Landing Light per checklist
-
Referring to the Checklist (Main Volume), in the AIRBORNE/CLIMB section there is no mention of switching off the landing lights (which was switched on during LINE UP section.
Is this intentional? It’s ok to leave the landing lights on (possibly they switch off automatically once gears are not down).Because in the BEFORE LANDING section it is mentioned “Landing light - Check ON” which to me means ensure it is already on. Otherwise in the checklist it would mention “set ON” which basically means ‘flick the switch to ON position’.
-
Landing lights are switched off when the landing gear is retracted. So, to leave it on is no big deal. In case you by mistake switch it off during flight, then it’s a good idea to follow your check list when getting ready to approach your base - thereby “landing Light - CHECK ON”
-
Light produces a lot of heat. Normally light is disabled by retraction mechanically but if that was to fail then heat build up would be hazardous so pilot was instructed to also turn off the switch as a second layer of safety. My understanding is that newer F-16 have LED lights and/or improved disable mechanism which means pilot no longer has to turn off the switch.
As for why CL-2 doesn’t have explicit mention of taxi-landing light during departure I don’t know. There is an “exterior lights A/R” on before taxi but nothing on before takeoff. I’m guessing that light procedure is combat-oriented and variable that putting it in the CL-2 is counter productive.