If you haven't already done so, check out the Cockpit Checks - Preparation before proceeding.
Having checked out all of the systems, it's finally time to start the engines.
[Editors Note: All of Andy's comments are highlighted in red to distinguish them from the text of the checks.]
Engine Start |
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Chute Firing Lines |
Connect |
The chute lines must now be connected as this is the last chance - for obvious reasons the Crew chief cannot reach the explosive squibs at the rear of the Car after engine start. |
Palouste |
Start |
The air starter needs to be started, usually whilst he Crew chief is finishing the firing lines. |
Canopy |
As required |
My reminder to put all of my fire protection in place - just in case! |
Fuel Supply |
Pressurised |
The fuel system needs pressurising for the first start - another job for the amazing SupaCat. Also my last chance to conform that the intakes are clear and the SupaCat is in position. |
Throttles |
HP Off, disconnected |
The throttles should be off before opening the low-pressure(LP) cocks. The ignition Circuit Breakers (C/Bs) are usually one in, one out to keep the second circuit as a spare. |
Air |
On |
Palouste air is pumped to the Car. I then check that the circuit is not live already (which would indicate a fault), ask the Crew chief for clearance to start, select the required engine and push the start button before selecting the ignition to on. |
Engine Start |
Check start light out |
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Ignition |
On |
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LP Rotation |
Confirmed |
Whoosh! There is a rush of air through the starter and the Low Pressure compressor starts to rotate. Idle on the throttle supplies fuel to the engine and immediately the engine lights up. I have to make sure that it doesn't exceed 630ºC (plus an allowance for outside air temperature). |
Start Light |
Out by 40%; immediately de-select start |
At 40% the start should be complete and the start and ignition circuits are deselected. The air hose is then moved to the other engine to repeat the whole process. |
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(The start team pose with their equipment and ThrustSSC - the Palouste is the white box on the right. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera) |
(Preparing for a start - the Palouste is the green box on the right. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera) |
The engine start checks tend to be fast and furious and I don't have time to read all of them, so most have to be done from memory (just like flying the Phantom!).
Now things become a bit more relaxed and I can go through the rest of the checks one-by-one - it's important not to miss anything at this stage.
After Start |
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Throttles |
Linked |
The throttles must be linked together before I set off - a simple action of pushing a bolt across to lock the 2 throttle pedals together. |
OIL |
Caption Out |
After engine start I will recheck that all of the engine system are working properly - the OIL caption covers the engine oil pressure for both engines, the AC VOLTS is the warning for the left engine generator and the F PRES is monitoring the output from both fuel pumps (which in turn are driven by the generator, so this is a double check of the electrics, which the engines must have to work properly). The Thrust Balance, one of the unique instruments fitted to the Car and based on technology developed for us by NPL, should now be indicating a balanced thrust from both engines. |
Hydraulic System Pressure |
Increase to 2000 |
The hydraulic pump on the right engine should be producing 2000 psi - the output can be checked by pumping the brakes and watching to make sure the pressure doesn't fall. |
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(Close-up pictures of the OIL/AC VOLTS/F PRES captions and the hydraulic gauges. Photo: Jeremy Davey) |
Now the really important checks - I can't afford to miss any of these.
Pre-run |
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Throttles |
Confirm Linked |
Re-checking the throttles to make sure they are positively linked. |
Canopy |
Shut and locked |
If it's a hot day, the canopy will still be open - it will get very windy in a minute if I forget to close it. |
Fuel |
) Final Check, gauges Off |
The fuel and electrics will only be a distraction during the run, so after a final check that the fuel is flowing from both tanks and that the battery voltages are OK, the gauges are switched off. |
Video |
On |
The video now goes on to record the whole run from the 6 cameras |
Decelerometer (if carried) |
Record |
The decelerometer lasts 8 min and is now switched on if it is fitted in the Car |
Para |
Check with crew-chief, then Arm |
Another safety check that there is no-one near the rear of the Car and then the parachutes are armed |
All Captions |
Out/As required |
Last check that I haven't missed anything obvious |
Video |
Announce date, Run No., profile |
The video records all of the cockpit intercom so I read out the details of the run for future reference |
Mask |
Toggle Down |
The air mask can be 'toggled down' to improve the air seal if I want to A final check of the wind and then ask for permission from the run controller to roll - Jayne or Adam will then check the desert is clear and everyone else is ready |
When Cleared |
'ROLLING' |
We're off! |
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(Andy's helmet and air mask. Photo: Jeremy Davey) |
(ThrustSSC pulls away from the start on the Jafr Desert. Photo: Jeremy Davey. Image taken with a Fujifilm DS-515A Digital Card Camera) |
Another minute down the track and it'll be time to reverse the process and make everything safe. More details in the Post-Run Cockpit Checks.
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