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DCS WORLD · Rotary
CH-47F Chinook Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
CH-47F ChinookDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 145 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission type, pickup zones (PZ), landing zones (LZ), ingress/egress routes, and threat environment. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDCAUTION: Wind direction and velocity are critical for tandem-rotor hover, sling load stability, and confined-area approaches. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, active corridors, fire support coordination measures, and airspace restrictions. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningCALCULATEDNOTE: Plan for transit, hover, loiter, and sling-load time plus a 20-minute reserve. Hover work burns fuel rapidly. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / Cargo ManifestWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Confirm gross weight and CG with internal cargo or sling load. CG must stay within the longitudinal envelope as load shifts. | |
| 06 | Performance PlanningCHECKEDNOTE: Check density altitude, hover ceiling IGE/OGE, and power available vs power required for the gross weight. | |
| 07 | Route / LZ SurveyREVIEWEDNOTE: Review terrain, obstacles, approach/departure paths, FARP locations, and alternate LZs. | |
| 08 | Radio Frequencies / DatalinkSETNOTE: Set UHF/VHF/FM presets, IFF codes, and datalink. Confirm formation and ATC frequencies. |
PHS 2 - Battery / APU Start12 steps
| 01 | Walkaround / ChocksCOMPLETE - Chocks in place | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Center console brake handle. | |
| 03 | Thrust (Collective) LeverFULL DOWN | |
| 04 | ENG COND Levers (Both)STOPNOTE: Engine condition levers fully aft to STOP. | |
| 05 | Battery SwitchONNOTE: Forward electrical panel - BATT to ON. | |
| 06 | Master CautionCHECK - Acknowledge and reset | |
| 07 | Fuel Pumps (Main / Aux)ONNOTE: Confirm fuel boost pumps and crossfeed as required. | |
| 08 | Fire Detection TestTEST - Verify warningsCAUTION: Confirm engine and APU fire warning loops test correctly before start. | |
| 09 | APU SwitchSTART - then RUNNOTE: Hold RUN 3-5 sec, START 2 sec, then RUN. APU spools up in ~30 sec. | |
| 10 | APUMONITOR - Wait for ON / readyCAUTION: Do not load APU until fully online. | |
| 11 | APU GeneratorON - Verify power available | |
| 12 | Hydraulics (PTU)ON - Flight control systems pressurizedNOTE: Power Transfer Unit pressurizes No.1/No.2 flight control hydraulics for pre-start checks. |
PHS 3 - Before Engine Start11 steps
| 01 | CDU / CAAS DisplaysON - Multifunction displays power upNOTE: Common Avionics Architecture System glass cockpit boots. | |
| 02 | Caution / Advisory PanelCHECK - Note expected indications | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsCHECK - Cyclic, thrust, pedals full and freeNOTE: Utility/PTU pressure allows control sweep before engine start. | |
| 04 | AFCS / Stability AugmentationONNOTE: Advanced Flight Control System / DASH - both SAS channels. | |
| 05 | TrimCENTERED / ON | |
| 06 | FADEC SwitchesNORM (Both)NOTE: Full Authority Digital Engine Control on for both engines. | |
| 07 | Load Share SwitchTRQ (Torque)NOTE: Sets engines to share torque load equally. | |
| 08 | NR% Switch100%NOTE: Sets reference rotor speed governing to 100% Nr. | |
| 09 | AltimeterSET - Field elevation / QNH | |
| 10 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Total and per tank | |
