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.]
Stop |
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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 |
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Hydraulic Pump |
Off |
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 |
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 |
Off |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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HP Cocks |
Off. Locks In? |
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 |
Off |
No longer needed. |
Brake Temp Meter |
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: |
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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. 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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