Starting an F-16 Isn't Like Starting a Car

Starting up an F-16 is nothing like hopping in your car and turning the keys. Here’s what must be done before the Fighting Falcon can take to the skies.


First, an exterior inspection of the aircraft is performed, checking for loose doors and fasteners, cracks, leaks, and any other damage.


Next it’s time to check inside the cockpit to make sure seats and straps are all in good working order, and ensure there’s no loose or foreign objects in the cockpit that could be thrown around during flight and seriously injure the pilot. They also inspect the emergency equipment like the radio beacon, the emergency oxygen, and of course the ejection seat.


The batteries are then tested to make sure the electronics are functioning, and now it’s finally time to start up the engine. The F-16 has an incredibly lengthy and complicated startup procedure that involves warming up the engine, testing fuel pumps and oil pressure, and even after it’s running, there’s still plenty of other tests to perform like the oxygen quality, the radio, and the GPS systems.


It might seem like overkill to have all of these preflight checks in place, but when the plane you’re inspecting costs $30 million and any malfunction could lead to disastrous results not just for the pilot, but for people on the ground too, taking the extra time to ensure that everything is perfect is worth it.

[jay]

Starting a plane isn't like starting a car?

I'd never have guessed.

[seekerpro]

FYI: this is actually a process that you should do with every type of plane. Not just military jets.

[PodRoe.]

"Starting an F-16 is nothing like starting your car"

_I'm still waiting for the part where he mentioned ignition and starting F-16s_

[shikikankillzone]

I'll remember this when I boot up my F-16 to go to work

[alextorres]

"Having in mind the plane cost 30mill nothing is overkill"
The pilot not being mentioned once:😦

[DefaultName-msbb]

"we need that air support now!"

"Hang on bro, just checking my oxygen"

[Yellow.]

“Starting a plane isn’t like starting a car”

Yeah no shit Sherlock.

[spitfire_]

"The F-16 has an incredibly length and complicated startup procedure"
Me starting my F-16 in DCS: Blasphemy!

[danielchan]

Thanks man, I can finally start up my jet sitting in my backyard!

[acruxpanda]

*talks about F-16*
*sees FA-50*
Me:"wait a minute, there's an imposter"

[Haik-to-the-o]

In the trucking industry we call this a pre trip inspection.

[e.sstudios]

Video is about F-16s
The Video: Shows a PAF FA-50

[yadulchandradas]

Oooh, before watching this, i thought it was like starting my bike, thank you sir

[gurdasatwal]

This makes literally no sense. Every aircraft, including general aviation aircraft you will do the same thing. Excluding the ejection seat, obviously

[GangWeedMLG]

Fun fact: This procedures are done on *every type* of plane.

[shotgun]

I love that the 2nd clip isnt even a F-16

[akolangtoh]

Captain:Hey john check the ejection seat if it works
John :How?
Captain: umm Iduunno maybe push the ejection button if it works?

[Nice_Guy]

"Starting an F-16 isn't like starting a car."

Michael, Franklin and Trevor: "Hold my Up-N-Atom diet soda"

[wreckervr]

“The f16 has an incredibly lengthy startup process”
Shows jf17

[warrior]

F-16 modules are just a masterpiece from the design to the capabilities and the durability.