DCS F/A-18C Hornet NEW Cold Start Tutorial!

Hey guys! Its been over a year since I have made a cold start tutorial for the DCS F/A-18C Hornet and there have been many changes, especially when it comes to aligning and setting up your INS System!
I hope this video helps you guys out!
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[@Spudknocker]

Hey guys! It has been a LONG time since we have revisited the Cold Start procedure in the DCS F/A-18C Hornet, and I wanted to make an updated tutorial that reflects some of the changes! I hope this helps you guys out!

[@davidhalford8128]

warning system check prior to right engine start. includes visual check of brake pressure prior to system check.

[@davidhalford8128]

open bleed valves after right engine start

[@Peter-bakker]

What are your FPS mostly in DCS ?

[@OperatorAron]

Thenks for help!

[@faabound]

We wait until the last second to close the canopy. It's like being a bug under a magnifying glass.

[@5113130]

I already know how to start the hornet back and forwards. Watched it anyways to make sure I’m not missing anything 😬

[@bilas5955]

same lol

[@orlandas_ltu9354]

Same :DD

[@Aviation-xl2em]

Same

[@OLIV3R_YT]

Same :)

[@jaredwilson007]

Because of your video's, I am now saving to build a gaming pc and get DCS. Not sure how I found your channel but it is very good. Thank you for putting so much time into your channel. I appreciate it a lot.

[@pilout8637]

You will not regret it bud 😉. It’s an amazing experience.

[@dunbar555]

When you have your gaming pc, contact me. I’ll gift you the hornet,

[@Spudknocker]

@@dunbar555 wow thats generous!

[@limbow7626]

@@dunbar555 thats so sweet

[@pjefferson2011]

You wont regret it, DCS is such a great sim experience. If you can get VR to experience the depth even further, the sense of immersion is outstanding.

[@ArktikosAdventures]

Nice tutorial! Ya missed a few things but I think Rolf commented on most of them below. Now, I know this is just a sim but In regards to closing the canopy in the "hot hot sun"; that would be a big no-no. In the "real world" you would have been feeling like a well done Thanksgiving turkey between the time you closed that canopy and starting the jet. Normally, in hot conditions, the canopy stays open until the ECS kicks in. When the aircraft is towed the brake rider will usually leave the canopy slightly cracked or opened all the way, depending on the base rules. We nearly had to perform an emergency canopy ejection once because one of our guys was stuck in the cockpit, in New Mexico, in summer with a dead battery and a missing/removed inner manual crank (cann bird). and no 1/4" speed-handle to crank it open. Luckily the tool arrived before he pulled the canopy release. I remember the muffled screaming with a panic stricken face, sweat pouring off of him, threatening to pull that handle. Man, he was pissed when he got out...and a bit lighter too...ok, enough rambling...

[@elliotstorey5461]

Ha great story!

[@astra7291]

Makes me want to buy the hornet

[@Spudknocker]

Doooooo ittttt!!!!! *arnold schwarzenegger accent*

[@andrewzeedyk3095]

It's a good one.

[@furiz1-1]

You wont regret it.

[@theonefrancis696]

It's a very good module, spent a lot into it

[@slyderace]

The Hornet was my first jet! I love it! Even bought a sweater with an F/A-18C HUD on it :)

[@wesleyfilkins9816]

Spud, thanks so much for these tutorials. I have been playing DCS for 3 months and have watched all of your videos to help me get to where I am now!

[@Mibarri]

Honestly, great video for someone whose watching for the first time. But for someone who has already seen it and just need the steps for starting the F-18C. It would be nice to have a separate video just telling us what to press w/o all the explanation about what that button or dial does. As a player who is brand new to DCS, it would be a great help to just see the procedure of what to operate so I can memorize it.

[@Spudknocker]

Checklists sir! Haha

[@karlchilders5420]

Formation lights are not "light bulbs". It is an electro-luminescent strip. All the form lights are the same that way on the jet. They can get STUPID bright or barely on and visible in pitch black skies at night depending on your needs.

