JettisonJETTISON below 60 KIAS to clear runway | |
| 10 | AfterburnerDISENGAGE if engaged for go-around |
PHS 15 - After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Speed BrakesCLOSE | |
| 02 | Slats / FlapsLEAVE OUT AND DOWN until clear of runway | |
| 03 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 04 | RadarSTBY (WSO) | |
| 05 | Weapons (Master Arm)SAFE | |
| 06 | IFFSTBY or as briefed | |
| 07 | Pitot HeatOFF | |
| 08 | Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGE for taxi | |
| 09 | Taxi to ParkingFOLLOW MARSHAL signalsNOTE: Maintain safe taxi speed. Avoid sharp turns on wet surfaces. |
PHS 16 - Shutdown21 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Ejection Seat PinsINSERT - both seatsWARNING: Insert ejection seat safety pins in both seats before shutdown. Confirm WSO pins are in. | |
| 03 | Slats / FlapsRETRACT after parking | |
| 04 | Speed BrakesCLOSE | |
| 05 | Radar (WSO)OFF | |
| 06 | INS ModeOFF - WSO | |
| 07 | ECM EquipmentOFF | |
| 08 | CommunicationsOFF | |
| 09 | TACANOFF | |
| 10 | Throttles (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. | |
| 11 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 12 | Left ThrottleOFFNOTE: Shut down left engine first. | |
| 13 | Left Engine RPMMONITOR - wind down to zero | |
| 14 | Right ThrottleOFF | |
| 15 | Right Engine RPMMONITOR - wind down to zero | |
| 16 | Generator Switches (Both)OFF | |
| 17 | Engine Master Switches (Both)OFF | |
| 18 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 19 | Oxygen SupplyOFF | |
| 20 | CanopyOPEN | |
| 21 | Post-Flight InspectionCOMPLETE - debrief with ground crew |