DCS WORLD · Transport
C-130J Super Hercules Startup Checklist
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C-130J Super Hercules Startup Notes
The J-model Herc is a two-pilot airplane with no flight engineer, and the start reflects it: FADEC runs each engine start while you select the engine and monitor. After battery or external power, start the APU and use its bleed air for the engine starts. There is far less throttle juggling than in a legacy Herc - fuel and ignition are scheduled automatically - but four engines still make a long sequence, and the nav system needs initializing before your position solution is usable.
Common mistakes here are mostly about patience: advancing power levers before a start sequence completes, starting the next engine while the previous one is still stabilizing, and ignoring ACAWS messages that flag a bad start. Crews also skip nav initialization and then wonder why the moving map and steering are wrong. Let the FADEC finish each engine, clear the ACAWS stack as you go, and confirm alignment is complete before taxi - four good engines beat four rushed ones.
Common mistakes
- Advancing power levers before the start sequence completes
- Starting the next engine before the previous one stabilizes
- Skipping nav initialization before taxi
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
C-130J Super HerculesDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 138 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, and destination weather. Note wind, ceiling, and visibility at landing zone. | |
| 02 | NOTAMs / Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission objectives, route, threats, ROE, and airspace restrictions. | |
| 03 | Flight Plan / RoutePLANNEDNOTE: Review waypoints, altitudes, ETAs, and tactical routing for the mission. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Calculate fuel for taxi, climb, cruise, and reserves. C-130J burns ~2,400-3,500 lb/hr per engine at cruise. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / Cargo ManifestWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify payload, ZFW, and TOW against limits. MTOW is 155,000 lb (70,307 kg). Check CG for cargo loads. | |
| 06 | Performance - Takeoff DataCALCULATEDNOTE: Calculate Vr, V2, and takeoff distance based on TOW, pressure altitude, and temperature. | |
| 07 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Identify nearest suitable airfields for emergency diversion. | |
| 08 | Crew BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief crew on mission, roles, emergency procedures, cargo tasks, and comms plan. |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up5 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 02 | Battery VoltageCHECK - minimum 24 V | |
| 03 | External Power (GPU)CONNECT (if available)NOTE: Connect ground power unit before starting APU to preserve battery. | |
| 04 | AC InvertersON | |
| 05 | Essential Avionics BusVERIFY powered |
PHS 3 — APU Start5 steps
| 01 | APU Master SwitchON | |
| 02 | APU Start SwitchCRANKNOTE: Hold until APU reaches governed speed (~30-40 sec). Release once running. | |
| 03 | APU GeneratorON - verify bus powered | |
| 04 | APU Bleed AirONNOTE: Required for engine pneumatic starting. | |
| 05 | External PowerDISCONNECT (if APU running) |
PHS 4 — Avionics / FMS Setup11 steps
| 01 | Avionics Master SwitchesON (sequentially) | |
| 02 | Flight Management System (FMS)INITIALIZENOTE: Allow display units to warm up. Enter mission data. | |
| 03 | FMS - Present PositionENTER / VERIFYNOTE: Enter departure airfield coordinates if not auto-populated. | |
| 04 | FMS - Flight Plan / WaypointsLOADEDNOTE: Enter or verify all mission waypoints, altitudes, and airspeeds. | |
| 05 | HUDON - verify display active | |
| 06 | INS / Navigation AlignmentALIGNEDNOTE: Allow INS to align on ground. Do not move aircraft during alignment. | |
| 07 | ACAWS (Aircraft Caution and Warning System)CHECK - no abnormal warnings | |
| 08 | Radios (UHF / VHF)SET departure frequencies | |
| 09 | Transponder / IFFSET assigned code - STBY | |
| 10 | AltimetersSET QNH / field elevation | |