[@DJones476]

All hail Karl Childers!!! What made you settle on 'Karl Childers' as a username, by the way? Favorite movie?

[@karlchilders5420]

@@DJones476 I just like the way you talk. Mhmmmm hmmm..

[@DJones476]

@@karlchilders5420LOL! I call it a 'Kaiser blade', too.

[@DJones476]

Hey, Karl, I don't know if you'll be allowed to tell me anything, but here goes: The AN/APG-73 presents IN LAR/ SHOOT cues, along with square (friend) and diamond (foe) cues, but what about the old AN/APG-65? Did it present those same HUD symbology cues, as well. Unless I'm mistaken, it _did_ have NCTR. Thanks in advance.

[@skooma1855]

Feel better now you've corrected someone on the internet?

[@goshivan69]

OMG thank you for this. I am new to DCS and the Hornet. I have followed the training videos and was never able to duplicate them for some reason. Your video is the first one I have watched that was well explained and helpful. THANKS AGAIN!!

[@RolfPetersenPro]

Hi Spud, I always check your tutorials and have learned a lot from you. I really do appreciate all your hard work to share your knowledge. Anyway this time I'm not so impressed and I think you miss a few important steps also for the sim. Already someone commented on the missing bit test and the fireloop test. I can add a few more, no test of reserve battery, battery voltage, brake pressure, master arm or light bulbs either. Also when you start talking about the heat and want the ac to keep you cool, you should recycle the bleeds to get the ac up and running after a fire test. Now! I don't mind all those shortcuts as they have no influence in a sim where the aircraft is always in perfect condition. I do however miss a few and important steps. Set altimeter settings (not all servers fly with standard atm pressure). Also set pitot heat according to weather. You don't turn your radios on (hard to find if you haven't seen how) and that affect you if your using SRS and also all communication with atc, tankers or awacs if server settings are not set to easy communication. You might also mention nav setup, and rearm and fuel. Furthermore no trim according to weight - bad if you are heavy on a carrier takeoff. 18% spool up is enough to ignite the engines (actually in "game" it doesn't matter - you can turn ignition on immediately). Just a procedure thing, wait with parking brake release until ready to taxi (bad if you forgot to set throttle to idle) and then check nws, brakes and turn on taxi light. No mention on strobe lights which are kind of hard to find behind the throttles. You don't complete the electronic counter measures setup and would not have any protection from missiles or SAM,s ( strobe lights and finalizing ecm does belong to Before Takeoff and might not be in this startup tutorial). In fact most of my points can easily belong into other tutorials, so this tutorial is still good. I know it's criticism and I might be wrong or forgot some things, but hopefully you take it as a positive criticism. Again tnx for all your hard work.

[@Spudknocker]

Just FYI the radios are both on by default when you start up the Hornet, for both the in game radio menu and SRS

[@RolfPetersenPro]

Actually I didn't knew that, tnx and happy landings.

[@patricecormier7514]

Might I suggest you make a tutoriel video on how you do it, and then combine it with spuds lol

[@briansoley1720]

This and the Harrier are my most favorite modules both are exotic in their own ways

[@josechaby968]

Thanks a lot Spud. You have the best video tutorials!!!!

[@pilotngb]

Not been around for a while. Great to see you through 25k followers. Congratulations now. Another great video. I've so much of you content to catch up on!

[@hurrdurrimaburr]

This tutorial really helped me out as a total newbie in the hornet! Great job!

[@canadaking5509]

I wanna be a jet fighter so I bought DCS with the F18 to get a head start and I had trouble remembering the startup, now that vid makes it so much easier ! Thanks !!!

[@IndyNavy_]

Probably the best tutorial I've found so far. Thanks!

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Very well done! Been flying it on and off for years but mostly the F16 and choppers lately. I remembered the original start up but your refresh and the changes helped out a lot. Thanks :-) /Wilbuz

[@baifl]

Already knew this by heart, jusdy making sure im not missing anything for whatever reason

[@manolga]

Same lol

[@showtime112]

Right video at the right time for me, just started learning the Hornet. Thanks!

