DCS WORLD · Attack
A-4E Skyhawk Startup Checklist
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A-4E SkyhawkDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 117 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, objectives, ROE, and threat environment. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas and airspace restrictions. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - BingoSETNOTE: Calculate minimum fuel for return. Small airframe - limited fuel capacity. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm bombs, rockets, Sidewinders, and external tanks on 5 hardpoints. | |
| 06 | Waypoints / NavigationPREPAREDNOTE: Prepare headings and distances. SHARS nav system requires manual updates. | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFFSETNOTE: Set UHF presets and IFF/SIF codes. | |
| 08 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, and approach frequencies. |
PHS 2 — Electrical / Pre-Start7 steps
| 01 | ThrottleOFF | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 03 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 04 | External PowerREQUEST from ground crewNOTE: Comm menu - request ground power. | |
| 05 | Generator SwitchON | |
| 06 | Fuel ShutoffOPEN | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate |
PHS 3 — Engine Start7 steps
| 01 | Engine Start SwitchSTARTNOTE: J52-P-8A turbojet begins spool. | |
| 02 | RPMMONITOR - Rising | |
| 03 | EGTMONITORWARNING: EGT must not exceed 600°C during start. | |
| 04 | ThrottleIDLE (when RPM >10%)CAUTION: Advance gently to IDLE. | |
| 05 | Engine StabilizeCHECK - ~55% RPM at idle | |
| 06 | Oil PressureCHECK - Normal | |
| 07 | External PowerDISCONNECTNOTE: Request ground crew disconnect power. |
PHS 4 — Post-Start / Systems9 steps
| 01 | GeneratorVERIFY ON | |
| 02 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK - Normal | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsCYCLE - Stick and rudder full travel | |
| 04 | FlapsCHECK - Cycle and return to UP | |
| 05 | Speed BrakeCHECK - Extend and retract | |
| 06 | SlatsCHECK - Cycle | |
| 07 | SpoilersCHECK | |
| 08 | TrimSET - Takeoff | |
| 09 | NWSON |
PHS 5 — Avionics / Navigation10 steps
| 01 | Gyro / CompassSET heading | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET - Field elevation | |
| 03 | Radar AltimeterON | |
| 04 | APN-153 Doppler NavONNOTE: Navigation computer - if installed. | |
| 05 | BDHI (Bearing Distance)CHECK | |
| 06 | Radio (UHF)SET frequency | |
| 07 | TACANSET channel | |
| 08 | IFF / TransponderSET | |
| 09 | GunsightON - Set modeNOTE: AN/ASG-19 or CCIP computer. | |
| 10 | Master ArmSAFE |
PHS 6 — Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | CanopyCLOSE & LOCK | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatARMWARNING: Verify canopy locked before arming. | |
| 03 | Taxi LightON | |
| 04 | Anti-Collision LightON | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 06 | BrakesCHECK |
PHS 7 — Taxi5 steps
| 01 | NWSCHECK responsive | |
| 02 | Taxi SpeedSAFE - max 10 kts | |
| 03 | InstrumentsCHECK during taxi | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECT | |
| 05 | BrakesCHECK |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | CanopyCONFIRM LOCKED | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 03 | FlapsSET - Half for takeoffNOTE: Half flaps for field takeoff. | |
| 04 | TrimSET - Takeoff | |
| 05 | AltimeterSET - Field elevation | |
| 06 | Strobe LightsON | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate | |
| 08 | Master ArmSAFE |
PHS 9 — Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Lineup on RunwayCENTERLINE | |
| 02 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 03 | ThrottleFULL POWER (100%)NOTE: No afterburner on A-4E. | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | NWSMAINTAIN centerline | |
| 06 | RotationROTATE at 130–140 kts | |
| 07 | Positive ClimbCONFIRMED | |
| 08 | Landing GearUP | |
| 09 | FlapsRETRACT (above 180 kts) |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb6 steps
| 01 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP | |
| 02 | FlapsCONFIRM RETRACTED | |
| 03 | AirspeedACCELERATE to 250 kts | |
| 04 | AltimeterCHECK | |
| 05 | Taxi / Landing LightsOFF | |
| 06 | Climb AltitudeAS ASSIGNED |
PHS 11 — Cruise / Transit6 steps
| 01 | AltitudeAT assigned level | |
| 02 | AirspeedAS REQUIREDNOTE: Max 565 kts. Cruise ~400 kts. | |
| 03 | Fuel StateMONITORNOTE: A-4E has limited fuel - monitor closely. | |
| 04 | NavigationCHECK - BDHI, TACAN | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsSCAN - RPM, EGT, oil | |
| 06 | TrimADJUST as needed |
PHS 12 — Descent / Approach10 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherOBTAINED | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET local QNH | |
| 03 | AirspeedREDUCE below 250 kts | |
| 04 | TACAN / ILSSET and IDENTIFIED | |
| 05 | Approach Speed~135 kts | |
| 06 | Landing GearDOWN (below 200 kts) | |
| 07 | FlapsDOWN | |
| 08 | HookDOWN (carrier only) | |
| 09 | Landing LightON | |
| 10 | Master ArmSAFE |
PHS 13 — Landing (Shore)6 steps
| 01 | Approach SpeedMAINTAIN ~130 kts | |
| 02 | ThrottleIDLE at touchdown | |
| 03 | NosewheelLOWER gently | |
| 04 | Speed BrakeEXTEND | |
| 05 | BrakingAPPLY | |
| 06 | NWSENGAGE below 80 kts |
PHS 14 — After Landing7 steps
| 01 | FlapsRETRACT | |
| 02 | Speed BrakeRETRACT | |
| 03 | HookUP | |
| 04 | SpoilersRETRACT | |
| 05 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 06 | Landing LightOFF | |
| 07 | Taxi to ParkingNWS ENGAGED |
PHS 15 — Shutdown13 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | GunsightOFF | |
| 03 | RadioOFF | |
| 04 | TACANOFF | |
| 05 | IFFOFF | |
| 06 | Navigation EquipmentOFF | |
| 07 | Ejection SeatSAFEWARNING: Safe seat before ground crew approach. | |
| 08 | ThrottleOFF | |
| 09 | Fuel ShutoffCLOSED | |
| 10 | GeneratorOFF | |
| 11 | All LightsOFF | |
| 12 | BatteryOFF | |
| 13 | CanopyOPEN |