Forum: F-16 Procedures

Hi. I'm a Falcon4 fan and need some answers.

I've some questions about taxi operations with the F-16.

Here it goes. You can start with whatever number you prefer Very Happy

Thanks in advance.

1. Does the F-16 starts to roll, without any brake input (or park brakes), on IDLE thrust? Or in what circumstances it does need brake input at idle.
2. What is the normal taxi speed, since I can't found it on -1, or any other document. What are the criterias affecting the taxi speed. What is the max safe taxi speed?
3. Do you have to brake constantly while taxiing to overcome the thrust the engine generates, even it is at idle.

Thank you.

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There are always variables such as surface slope and stores loading on the aircraft, but under average conditions
the following apply:

1.) Unless the jet is on an incline, an F-16 will slowly start moving forward if releasing the brakes while in idle.
2.) Taxi speed limits are generally guided by local directives and are independent of the aircraft type. From my
experience, speed limits are generally 20 Knots on taxiways and 5-10 knots in more crowded areas like parking ramps.
I'm guessing the criteria for those limits are based on being able to safely see, recognize and avoid a hazard and is no
different than the speed limit criteria in an automobile (area congestion, normal braking rates, reaction time etc..).
3.) An F-16 will continue to accelerate through 20 knots while taxiing on level ground and constant braking is required. Instead
of riding the brakes, pilots will cycle them periodically to slow slightly below desired taxi speed, release brakes and repeat
after the aircraft accelerates (while still in idle).

Thank you very much for your answer.

How is the brake applied and releazed anyway ? And are you talking about parking brake at the Aux-Left console ?

He's talking about tapping the toe brakes on the rudder pedals. Kinda like tapping your car brakes in slow traffic.

Depends on weight at idle also. A jet with 2 370 tanks full...about 11,000 pounds of total fuel won't move. You'll need throttle. A slick jet will roll brakes off at idle.

It also depends on the motor. A GE-129 will roll at idle regardless of the configuration and can actually accelerate to pretty good speed. I tested it one day and taxied from EOR to the chalks without pushing up the power and taxied at 25 knots. The PW-220 will only roll a little bit in a light config and needs a lot of power to get going when we're heavy.

On a level surface, a 2 tank jet with slant mounted gbu's and a pod will not roll off the brakes in idle....period. Otherwise it just depends on the weight and the engine. As far as braking. It is a smooth but firm(sts) application all the way to below taxi speed and then release. Who cares what the taxi limit is. If your late you'll taxi at 30 knots to catch up. If you clear the runway you slow down to make the turn...it depends.

Forum: F-16 Procedures

Questions on taxiing