[@nelsonremington2503]

Nice pfp

[@gryper1690]

Thanks. Just bought the F/A-18. Helpful vid.

[@simonng1806]

Thanks. It really helps to revisit the cold start up procedure.

[@MagnusDivision]

Love your videos, great and to the point and really easy to follow.

[@Wolfy101st]

thank you , brilliant start up, easy to follow.

[@davebedford5659]

Thats a great tutorial spud. Wish I had all this in an easy to follow sheet. I only have one monitor so can't go back and forth. Keep them coming your videos are great 👍

[@imadino9376]

Thx for the help man you are a great person I have been trying for a while now. I wish you the best

[@superdude4402]

Thanks! This is very helpful!

[@charlesc7723]

It was helpful to revisit. I like doing the startups but I like to skip the unnecessary steps. Thanks again.

[@Scorpac]

Bought planes and maps woth 250€ during the sale last week... Cant wait to start playing when my controls finally arrive :D

[@mason480]

bro you just made my life so easy thank you

[@EM-st8qz]

Thanks:) Today I will jump into the cockpit.

[@littlec916]

I think they usually keep the canopy open until the air conditioning is running when in hot weather. Closing the canopy makes it a greenhouse and is probably very uncomfortable with the sun beating down on you.

[@dustinmarlow2801]

I was thinking the same thing. At least you might have a breeze with it open

[@ch1ckenge0rge52]

Great video, thanks. I promise you IRL you'd never close a canopy in the desert without any ECS going. Ever been in a green house baking in the sun?

[@ATP-Flo]

Amazing video! Thank you. Two things I'd like to add: First, Dispenser to on or override so that you don't forget that and can defend yourself during a fight. It is often forgotten when already airborn and then it may be your death. Second, ECM to receive or at least standby because it takes 3 minutes to get ready. I know ECM is technically not implemented yet but it also is quite important for defending purposes. I hope they bring it soon.

[@slowhornet4802]

I have mapped keyboard keys to the dispenser override since I tend to forget to set it on and during a dogfight clicking with the mouse takes too much time.

[@noobdude586]

Thanks man you deserve a sub I can now startup my F18!

[@Zilch79]

Timely update, man. Thanks!

[@tailhook1704]

nice vid its helpfull and no cuts which is godly

[@diverspudph1310]

A bit too much for noobs (which exactly what I am!), but pretty sure I'll be watching this video again as I get a bit more familiar with the F-18. Thank you for this!

[@-nixwite-]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!

[@Spudknocker]

No prob!

[@maku4814]

Awesome guide, as always! Shouldn't the dispenser be a part of fencing in instead of cold start procedure?

[@cliffisfuckingawesome3508]

ah just what i needed

[@michaelwilliamson6061]

Thanks, nice video.

[@abdullahbablgith5725]

Amazing video, thank you so much for your clear instructions subscribed to the channel

[@kruegerbnu]

Thanks dude! If possible, try making a video of this process on the carrier deck.

[@OperatorAron]

Thenks for help!

[@PegLegManlet]

Thanks for this.

[@andrewchr]

Before turning ON the APU you should run a Test Fire A & B systems and then reset Bleed Air by rotating the knob counterclockwise to turn bleed air valves in the correct position.

[@maxxqarnac5081]

Great tutorial, thanks for the help. :-D

[@D00kerT]

The key to the MPCD, and by that I mean reading text/symbology with the map on, is to lower/raise the contrast. I think you lower it. That combined with the brightness and day/night mode allows you to have the map up while easily reading text and symbology. Again, just lower the contrast and it makes a load of difference.

[@Spudknocker]

Dooker T it does help but I really don’t even find the map to be that helpful 95% of the time so I just turn it off

[@ladziaklpl5889]

great tips, I miss that iff and DL turn on:)

[@typhoonul985]

spud,the first step on fa18 is test fire,switch bat in position override,and check switch test fire A and test fire B

[@patricecormier7514]

I just received my hp reverb g2, and warthog throttle stick combo. Here we go. Pretty nice to get to work on these at work and then get home and fly it. Who else is a tech in a fighter squadron? 425 TFS here.

