Post by stu on Feb 20, 2007 15:00:58 GMT 12
Some of you may remember this from the early 80s (referring to the Phantom) ... found this updated version for the Falcon
Obviously, this wouldn't have been modus operandi if the F-16 had made it into the RNZAF !
Cheers,
Stu.
PROCEDURES ON HOW TO FLY THE F16 FIGHTING FALCON
STEP 1: Approach the aircraft with a reckless devil-may-care attitude, especially at night as this makes a good impression on bystanders.
STEP 2: Ask the crew chief what day it is and mark it down in grease pencil on the nose of the aircraft. Then ask what time it is and mark this down also. Stow your grease pencil in a convenient place for future use. (Note: we have found that just inside the intake duct is the most convenient place available. However, we have been losing a great number of grease pencils this way).
STEP 3: (Pre-Flight) Conduct your pre-flight in a rapid but deliberate manner. Be sure to kick vigorously at all tyres. When you come to a complicated part of the airplane like a wing butt or speed brake, stare at it seriously for several seconds before going on. This creates a favourable impression on your crew chief and makes him think that you know what you are doing. Try to avoid shaking your head and clucking your tongue during pre-flight as this bothers the crew chief.
STEP 4: When you have finished your pre-flight, check the tail number of the aircraft, then proceed rapidly to your assigned aircraft and repeat Steps 1 through 3.
STEP 5: To enter the aircraft, approach it from the left and leap lightly onto the access ladder without looking.
STEP 6: Pick yourself up off the ground and carefully replace the access ladder and climb the stairs. (Note: try to control the tense feeling in your stomach and above all don't look down). This is the most difficult part of the flight and must be done with precision. Enter the cockpit in any manner you choose except that, if at all possible, you should try to avoid going in head first.
STEP 7: This is the disentangling step in which the pilot endeavours to sort out and arrange oxygen hoses, radio leads, shoulder straps, helmets, gloves, knee boards, seat pins, inflated life rafts, gum wrappers, old issues of Playboy and any other items found loose in the cockpit.
STEP 8: Next check stick and throttle positions, If the stick is in your left hand and the throttle is in your right hand, you're in the cockpit backwards. Don't panic: smile at your crew chief, wave to bystanders and slowly rotate your body 180 degrees. Now arrange all switches, levers and buttons in the cockpit in a pleasing and eye-catching manner and prepare to start the engine. (If the engine is installed in the aircraft).
STEP 9: Upon starting the engine, advance the throttle smartly to military power and stand by for the crew chief's signals. When he begins waving at you, resist the temptation to wave back. Rapidly rearrange the position of all switches, levers and buttons until the right combination is found, whereupon the crew chief will finally stop waving at you.
STEP 10: When the signal is given to taxi, advance the throttle to the afterburner detent and roll smoothly over the chocks. Retard the throttle to military power and try to avoid further use of the afterburner while taxiing, as this irritates flight line personnel.
STEP 11: If after leaving your spot, you see another F16 taxiing towards you, stop quickly, turn around and taxi back up the taxiway towards the other end of the runway. You have committed a rather serious blunder.
STEP 12: After arriving in the vicinity of the hold-short position, immediately begin calling the tower frequently and at regular intervals. This accelerates the launch schedule, and gets you airborne a lot quicker. Wait until during the take-off roll to extend your flaps as this gives the tower personnel a thrill.
STEP 13: After leaving the runway, rotate the aircraft smartly to a 90 degree nose high attitude, close your eyes and count up to ten. If contact with the ground has not occurred by that time, continue the mission as briefed.
(Note: You may open your eyes for the remainder of the flight if you wish, however this is optional and up to your discretion.)
Obviously, this wouldn't have been modus operandi if the F-16 had made it into the RNZAF !
Cheers,
Stu.
PROCEDURES ON HOW TO FLY THE F16 FIGHTING FALCON
STEP 1: Approach the aircraft with a reckless devil-may-care attitude, especially at night as this makes a good impression on bystanders.
STEP 2: Ask the crew chief what day it is and mark it down in grease pencil on the nose of the aircraft. Then ask what time it is and mark this down also. Stow your grease pencil in a convenient place for future use. (Note: we have found that just inside the intake duct is the most convenient place available. However, we have been losing a great number of grease pencils this way).
STEP 3: (Pre-Flight) Conduct your pre-flight in a rapid but deliberate manner. Be sure to kick vigorously at all tyres. When you come to a complicated part of the airplane like a wing butt or speed brake, stare at it seriously for several seconds before going on. This creates a favourable impression on your crew chief and makes him think that you know what you are doing. Try to avoid shaking your head and clucking your tongue during pre-flight as this bothers the crew chief.
STEP 4: When you have finished your pre-flight, check the tail number of the aircraft, then proceed rapidly to your assigned aircraft and repeat Steps 1 through 3.
STEP 5: To enter the aircraft, approach it from the left and leap lightly onto the access ladder without looking.
STEP 6: Pick yourself up off the ground and carefully replace the access ladder and climb the stairs. (Note: try to control the tense feeling in your stomach and above all don't look down). This is the most difficult part of the flight and must be done with precision. Enter the cockpit in any manner you choose except that, if at all possible, you should try to avoid going in head first.
STEP 7: This is the disentangling step in which the pilot endeavours to sort out and arrange oxygen hoses, radio leads, shoulder straps, helmets, gloves, knee boards, seat pins, inflated life rafts, gum wrappers, old issues of Playboy and any other items found loose in the cockpit.
STEP 8: Next check stick and throttle positions, If the stick is in your left hand and the throttle is in your right hand, you're in the cockpit backwards. Don't panic: smile at your crew chief, wave to bystanders and slowly rotate your body 180 degrees. Now arrange all switches, levers and buttons in the cockpit in a pleasing and eye-catching manner and prepare to start the engine. (If the engine is installed in the aircraft).
STEP 9: Upon starting the engine, advance the throttle smartly to military power and stand by for the crew chief's signals. When he begins waving at you, resist the temptation to wave back. Rapidly rearrange the position of all switches, levers and buttons until the right combination is found, whereupon the crew chief will finally stop waving at you.
STEP 10: When the signal is given to taxi, advance the throttle to the afterburner detent and roll smoothly over the chocks. Retard the throttle to military power and try to avoid further use of the afterburner while taxiing, as this irritates flight line personnel.
STEP 11: If after leaving your spot, you see another F16 taxiing towards you, stop quickly, turn around and taxi back up the taxiway towards the other end of the runway. You have committed a rather serious blunder.
STEP 12: After arriving in the vicinity of the hold-short position, immediately begin calling the tower frequently and at regular intervals. This accelerates the launch schedule, and gets you airborne a lot quicker. Wait until during the take-off roll to extend your flaps as this gives the tower personnel a thrill.
STEP 13: After leaving the runway, rotate the aircraft smartly to a 90 degree nose high attitude, close your eyes and count up to ten. If contact with the ground has not occurred by that time, continue the mission as briefed.
(Note: You may open your eyes for the remainder of the flight if you wish, however this is optional and up to your discretion.)