Skip to main content
4 of 10
added 116 characters in body
Michael Hall
  • 27.3k
  • 2
  • 65
  • 103

There are a lot of questions rolled into one here, and I can't answer specifically to the F-16, but a turbine engine needs the same three elements of the basic fire triangle to run: Fuel, Air, Ignition. The element missing from the sequence description linked in the question is ignition. The igniters are like spark plugs, and they are generally energized during actuation of one of the other mentioned switches. (most likely the JFS switch has a secondary function of energizing the ignitors since it is engine start specific)

Airstarts are not an overly complex procedure, in fact for a single engine aircraft like the F-16 they need to be brief and committed to memory because fighters don't have the best glide ratio.

Fuel - Make sure the throttle wasn't inadvertently shut off, likely the checklist will call for placing this in the idle position. Perhaps there is a step to turn on a boost pump or switch tanks.

Air - This comes from outside, as measured by airspeed. The minimum airspeed required envelope will vary with altitude, but most pilots will have a number committed to memory that will provide reliable airstarts across a broad range of altitudes.

Ignition - There will likely be a separate igniter switch for airstarts. Press and hold until lightoff is achieved, then advance the throttles smoothly and resume flying. The airstart ignitor switch is generally located on the power control lever for convenience. If single engine, an alternate electrical power source may be required first in the form or activating a Ram Air Turbine or other source of emergency power to provide a spark if the generator is disabled.

So, in its simplest form a generic airstart checklist for a tactical jet would something like the following:

  1. AIRSPEED - Maintain 200 KIAS minimum.
  2. THROTTLE - Idle.
  3. AIRSTART BUTTON - Press and hold until light off.
  4. If no relight by 5000 feet AGL - EJECT
Michael Hall
  • 27.3k
  • 2
  • 65
  • 103