[@AnrichMarais]

Good video, thanks

[@stevebarnes8317]

lovedly thanks :)

[@sidhu704]

Woah so weird when you said Liwa air base, I've driven past there a few times!

[@joeweeks6456]

This is great Spud! Do you think you'll do any carrier ops videos with the Tomcat soon? The Internet is sorely lacking in high-quality Tomcat recoveries, and a lot of drivers coming over from the Hornet struggle to adapt!

[@Spudknocker]

This was a recent video showing tomcats on carriers!

[@joeweeks6456]

@@Spudknocker yeah I mean tutorials haha

[@davehrycauk7278]

You need to set your altimeter to the current barometric pressure or the known field elevation, should test the bleed valve, and although not a startup check set the takeoff trim based on aircraft weight.

[@vincentwahl391]

I'm just watching this because I want to see how to start up a F18 fighter. Like, every kids fantasy growing up.

[@lunar_angel3482]

I just bought the hornet last night! I really wanna get into multiplayer but it’s so intimidating I honestly have no idea where to start

[@hybridplanet]

great!

[@CVSiN]

Navy F/A-18s do not use position lights at all during day time ops only ANTI COLLISION lights.. and we never ever use the landing taxi light during the day period.

[@oskarh5060]

So annoying that the throttle isn't clickable. Just let me click it to move it from off to idle. Viggen has it. Hornet should too.

[@Spudknocker]

That would be nice!

[@karlchilders5420]

uh, that's what the finger lifts are for.

[@therealtjpek]

@@karlchilders5420 not all throttles have finger lifts which is why making it clickbale would be nice

[@karlchilders5420]

@@therealtjpek all throttles that are in the Hornet have 'em.

[@therealtjpek]

@@karlchilders5420 In case you hadn't noticed, we're talking about a sim, and people are asking for the ability to clic on the throttle to uncage it rather than having to use a keybind, because most throttles you can buy for simming don't have finger lifts

[@Mav331]

Hey Spud. Nice vid, as always. I think you missed "FCS Surface test" from BIT page. Or it doesn't needs to be done any more?

[@caseyryback6932]

The FCS-bit is part of the startup-checklist, but is not essential for starting the hornet. He also missed fire test A and B and the then neccessary rotation of the bleed air knob. If You would want it extremely realistic, you would have to do the preflight check first. But in DCS You can assume that all systems are working properly when you loaded the mission, at least if there are not failures activated. hardcore is this one: info.publicintelligence.net/F18-ABCD-000.pdf...see chapter 3.

[@thedude5-6]

Thanks I could never figure out the ins degd when cold starting so ive just been auto starting which takes for ever

[@MiG-17]

Explained very easily! Nice vid. Btw, Does Skipping bit make no problems ? I thought bit is necessary before take off..

[@yugyugyug2447]

Merci et bonjour de France.

[@MacDokie]

Hey thanks for sharing. Haven’t flown the Hornet for a while. But didn’t you forget to check OBOGS? And BIT testing?

[@noobdude586]

I already know but I needed a little recap

[@designatedtruth1205]

This was great video, I am use to F16 which I bought after buying my R9 gaming pc, graphic card garbage for VR oculus2 meta. Want go up from GTX1650 to RTX 3080. The F18 lands with better balance then F16.

[@medotaku9360]

10:20 why have a second slip skid indicator when there's the analog one down there? Just for redundancy or higher visibility?

[@ota2012]

And about rotate the Bleed Air Switch? Is it optional now? Did you test of the cockpit will be blurry without rotate?

[@ilyasrayan4791]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Bleed air switch needs a full rotation in case of engine Fire test executed. Which was not the case on this tutorial.

[@ota2012]

@@ilyasrayan4791 you are right! My mistake! Thanks for clarifying this.

