03 - BEFORE-TAKEOFF / TAKEOFF

SR-71-A NORMAL PROCEDURES

ABBREVIATED CHECKLIST



BEFORE TAKEOFF
  1. ANS distance - ON HSI DP/TURN
  2. Flight instruments - SET
  3. Engine run - LOCKOUT & EGT TRIM CHECKED
  4. EGT trim switched -HOLD / AUTO
  5. Flight controls & trim - CHECKED
  6. Fuel sequencing - CHECKED
  7. CG - CHECKED (less than 22%, 19% is ideal, forward transfer if needed)
  8. Forward transfer - OFF
  9. Derich - ARM
  10. No.1 & No.2 oxy -ON AND CHECKED
  11. Bailer bar - LATCHED & LOCKED
  12. Brake switches - DRY/WET & ANTI-SKID ON
  13. Takeoff data - REVIEW (add the chart from page 103)
  14. Pitot heat - ON & CHECKED
  15. Battery switch - CHECKED BAT
  16. Instrument inverter switch - CHECKED NORM
  17. INS altitude - UPDATE
  18. VHF and cover - REMOVED (crew chief)

TAKEOFF
  1. IFF - NORMAL
  2. SAS - ENGAGE, LIGHTS OFF
  3. Circuit breakers - CHECKED
  4. Tank 4 - PRESS ON (preventing fuel-press warning light)
  5. Compass - CHECKED
  6. Steering - ENGAGED
  7. Brakes - HOLD
  8. Elapsed time - START
  9. Steering - CHECKED ENGAGED
  10. Throttles - ADVANCE
  11. Brakes - RELEASE AT 6,000 RPM
  12. Engine instr. - CHECKED AT MILITARY
  13. Throttles - AFTERBURNER - MID RANGE
  14. Throttles - MAX THRUST
  15. Engine instr. - CHECKED MAX THRUST
  16. Acceleration - CHECKED
  17. Rotation - BEGIN AT COMPUTED KIAS

ROTATION TECHNIQUE
  • In general, the tires are more vulnerable to blowouts during takeoff that at landing because of the higher groundspeeds and gross weight involved. Wing lift quickly relieves the gear load as the nose is raised.
  • Apply smooth, constant back pressure 15 to 25 knots before computed rotation speed.
  • Lift the nosewheel off at rotation speed, using the rotation rate required to leave the ground at computed takeoff speed.
  • Depending on gross weight, normal takeoff attitude is 8-10 degrees nose high indication on the ADI.
  • The transition from start of rotation to takeoff requires approximately 5 seconds when using the normal takeoff technique. Refer to Takeoff Speed Schedule in Part II of the Appendix for rotation and takeoff speeds.
  • Premature nosewheel liftoff should be avoided because the unnecessary drag extends the ground run and may resut in excessive tire loads. 

CROSSWIND TAKEOFF 

  • The aircraft weathervanes into the wind during crosswind takeoffs when the nosewheel lifts off and nosewheel steering is no longer available.
  • Rudder pressure must be held to counteract the crosswind.
  • A definitive correction must be made as the aircraft breaks ground. Apply lateral control as necessary for wings-level flight.
  • Both the directional and lateral control applications are normal and no problems should be encountered when taking off during reasonable crosswind conditions.