| 11 | Heading IndicatorALIGNED with magnetic compass |
PHS 5 — Engine Start13 steps
| 01 | Fuel Shutoff Valves - All EnginesOPENNOTE: All four engine fuel cutoff switches OPEN before starting. | |
| 02 | Engine Start - #3INITIATENOTE: Start inboard engines first. Place Eng 3 start switch to START. | |
| 03 | Engine 3 - TIT / N1MONITOR - TIT rising smoothlyCAUTION: Abort start if TIT exceeds 300 C on start or fails to rise within 10 sec. | |
| 04 | Engine 3 IdleSTABLE - TIT, torque, oil pressure in limits | |
| 05 | Engine Start - #4INITIATE | |
| 06 | Engine 4 IdleSTABLE - all parameters normal | |
| 07 | Engine Start - #2INITIATE | |
| 08 | Engine 2 IdleSTABLE | |
| 09 | Engine Start - #1INITIATE | |
| 10 | Engine 1 IdleSTABLE - all 4 engines running | |
| 11 | Engine GeneratorsON (all four) - verify buses poweredNOTE: With all generators online, APU generator can be switched off. | |
| 12 | APU Bleed AirOFF (engines providing bleed) | |
| 13 | APU MasterOFFNOTE: Shut down APU once all 4 engines are running and stable. |
PHS 6 — Post-Start / Ground Check9 steps
| 01 | All Engine ParametersCHECK in limitsNOTE: Verify TIT, torque, RPM (~1,020), oil pressure (40-65 psi), and oil temp for all 4 engines. | |
| 02 | PropellersVERIFY all turning smoothly - no vibration | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsFREE and correct full deflectionNOTE: Check ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Verify control surface response. | |
| 04 | TrimSET for takeoff - elevator and rudder neutral | |
| 05 | FlapsSET takeoff position (50%)NOTE: Verify flap position indicator matches selection. | |
| 06 | Landing GearDOWN and LOCKED - 3 greens | |
| 07 | Hydraulic SystemsCHECK - all pressures in normal range | |
| 08 | Cabin Pressure / Bleed AirCHECK - pressurisation scheduled | |
| 09 | CargoSECURED and doors CLOSEDCAUTION: Verify cargo is tied down and ramp/door is latched before taxi. |
PHS 7 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | Taxi LightsON | |
| 03 | Navigation LightsON | |
| 04 | Transponder / IFFALT RPTG ON (as required) | |
| 05 | BrakesCHECK during first movement | |
| 06 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK during taxiNOTE: Verify heading indicator, attitude, and altimeter during taxi. | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - all 4 engines normal |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET (holding position) | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsCHECKED - free and correct | |
| 03 | FlapsCONFIRM 50% (takeoff setting) | |
| 04 | TrimSET for takeoff weight and CG | |
| 05 | V-SpeedsCONFIRM Vr / V2 for takeoff weightNOTE: Typical Vr 100-120 kts depending on weight and conditions. | |
| 06 | Departure BriefingCONFIRMEDNOTE: Review SID, initial altitude, engine failure procedure, and abort criteria. | |
| 07 | ACAWSCHECK - no warnings | |
| 08 | Transponder / IFFAS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Landing LightsON | |
| 10 | Strobe LightsON | |
| 11 | ATC / Tactical ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 12 | Parking BrakeRELEASE when cleared onto runway |
PHS 9 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLD on runway | |
| 02 | ThrottlesADVANCE to takeoff powerNOTE: Advance all four to maximum power. FADEC controls fuel flow. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsCONFIRM - all 4 at full powerCAUTION: Abort if any engine fails to reach takeoff power before 80 kts. | |
| 04 | RudderCONTROL - maintain centreline | |
| 05 | Rotate at VrSMOOTH back pressure - 10-12 deg nose upNOTE: Gentle steady rotation rate. Avoid over-rotation. | |
| 06 | Positive ClimbCONFIRMED | |
| 07 | Landing GearUPNOTE: Select UP once positive rate confirmed. Gear limit ~200 kts. | |
| 08 | BrakesAPPLY briefly then release after gear up |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb10 steps
| 01 | FlapsRETRACT to 0% above 160 ktsNOTE: Do not exceed max flap extension speed when retracting. | |
| 02 | Climb PowerSET - TIT at 932 C (max continuous)NOTE: Reduce torque as altitude increases to maintain constant power. | |
| 03 | AutopilotENGAGE (if required) | |
