Fuel Master Switch
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When entering the pit, my fuel master switch is on and flap down. Is this the new normal or should this be in the off position?
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Part of your Verify check ought to be ensuring that it is in the on position and the guard down.
If its in this position when you enter the pit, that’s good.
I do recall someone pointing out that a number of F-16s have this switch’s guard wired down so that you cannot move it into the off position.
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Yes, in the Real F-16 in the USAF we use copper safety wire to keep it on the on position. Back in the late 90’s we use to safety wire the valve itself so it would not inadvertently close.
In BMS, IIRC, it used to be in the off position, obviously it has change. I think is the new norm and it makes since.
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Yes, in the Real F-16 in the USAF we use copper safety wire to keep it on the on position. Back in the late 90’s we use to safety wire the valve itself so it would not inadvertently close.
In BMS, IIRC, it used to be in the off position, obviously it has change. I think is the new norm and it makes since.
Quick question : when is this switch useful ?
I would say its an emergency switch, if you have a serious engine fire on the ground, for example, to quickly shut off engine feed ; but in that case, the copper wire safety might be dangerous. The pilot will take some time removing it.
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When entering the pit, my fuel master switch is on and flap down. Is this the new normal or should this be in the off position?
Checklist does exists. Use and follow them.
Check that the button is in the position it should be according to the checklist. That’s all.
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Quick question : when is this switch useful ?
I would say its an emergency switch, if you have a serious engine fire on the ground, for example, to quickly shut off engine feed ; but in that case, the copper wire safety might be dangerous. The pilot will take some time removing it.
During emergencies ( engine fire, engine auto acceleration, throttle stuck, etc.) Engine maintenance, engine removal. Copper safety wire is easily broken, that is why there are several switches in the cockpit secured with copper safety wire. But, I don;t think it would be normally used by pilots in the air. We take the safety wire off during ground engine runs.
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During emergencies ( engine fire, engine auto acceleration, throttle stuck, etc.) Engine maintenance, engine removal. Copper safety wire is easily broken, that is why there are several switches in the cockpit secured with copper safety wire. But, I don;t think it would be normally used by pilots in the air. We take the safety wire off during ground engine runs.
Thats neat to know; the impression I had received in the past when this was discussed last was that the wire prevented easy access to the switch. Good thing to have that clarified!
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Thats neat to know; the impression I had received in the past when this was discussed last was that the wire prevented easy access to the switch. Good thing to have that clarified!
It is wired mainly to avoid inadvertent action on the switch during flight since consequences could be fatal. (I do not know on F-16, but on some a/c, this switch is also shutting off the hydraulic and bleed air, to isolate the engine on fire to remaining valid circuits)
And since it is NOT the standard engine shut down command, it could damage the engine because is emptying engine feed fuel duct (mvsgas?) To be used in EMERGENCY only like fire or if normal shut down command doesn’t work for any reason. -
It is wired mainly to avoid inadvertent action on the switch during flight since consequences could be fatal. (I do not know on F-16, but on some a/c, this switch is also shutting off the hydraulic and bleed air, to isolate the engine on fire to remaining valid circuits)
And since it is NOT the standard engine shut down command, it could damage the engine because is emptying engine feed fuel duct (mvsgas?) To be used in EMERGENCY only like fire or if normal shut down command doesn’t work for any reason.I don’t think it would damage the engine, we had a guy running the jet ( a D model) and he forgot to check the rear pit. The aircraft started and quickly shut down. I can’t remember, but I think we looked and could not find any trouble shooting for it. So we rechecked everything and restarted the jet without a problem.
In the F-16, the fuel master only shut off the fuel. There is not way to turn off hydraulics nor shut off bleed air. There is also no fire extinguisher like other aircraft like the A-10
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In the F-16, the fuel master only shut off the fuel. There is not way to turn off hydraulics nor shut off bleed air.
It makes sens on a single engine a/c
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Good enough for over 20 countries to use it and have so many sims made after it.
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During emergencies ( engine fire, engine auto acceleration, throttle stuck, etc.) Engine maintenance, engine removal. Copper safety wire is easily broken, that is why there are several switches in the cockpit secured with copper safety wire. But, I don;t think it would be normally used by pilots in the air. We take the safety wire off during ground engine runs.
Thats what I thought. Thanks !
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Correct, similar applies here too.