[@ericandi]

A flew in DCS for the very first time last night. Flew the F18 and didn’t crash until I attempted a landing without remembering to put my landing gear door. I was in simulation made and had all assists turned off. The plane belly skidded all the way down the runway and never exploded.

[@MrSnacko]

Getting back into DCS... So we don't need to rotate the Bleeds knob 360 anymore? Or did I miss that? Thanks.

[@Crunch104]

Is there a current checklist we can download to match this video please? Thanks.

[@dunbar555]

I read elsewhere that the crank should be in between 18 and 22%

[@1EMT]

It doesn't matter all that much (in DCS anyways). I personally do it at 20%, but I've read different manuals that say to do it at something like 18%, and some that say 25%

[@bend1483]

18% is normal.

[@ahmed476th]

he made up half of what he said so indeed he made up the 30% too

[@dunbar555]

@@ahmed476th why you have to be a asshole anyway ? Spud videos are always interesting and well made

[@slyderace]

@@bend1483 I used to wait for 22% but was taught that the actually speed start method is 18% according to the NATOPS.

[@keyable]

Can we brink the Throttle to Idle position with Mouse? I mean is there button or something? Without using keyboard, I am trying to do it in VR

[@officiallyfoxtrot610]

Is your Dcs the steam version and what mods/settings do you have to make it looks so good

[@wdrwilfred]

Nice video. How do you have clickable mouse while in free look within cockpit ?

[@thedude7757]

Is there publicly available documentation for these procedures, ops limits etc? would be nice to have some written material to reference in addition to the videos.

[@pascalb2062]

What about the Audio Warning Message test of A and B? Isn't that done before activation of APU?

[@skywarp2180]

Hello Spud!! I recently observed that the autopilot's "B-ALT" option is not acting anymore when I bring the 18 from cold start... but when I jump into a hot 18 it works good. I watched your video looking for a clue but you didn't talk about it. What am I losing?

[@dogsbd]

Just a nit to pick.... if you were really worried about the virtual "hot hot sun" you would leave the canopy open until the aircraft is running and the AC is working.

[@c-boy767]

5:56 does that work on the aircraft carrier too? Since it is constantly moving and not at the shut-down position?

[@caseyryback6932]

I used it on carriers and the allignment never showed up to be "broken". Also I've never read/heard about not using stored heading on carriers. But your question is more than relevant. Maybe I shoud doublecheck that.

[@jason-xz3lo]

when i try to use the apu on switch, instead of togling like yours, it acts like a momentary button, and no matter how long I hold it it still doesn't start. any help?

[@dailygarbageofficial]

do you have to do Rshift home or can you do it on your hotas

[@kcz1093]

alternatively I would add for those who find the HSI information is too hard to read due to the contrast when overlayed over the Moving Map , but still want to keep the MM, you can instead lower the maps brightness via "Gain" rokker switch on the MPCD , to make HSI symbols and alphanumericals easier to see without totally removing the map.. When brightness is set to absolute minimum it would also in fact totally disappear and be as if you turned the MM off.

[@adamthompson8432]

Is there a printable checklist I can print somewhere? Thanks

[@Tailspin07]

I've always ran an FCS BIT during startup, is that no longer a thing?

[@johndagdelen3860]

There's really no point unless you have random failures turned on.

[@thetattooedbacon]

So, hitting STD HDG for quicker INS alignment will work even if I just spawned into the game for the first time?

[@g4orge_911]

Hey man, i recently got the f18 and I watched your tutorials on the f18 like bombs and mavericks and other stuff, thanks.. one last question what is the skin of the f18 it looks cool

[@Spudknocker]

In the thumbnail or video? In the video its the Kuwaiti 9th Squadron skin in the thumbnail its VMFA-323 Sidewinders

[@g4orge_911]

@@Spudknocker Thanks, again thank you for the tutorials and videos

[@g4orge_911]

@@Spudknocker And where could I get the skin if I could ask, or is it limited to the Syria map

[@rocketman1104]

Heya! Im new to the game and have one essential question I guess. When you are using a joystick for flying, how do you go about using the cursor that I see you pressing all the switches with to interact with the jet? And how do you even bring that cursor up to begin with?

