Another F-18, Blue Angel Question

[niart17]

So, if the Blue Angels are flying no. 7, the F-18D model, and it's in the show or sometime without a back seat passenger, are the main instrument displays still on or would they stay off without an occupant? 

 

Thanks in advance.

Bill

Edited November 23, 2018 by niart17

[GreyGhost]

That's a good question Bill!

I'm not sure, I guess the same question could be applied to an F/A-18F from a RAG squadron with a student pilot flying a solo.

 

I do know that the Blues will slap on a #2 or #4, etc. or which ever position the #7 jets are filling in for in the show.

 

-Gregg

[Colin K]

I would think the screens would be on, no matter if someone is in the backseat or not.

[skyhawk174]

I guess you never have to think about something like that but it is a good question. Pretty sure there is no seat sensor like in cars for the passenger side air bag. Also, is the back seat IP not simply a repeat of the front panel? Probably does not take much more power for it to be energized.

[Colin K]

Actually....looking at a copy of the checklist, there is an ON/OFF function for the displays.  So I guess that answers that.  No one in the back seat, no powered up displays.

[ThePhantomTwo]

Usually only flight required items would be on,belts connected and tightened,ejection sequence selected for single seat use. On our F-16D's,the MFD's were off for single pilot flights

[niart17]

Awesome guys, thanks! That's good to know because I am putting an Eduards cockpit set in and the second set of screens got lost through the years shuffling.