Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Checklist
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a iteration on the earlier A/B/C/D versions of the aircraft. The Super Hornet is a slightly larger version of the previous variants, weighing in with a 7,000lb increase in empty weight from its predecessors, as well as a 15,000 increase in maximum weight. Other notable changes include the changing of the intake shapes, as well as a few technical changes.
| Specification | F/A-18C Hornet | F/A-18E Super Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas & Boeing | Boeing |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Max Speed | M1.8 | M1.6 |
| Range | 1,089NM | 1,275NM |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000ft | 50,000ft |
| Fuel Capacity | 10,860lb internally | 14,700lb internally |
| Dimensions | Span 40’4"/Length 56’1"/Height 15’5" | Span 44’8"/Length 60’1"/Height 16’ |
| Weight | Empty: 23,000lbs/MTOW: 51,900lbs | Empty: 32,081lbs/MTOW: 66,000lbs |
| Payload | 13,700lb (9 hardpoints) | 17,750lb (11 hardpoints) |
| Powerplant | 2 x F404-GE-402 turbofans | 2 x F414-GE-400 turbofans |
Credit: @Tyler_Shelton
The purpose of this checklist is to provide Infinite Flight Pilots with as realistic experience as possible given the resources in the simulator. This checklist was made in accordance with the F/A-18E/F Manual, while making adjustments to match the Infinite Flight counterpart. If you’d like to further bless yourself with the technical knowledge of F/A-18E/F, then feel free to check out the manual linked above.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into the checklist.
Checklist
Preflight
APU - Start
Aircraft Weight/Balance - CHECK
Flaps - DOWN
Full Exterior Walkaround - COMPLETE
Pilots - BRIEFED
Pre-Start Checks
Master Battery - ON
NAV/BEACON - ON
Flight Instruments - SET
Engine Start Checks
Engine 2 - START
Engine 2 Throttle - IDLE
Engine 1 - START
Engine 1 Throttle - IDLE
Engine Instruments - CHECK
Post-Start Checks
APU - OFF
Wingfold (If Applicable) - SPREAD
Flight Plan - SET
Initial Altitude - SET
Fuel - CHECK
Pre-Taxi Checks
Wingfold - SPREAD (CHECK)
Throttle - NIL% (DO NOT EXCEED 75%)
Instruments - Check
Throttle - IDLE
Trim - CHECK FULL +/-
Flight Controls - CHECK (AFT/FWD/L/R)
Flaps - HALF
Trim - SET
Hook - TEST
Clearance/Intentions - RECIEVED/ANNOUNCED
TAXI TO ASSIGNED RUNWAY
Taxi Checks
Canopy - FULL UP OR FULL DOWN
Brakes - TEST
Spoilers - ARMED
Rudder - TEST
Takeoff Checks
Canopy - CHECK CLOSED
HDG - ±3° RWY HDG
Parking Brake - SET
Engine Run-Ups:
Throttle - NIL%
Engine Instruments - CHECK
Throttle - IDLE
Landing/Strobes - ON
When Cleared For Takeoff:
NIL% - ACHIEVED
Brakes - RELEASED
Afterburner - MAX
After Takeoff Checklists
When Definitely Airborne - GEAR UP
Flaps - RETRACT
Landing Lights - RETRACT
Medium Altitude Checks (FL100+)
Communications - AS NEEDED
Airspeed - 300 TO 350KTS
Abrupt Small Movements - TEST
Hook - TEST (IF LANDING AT FIELD WITH HOOK)
Instruments - SET
360 Roll R/L - INSTRUMENTS CHECK
Loop - INSTRUMENTS CHECK
High Altitude Checks (FL300+)
Airspeed - MAINTAIN 200 to 220KTS
Descent
Instruments - AS NEEDED
Communications - AS NEEDED
Landing
ATC - CONTACT
Flaps - AS NEEDED
Final Approach
Gear - DOWN
Landing Lights - ON
Nose - 5 DEGREES UP
Angle Of Attack - 8 DEGREES
Power - STAY IN
Optimal V/S - ~-800FPM (CARRIER)
Braking - MANUAL
Taxi To Parking
Strobe/Landing - OFF
Flaps - UP
Trim - RESET
Canopy - FULL UP/DOWN
Engine Shutdown/Securing The Aircraft
Parking Brake - SET
Flight Plan - CLEAR
Lights - OFF
Canopy - OPEN
Engine 1 - OFF
Engine 2 - OFF
Flaps - FULL
ATC - TUNE OUT
Throttle - IDLE
MASTER - OFF
Carrier Landing: Airfield
- Fly overhead at 800ft AGL, just offset to the right of the runway at 350kts. Lower hook. 1 mile past the landing runway base, break left and make the turn to downwind. TIP: On the turn to downwind, G Forces should match your speed as like 290kts would be 2.9G’s pulled. Slow to 250 knots.
- Upon completion of turn to downwind, gear down, flaps full, and slow to approach speed (140kts about). Descend to 500ft.
- Once the carrier is out of sight on you left side, begin turn for final, make sure descent AOA is “on-speed” (meaning your speed will stay the same with your current vertical speed and power setting.)
- Aim for ∓100ft within touchdown zone, optimal touchdown ~800fpm.
NOTE: THIS CHECKLIST IS AN UNOFFICIAL RECREATION OF THAT FOUND IN THE F/A-18E/F MANUAL. ANY CORRECTIONS ARE TAKEN AND WILL BE FIXED.
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