[@Spudknocker]

Well, you don't have to have your hand on the stick all the time and you can even fly with your left hand if need be. As you get more and more used to how airplanes fly you will see exactly when you need to have your hand on the stick and when you dont

[@AnrichMarais]

Left Alt + C to activate curser.

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

Ok, someone help me... Ive got to decide on the planes I want before the sale ends and Ive been trying out the Hornet, The Jeff, and the Harrier... problem is, I want a milsim community experience but the Jeff is by far my favourite aircraft so far.. are there any squadrons flying JF-17s as well as NATO aircraft?

[@alexiao73th]

Great video! Thanks! Just a question: when I do a cold start from a carrier (SC) and following exactly this procedure, unfold the wings etc, once everything is on and ready to fly in the left ddi it still says “check trim”, I try resetting trim buttons but unsuccessfully, so I can’t find the way how to solve it... any advice?

[@MacDokie]

Maybe tou forget to push back the unfold handle? So unfold wings and push back the lever. And make sure to reset FCS by pushing the Master Warning button twice. And reset FCS, and set start/takeoff trims.

[@johndagdelen3860]

FCS Reset + take off trim button + additional trim to weight.

[@Tuscarora]

I got a question. What if you don't have a last Stored Heading?

[@utley]

Also worth noting, if you are on the boat, and the boat is experiencing an ED related moment (eg: LAG), your alignment process will be interrupted ALL THE TIME.

[@MutantCreeper1]

for some reason i can’t bump the throttle when i engine crank.. i was able to do it one time and now it’s like the key binds don’t pick up

[@mrwhiteua6492]

hi Spud, thx for the video! recently came back to Hornet and had no clue about updates and related changes to cold startup. so this is really useful) so said in the video that you can speed up this process. can you please make a short video about the fastest startup? with only necessary for air to air and air to ground systems turned on? I see comments about fire test, brakes and other things that not necessary for the sim and I totally get it, but I'd like to know how to get my jet combat-ready in the shortest period of time. thx again and have a nice one)

[@johndagdelen3860]

He never got back to you, but this is pretty much the minimum for a cold start to get flying and A2A/A2G ready. I think the speed-up he was talking about regards using a stored heading INS alignment rather than a full alignment. This startup is actually missing a couple things you might normally want to do, like setting the barometric altimeter pressure for the airfield you are flying from and configuring your radios to be on the right channels so you can talk to other players and your wingmen. He also doesn't put any weapons or targeting pods on (you do this in the radio menu with the ground crew or set up the jet with it before hand in the Mission Editor.) Once you have weapons on their stations, you would typically configure those how you want them so you don't have to do it in the air.

[@mrwhiteua6492]

@@johndagdelen3860 god bless you good sir)

[@alexmelia8873]

Is the INS alignment the same as the Viper? I know the Viper has IFA but I thought it was to be used to fix an error, not to keep in as normal status

[@Spudknocker]

In the viper it turns the INS into a different mode that is for fixing errors whereas in the hornet it incorporates GPS signals all the time not just for fixing errors

[@SteviePonder123]

"New" **Sweats nervously** Oh never mind

[@Spudknocker]

huh? LOL

[@LegatAbyssWalker]

@@Spudknocker He thought that the procedure would be entirely different and more difficult but realized that it's just an extra few steps. Also for the INS, on a carrier does it change to NAV or stay IFA?

[@macdirty869]

@@LegatAbyssWalker Still IFA.

[@worer850]

I'm brand new Great telling me why I need to canopy closed but how do I exactly do that??????

[@RamboMonkey]

Hi @SpudKnocker is there a reason why you did not rotate the Bleed Air knob from norm to norm (360 degs) just curious that is all. Great video BTW!

[@Spudknocker]

If you don't do a Fire Test, your bleed air valves stay open. When the jet senses an engine fire it automatically shuts the bleed air valves to prevent smoke and fumes entering the cockpit, the test function will also automatically shut those valves