Manual states right engine should be started first

[mattag08]

That is all. This is incorrect. The left engine is started first so that hydraulic pressure is available to the brakes. In real life aircraft can roll forward under idle throttle, so brake pressure is vital to making sure you don't taxi forward uncontrolled and hit something (or go off the deck!). NATOPS confirms.

 

http://www.heatblur.se/F-14Manual/procedures.html#engine-start

[sLYFa]

From the NATOPS

"Although the engines cannot be started simultaneously, either engine can be started first."

The plane will be chocked or tied down on startup anyway, so it won't start rolling. Additionally, there is a brake pressure accumulator which provides braking capability without COMB hydraulic pressure.

[mattag08]

"Shipboard start and poststart procedure abbreviations of the shore-based checklists are as delineated for the poststart pilot procedures. Certain steps are omitted because aircraft are typically spotted too close together to allow the wings to be swept forward while the aircraft

is tied down. Cranking the left engine prior to starting the right as outlined in the shore-based procedures will ensure that auxiliary brake pressure is available and that backup flight control module is full of hydraulic fluid prior to cycling."

 

EDIT: Let me clarify. The left engine has to be, at a minimum, cranked before the right can be started so that there is brake pressure. Started was the wrong word. Also, HB did a great job of accurately modelling this! It just needs to be in the manual so people know.

Edited May 26, 2020 by mattag08