PART III-HANDLING

      STARTING, TAXYING
          AND TAKE-OFF

     56.  External cheeks

     (a)  The outside of the aircraft should be systematically
          checked for obvious signs of damage, security of panels,
          filler caps, doors, wheel fairings and belly tank. The
          engine intakes and boundary layer bleeds must be free
          from any obstruction or debris, and the jet pipe should
          be checked for distortion. Oleos should be checked for
          equal extension, the tyres for creep, excessive wear or
          cuts, and the brake leads for damage. The pitot head
          cover and the undercarriage ground locks must be
          removed. Check the BUTT TEST switch and the GUN
          FIRING GROUND TEST NOSEWHEEL RETRAC-
          TION switch in the starboard wheel bay are set to OFF
          and the locking bolt on the latter is in position. If the
          retraction switch is ON with no pressure in the system
          the nosewheel will retract when the engine is started.

     (b)  Check that the pressure gauges in the nosewheel bay read
          as follows:-

          Brake accumulator		1,750 lb./sq. in. min.
            pressure
          Anti-G pressure		1,800 lb./sq. in. max.
					500 lb./sq. in. min.
					(Max. consumption in one
					  flight).

     57.  Cockpit checks

     (a)  Strap in and then make the necessary oxygen, emergency
          oxygen and anti-G suit connections. have the seat safety
          pin removed and stowed and the emergency oxygen pin
          removed. Then check:-

          Belly tank jettison (3)	Down and locked (irrespec-
					  tive of whether belly tank
					  fitted or not to prevent
					  fouling the H.P. cock).
AL1/57        Ignition circuit breaker			IN
          Undercarriage selector	Down, button fully in.
           (41)
          Hood jettison indicator	Safe. Pointer on line.
          Armament switches		Safe or off.

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