| 11 | Rotor BrakeOFF / RELEASEDWARNING: Confirm rotor brake released before engaging rotors. |
PHS 4 - Engine Start9 steps
| 01 | Rotor AreaCLEAR - Crew acknowledges all clearWARNING: Tandem rotors sweep the full length of the aircraft - confirm personnel and obstacles clear fore and aft. | |
| 02 | Beacon / Anti-Collision LightONNOTE: Signals imminent rotor turn. | |
| 03 | ENG START Switch - Engine 1 (Right)PRESS - Hold until N1 10%, then releaseNOTE: Initiate No.1 engine start. | |
| 04 | Engine 1 StartMONITOR - N1, TGT, oil pressureWARNING: Monitor TGT for hot start. Abort if TGT exceeds limit or no light-off / oil pressure within 45 sec. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 Ground IdleSTABILIZE - N1 50-59%, oil pressure 5 psi min | |
| 06 | ENG START Switch - Engine 2 (Left)PRESS - Hold until N1 10%, then release | |
| 07 | Engine 2 StartMONITOR - N1, TGT, oil pressureWARNING: Monitor for hot or hung start. Abort if TGT exceeds limit or N1 stagnates. | |
| 08 | Engine 2 Ground IdleSTABILIZE - N1 50-59%, oil pressure 5 psi min | |
| 09 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - Both engines matched and stable |
PHS 5 - Rotor Engagement10 steps
| 01 | Rotor AreaCONFIRM CLEARWARNING: Final check before rotors come up to flight RPM. | |
| 02 | ENG COND Lever - Engine 1GROUND (GND)NOTE: Advance smoothly from STOP to GND. | |
| 03 | ENG COND Lever - Engine 2GROUND (GND) | |
| 04 | Rotor RPM (Nr)MONITOR - Rotors accelerateCAUTION: Rotor acceleration should be smooth. Watch for excessive vibration. | |
| 05 | ENG COND Levers (Both)FLIGHT (FLT)NOTE: Advance both to FLT. Engine acceleration should be smooth. | |
| 06 | Rotor RPM (Nr)CHECK - 100% Nr stabilizedWARNING: Do not apply thrust until Nr is stable at 100%. | |
| 07 | Generator 1 SwitchON | |
| 08 | Generator 2 SwitchON - Wait 2 sec after GEN 1 | |
| 09 | APU GeneratorOFFNOTE: Aircraft now on engine-driven electrical power. | |
| 10 | APU SwitchOFF (after systems stable)NOTE: Engines provide hydraulic and electrical power. |
PHS 6 - Systems / Avionics14 steps
| 01 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK - No.1, No.2, Utility all in limits | |
| 02 | Engine TorqueCHECK - Both matched at flat pitchCAUTION: Maximum dual-engine torque 100%; single-engine 123%. | |
| 03 | TGT / N1 / N2CHECK - Within limits both engines | |
| 04 | Transmission OilCHECK - Pressure and temperature normalNOTE: Forward and aft transmissions, combining/engine transmissions. | |
| 05 | AFCS / SASCHECK - Both channels engaged | |
| 06 | Stability / Trim CheckVERIFY - Controls respond correctly | |
| 07 | Flight ControlsCHECK - Full and free, correct responseNOTE: Tandem rotors: cyclic = fore/aft and lateral, pedals = yaw via differential lateral cyclic, thrust = collective. | |
| 08 | EGI / INS AlignmentALIGN - Wait for readyNOTE: Embedded GPS/INS alignment for navigation. | |
| 09 | Navigation / WaypointsENTER / VERIFY route on CDU | |
| 10 | Radar AltimeterON - Set low-altitude warning | |
| 11 | RadiosSET - UHF/VHF/FM presets, contact ground | |
| 12 | IFF / TransponderSET - Standby until taxi | |
| 13 | Fuel SystemCHECK - Crossfeed and pumps as required | |
| 14 | Cargo Hook / HoistCHECK - As required for missionNOTE: Verify center, fwd, and aft hooks and rescue hoist if tasked. |
PHS 7 - Before Taxi / Hover7 steps
| 01 | Crew / CabinREADY - Flight engineer and gunners reportNOTE: Confirm ramp, doors, and cabin secure. | |
| 02 | Taxi / Landing LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Position LightsON | |
| 04 | AltimeterCONFIRM SET | |
