Thrust SSC

ThrustSSC Cockpit Checks - Post Run

by Andy Green, ThrustSSC's Driver

If you haven't already done so, check out the Cockpit Checks - Preparation and Cockpit Checks - Engine Start before proceeding.

After another of the most exciting minutes of my life, the Car rolls to a stop and it's time to reverse the process and make everything safe

[Editors Note: All of Andy's comments are highlighted in red to distinguish them from the text of the checks.]

Page 10

Stop

Radio

'STOPPED'

Firstly let the rest of the team know that the Car is stopped - no-one (except the Jaguar Firechase) is allowed to move on the desert or talk on the radio until the SSC has stopped.

Clock

Stop/Start

 

Hydraulic Pump
Abort
Para

Off
Safe
Safe

To save the Car battery the hydraulic pump (if it was used) goes off straight away.

The chutes and abort systems are made safe next - the lines can then be physically disconnected by the crewchief.

HP Cocks
 
LP Cocks

Off
Locks In?
Off

I re-check that the engines are positively shut down and put in the locks if that is the last run of the day.

Video
Brake Temp Meter
Decelerometer

Off
Off
Stop

The video is no longer required.

The brake temperature meter can now be switched off to save its battery - after I make a note of the peak temperature (hopefully I will have remembered the maximum temperature reached whilst the Car is slowing down).

ASI Vent

Open

The air vent is now opened to stop large pressure differences building up as atmospheric pressure changes overnight.

Gauges

On
Check Fuel, Volts

The gauges are switched back on and the fuel and voltage readings recorded. My report for the run will include these so that the team can check fuel usage of each engine, the life of the batteries, and so on.

Breathing Air

Off, check contents remaining

After I remove my mask the breathing air must be switched off quickly - with careful use the system will not need recharging all day, which saves a few minutes, especially on turn-rounds... a record only counts if you do 2 runs within one hour, so time is a big factor.

Page 11

If the Car is going to run again, no further checks are required and the turn-round can begin. If that's it for the day, then it's time to shut down the Car.

Shutdown

HP Cocks
LP Cocks

Off. Locks In?
Off

A repeat check of the engine shut-down - this is important because the engines will still be very hot and knocking the throttles open could easily start an engine fire. (Yes, I know there's supposed to be a fire in there, but not when the engine isn't turning!)

Gauges
Computers
Fire
Batteries

Off
Off
Off
Off

No longer needed.

Brake Temp Meter
Decelerometer

Off
Off

The brake temperature meter and decelerometer have their own batteries and must be switched off separately.

ASI Vent

Leave Open

The ASI vent should remain open until just before the next run.

Clock

Stop

Saves a lot of winding next time.

Final Safety Checks:
 
Para
Abort
All other switches

 
 
Safe
Safe
Confirm Off

As always with ThrustSSC operations, the bottom line is safety, so a final check is the last thing before leaving the cockpit.


ThrustSSC is towed back to base after a run
(ThrustSSC is towed back to base after a run. Photo: Nick Dove)

That concludes the Cockpit Checks for a normal run. There are two additional check lists - for the Fire System and the Post-Run Debrief Format.



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