Engine start up procedure: 1 finger is 10% rpm (when the fuel is ignited), 2 fingers is 20%, 3 fingers is 30%, then pilot raises his hand and at 40% he signals the mechanic on the starter group to cut off the air supply. (I was crew chief F-104G from '69 till '78 in the Belgian Air Force).
I did 6 months CF-104 line servicing with Canadian Air Force in Germany in the 1980's. Start crew was a 2-man operation vs the 3 shown in this video. Seems to me we had the bird launched in half the time it took the crew in the video. Ladder was taken away as soon as the pilot was strapped in. Front end man stayed at the front always, back-end man back always. After the engine was running there was another 5 finger check. Memory fails so I don't remember them all but included flight controls, speed brakes, flaps (boundary layer air checked by back-end man) & stick shaker. Pitot heat was also checked, not sure if that was part of the 5 finger. On certain missions the back-end man would place several packs of chaff inside the speed brake opening for counter measures. The pilot would open speed brakes & raise his hands above his head for front man to see before back man reached in to do this. Once clear the front man signaled for pilot to close speed brakes. Next time the speed brakes were opened (presumably in flight) the chaff would be dispensed.
@Blackmoonempire They signal the rpm to the crewchief. As far as I can think of, 1 finger is 20% rpm (when the fuel is ignited), 2 fingers is 30%, 3 fingers is 40% and 4 fingers is 50%. Around 50% is enough for the engine to sustain itself so that's why they make that "cut off" signal
yes i want at that time to film the 5 vinger check with the crewchief . it was great at that moment because of the sound of the J-79 engine . was the first time in my life to film this . a great experience that day .
Great Video Willem!!! the mytical 5° Stormo "Diana Cacciatrice" 23°gruppo caccia intercettori "Giuseppe Cenni",This Wing was closed in 2004 and placed in position "Quadro"(position waiting).
Hello Sir Yes thats right it is the start up procedure with the crewchief . because im crazy about the starfigther my plan was to film this fore one time . the generator is making a lot off noise in this aircraft shelter .