| 04 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP and locked | |
| 05 | FlapsCONFIRM retracted - 0% | |
| 06 | Landing LightsOFF above 10,000 ft | |
| 07 | PressurisationCHECK - cabin altitude scheduling | |
| 08 | AltimeterSET STD above transition altitude | |
| 09 | Fuel BalanceCHECK - transfer as requiredNOTE: Monitor all tank quantities and balance fuel load between tanks. | |
| 10 | Engine ParametersMONITOR all 4 - TIT, torque, oil normal |
PHS 11 — Cruise / Transit7 steps
| 01 | AltitudeVERIFY level at cruise altitude | |
| 02 | Cruise PowerSET - TIT ~900 C, airspeed ~290-320 ktsNOTE: Reduce power from climb setting. Adjust torque for altitude. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK all 4 - all parameters in limits | |
| 04 | Fuel QuantityCHECK and balance tanks as required | |
| 05 | FMS ProgressMONITOR waypoints and ETAs | |
| 06 | RadiosSET for next sector / tactical frequency | |
| 07 | Tactical AwarenessMAINTAIN - radar / TCAS monitoring |
PHS 12 — Descent / Approach13 steps
| 01 | Destination Weather / ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, wind, runway, and any restrictions at landing zone. | |
| 02 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review approach procedure, minimums, go-around altitude, and missed approach. | |
| 03 | Descent ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 04 | PowerREDUCE for descentNOTE: Avoid rapid power reduction - allow TIT to cool gradually. | |
| 05 | AltimeterSET local QNH at transition level | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsON | |
| 07 | Approach SpeedREDUCE to 180-200 kts for configuration | |
| 08 | FlapsEXTEND 50% below 200 ktsNOTE: Deploy incrementally as speed reduces. | |
| 09 | Landing GearDOWN - 3 greens confirmedNOTE: Select DOWN below 200 kts. Verify three green gear indicators. | |
| 10 | FlapsFULL 100% for landingNOTE: Extend to full once below max flap speed. Verify indicator. | |
| 11 | TrimADJUST for approach speed and configuration | |
| 12 | Approach SpeedSTABILISE at Vapp (~130-150 kts based on weight)NOTE: Maintain stable approach speed. Adjust power to control descent rate. | |
| 13 | Stable ApproachVERIFY by 500 ft AGLWARNING: If not stable by 500 ft AGL, execute go-around immediately. |
PHS 13 — Landing8 steps
| 01 | Short FinalON SPEED and GLIDEPATHNOTE: Target descent rate ~500-700 fpm on final. | |
| 02 | FlareGENTLE back pressure at 30-50 ftNOTE: Smooth flare to reduce sink rate. Do not over-rotate. | |
| 03 | ThrottlesREDUCE to idle at flare | |
| 04 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR firstNOTE: Lower nose gear smoothly after main gear contact. | |
| 05 | PropellersREVERSE - advance throttles into beta rangeNOTE: Use reverse pitch aggressively on contaminated or short runways. | |
| 06 | BrakesAPPLY progressively as speed decreases | |
| 07 | CentrelineMAINTAIN with rudder steering | |
| 08 | Below 60 ktsPROPELLERS out of reverse - return throttles to idle |
PHS 14 — After Landing7 steps
| 01 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED | |
| 02 | FlapsRETRACT to 0% | |
| 03 | Landing LightsOFF or TAXI | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Transponder / IFFSTBY or OFF | |
| 06 | AltimeterSET local QNH | |
| 07 | Taxi to ParkingFOLLOW ground / ATC instructions |
PHS 15 — Shutdown15 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Taxi / Landing LightsOFF | |
| 03 | Engine CooldownIDLE for 2 minNOTE: Allow engines to cool at ground idle before shutdown. Do not shutdown immediately after hard use. | |
| 04 | Engine 1 Fuel CutoffCLOSENOTE: Shut down outboard engines first. | |
| 05 | Engine 2 Fuel CutoffCLOSE | |
| 06 | Engine 3 Fuel CutoffCLOSE | |
| 07 | Engine 4 Fuel CutoffCLOSENOTE: All propellers will begin windmilling to a stop. | |
| 08 | All PropellersCONFIRM stopped / at rest | |
| 09 | FMS / AvionicsSHUT DOWN | |
| 10 | APUSTART (if external power required at park) | |
| 11 | Engine GeneratorsOFF | |
| 12 | Navigation LightsOFF | |
| 13 | AC InvertersOFF | |
| 14 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 15 | Cargo / RampSECURE or OPEN for offload as required |