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I have been working the Viper for 9 and a half years. I have worked 30's 40's and 50's. I was told that the fuel shutoff switch in the cockpit was originally designed without a safety lock out I was wondering if this is true or not? Thanks.

P.S. If there is an OPSEC problem I am sorry in advance

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Wrenchbender....I've been working the viper for 11 years...25's, 30's, 40's, and 50's....never heard of that before but it wouldn't surprise me if that is true. As you know there are more TCTO's than you can shake a stick at so it's possible that what you heard is true. Maybe one of the guys who have been around since the late 70's or 80's would know.

Can anyone else expand on this maybe someone who worked block 10's or 15's.

I worked brand new block 25's at hahn in 86 and I dont recall there being a lock out. I worked one block 15 but didnt get enough time on it to remember. Since then, 25, 30, 32, and 42's.

Gustav

Elite Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1175 Status: Offline

I've worked on block 10's and everything after, and there was always a guard that was safety wired. I don't know if they were on the Block 5's or not. Gums flew the 5's he could anwser that.

Purple

Elite Joined: Apr 08, 2004 Posts: 733 Status: Offline

As I recall, prior to each engine start at MacDill in the late 80's (Blk 10's, including Blk 1 & 5 upgrades) prior to each engine start for flight the pilot would cycle the main fuel shutoff from open to closed and back to open which we would visually confirm at the valve.

I know of at least two landing attempts that were made after throttle cables had stuck at 70% by closing the fuel shutoff (I believe 79-377 and 79-385 from the database.)

Mike Kopack

F-16.net

Forum: F-16 Design & Construction

Guard on the fuel shut off switch