Check Fire Guard

Check Fire Guard and Call "Clear." Look out the window and be sure that the fire guard is posted at his proper station- behind and to the right of the engine being started.

The starting sequence is engines No.1, No.2, No.3, and No.4. This sequence should be followed each time in order to avoid confusion for the ground crew.

The pilot calls "Clear left, and the copilot calls "Clear right," before engines are started on either side. Both will make sure that the mechanic hears the call, and signifies (by voice or hand signal) that all is clear.

Master and Ignition Switches

Place the bar switch in the "ON" position. Put all ignition switches in "BOTH" position. (NOTE: Except in the B-17G where individual ignition switches are turned "ON" after hte corresonding engine is meshed and the propeller has turned through one revolution.)

Battery Switches and Inverter

Move the inverter switch to "NORMAL." Then operate each battery switch separately to detect a battery in need of charging. Check the fuse and solenoid. Return all three battery switches to "ON."

Now check inverter in "ALTERNATE" position. REturn the inverter switch to "NORMAL," and leave it there during flight. The alternate inverter is used only in the event that the normal inverter fails. The alternate remains new and unused for such an emergency.

Parking Brakes and Hydraulic Check

Copilot sets and locks the parking brakes.

Check the pressure guages for sufficient hydraulic pressure (600-800 lb.). Check the switch on the pilot's switch panel for the "AUTO" or "ON" position- depending on the type of switch installed.

If the emergency pressure system is low, recharge by opening the manual shut-off (star) valve. This will build up pressure in both systems to approximately 800 lb.

After recharging, close the manual shut-off (star) valve. If emergency system is installed, operate levers to ensure that upon application pressure does not drop immediately to zero. Be sure that the selector is in "NORMAL" position, and that the reservoir is filled with hydraulic fluid.

Booster Pumps

Turn on the boosster pumps and check to see that each gives from 6 to 8 lb. pressure. The fuel booster pump is an independent electrically driven source of extra fuel pressure. It takes the place of the wobble pump for both starting and emergencies, and augments the engine-driven fuel pump at high altitudes. As a safety measure, it is always turned on for takeoff and landing, for flights below 1000 feet, and for flights above 10,000 feet.

Carburetor Filters

Carburetor air filters must be "ON" ("OPEN") for engine starting and all operations up to 8,000 feet in the B-17F (15,000 feet in the B-17G). Check amber warning light for "ON."

In dust conditions filters may be left "ON" in the B-17F up to 15,000 feet (20,000 feet in tehe B-17G.)

But under no circumstances should the carburetor air filters be left "ON" above these limits. When intake air passes throught he carburetor air filters at such altitude the turbo-superchargers must speed up to maintain desired manifold pressure. This can result in turbo overspeeding.

Fuel Quantity

Check the fuel guages for quantity of fuel in each tank. Remember that the fuel guages are electric and will not operate unless the battery switches and inverter are "ON."

Start Engines

• 1. The sequence of starting engines is: No.1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4.
• 2. Be sure the engine being started has been pulled through 3 or 4 complete revolutions.
• 3. If fire extinguisher system is installed , set the selector switch to the engine being started.
• 4. Indicate to the ground crew (by holding up fingers) which engine is being started.
• 5. When the copilot is ready, he will notify the pilot: "Standing by to start No.1."
  

• 6. Direct the copilot: "Start No. 1." The copilot will then energize Engine No.1, and at the same time expel all air from the primer with the number of strokes necessary to obtain a solid fuel charge. The primer must be HELD DOWN until needed again.
• 7. After approximately 12 seconds of energizing, direct the copilot to "Mesh No. 1." The copilot, while still holding down the starting switch at "START," moves mesh switch to the "MESH" position. At the same time he primes with strong, steady strokes until the engine fires.
• 8. If the engine fails to fire after the starter has turned it over 4 or 5 times, the copilot must release both switches quickly while the propeller is still turning. This prevents damage to, or sticking of, the starter.
  If the starter dog sticks and the engine turns over while re-energizing, stop re-energizing immediately, cut the ignition switch, and release the starter dog by turning the propeller in the direction of rotation.
• 9. When the engine fires, move the mixture control to "AUTO-RICH" immediately.

• 10. If the engine stops, return the mixture control to "OFF" immediately, and repeat the starting procedure. As soon as engine is running, copilot calls: "Oil pressure." Pilot notes pressure, and responds: "Coming up" when pressure reaches 50 lb. sq. in.
• 11. If no oil pressure is indicated within 30 seconds after starting, stop the engine and determine the cause.
• 12. Warm up engines at 1000 rpm until oil temperature of 40 C is indicated.
• 13. If it is necessary to engage by hand, signal to the ground crew by raising a clenched fist and pullling down an imaginary starter handle. One of the ground crew will pull the handle on the nacelle. Meanwhile, hold down both the starter and the mesh switches in the "ON" positions. The booster coil will function only when the mesh switch is on.
• 14. Repeat the same starting procedure on No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 engine, in that order.

Flight Indicator and Vacuum Pressures

When an engine that operates a vacuum pump (No. 2 and No. 3 Engines) is started, check the rapid response of the flight indicator. With vacuum pump operating, the flight indicator should erect itself within a few moments. Sluggish response at this time indicates poor operation of the instrument. At the same time check (1) vacuum pressure - approcimately 3.75" to 4.25"; and (2) both pumps for proper operation.