| 05 | Caution / Advisory PanelCLEAR - No unexpected cautions | |
| 06 | BrakesCHECK - Functional | |
| 07 | ATC / GroundCLEARANCE - Request taxi or hover |
PHS 8 - Hover Check & Taxi8 steps
| 01 | Area ClearCHECK - Clear fore, aft, and sidesWARNING: Maintain rotor clearance from obstacles - tandem disc spans the airframe. | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 03 | Thrust LeverRAISE smoothly to light on wheelsCAUTION: Raise thrust gently. Monitor torque - do not exceed 100% dual-engine. | |
| 04 | HoverESTABLISH - 5-10 ft AGLNOTE: Stable hover; tandem design needs little pedal to hold heading. | |
| 05 | Power CheckVERIFY - Torque required vs availableCAUTION: Confirm OGE power margin before departing into forward flight. | |
| 06 | Controls / TrimCHECK - Aircraft stable in hover | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - Both engines matched | |
| 08 | Ground Taxi (if used)WALKING PACE - Steer with pedalsNOTE: Chinook can ground-taxi on wheels; brakes for steering and stopping. |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - All in limits | |
| 02 | Rotor RPM (Nr)100% - Stable | |
| 03 | HydraulicsCHECK - All systems pressurized | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsFREE - Final check | |
| 05 | Trim / AFCSSET - Augmentation engaged | |
| 06 | Cargo / Sling LoadSECURE - Confirm with crewCAUTION: Confirm load stable and within limits before departure. | |
| 07 | Departure PathCLEAR - Obstacles and wind assessed | |
| 08 | ATC / ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 10 - Takeoff6 steps
| 01 | Thrust LeverINCREASE to takeoff powerCAUTION: Monitor torque - stay at or below 100% dual-engine. | |
| 02 | CyclicFORWARD - Accelerate through ETLNOTE: Effective translational lift around 16-24 kts improves performance. | |
| 03 | PedalsCOORDINATE - Maintain heading | |
| 04 | Positive RateCONFIRM - Climbing and accelerating | |
| 05 | Climb SpeedACCELERATE to 80-100 kts | |
| 06 | Torque / TGTMONITOR - Within limits |
PHS 11 - Climb / Cruise12 steps
| 01 | Climb Speed80-100 kts | |
| 02 | Climb PowerSET - Torque within limits | |
| 03 | Landing / Taxi LightsOFF (as appropriate) | |
| 04 | AltimeterSET - QNH or standard | |
| 05 | Level OffAT assigned altitude | |
| 06 | Cruise Speed120-140 ktsCAUTION: Vne 170 kts - reduce in turbulence or with external load. | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - Torque, TGT, N1 matched | |
| 08 | TransmissionMONITOR - Oil pressure and temperature | |
| 09 | Fuel StateMONITOR - Quantity and endurance | |
| 10 | NavigationCHECK - Track waypoints on CDU | |
| 11 | AFCS / TrimSET - Hold attitude and heading | |
| 12 | Fuel BalanceMANAGE - Crossfeed as needed |
PHS 12 - Approach8 steps
| 01 | Landing DataREVIEW - LZ wind, elevation, obstacles | |
| 02 | Power CheckVERIFY - OGE/IGE hover power availableCAUTION: Confirm sufficient power margin for approach gross weight and density altitude. | |
| 03 | AltimeterSET - Local QNH | |
| 04 | AirspeedREDUCE - Decelerate to approach speed | |
| 05 | DescentESTABLISH - 300-500 ft/minCAUTION: Avoid high rate of descent at low airspeed - vortex ring state risk. | |
| 06 | Approach PathMAINTAIN - Constant angle to LZ | |
| 07 | Landing LightON (if required) | |
| 08 | Crew BriefREADY - Confirm LZ and obstacles with crew |
PHS 13 - Landing8 steps
| 01 | DecelerateAFT CYCLIC - Reduce to hover speed | |
| 02 | HoverESTABLISH - Over touchdown point, 5-10 ft AGL | |
| 03 | LZ ClearCHECK - Final scan, crew confirms | |
| 04 | Thrust LeverLOWER smoothly - Descend to touchdownCAUTION: Control descent rate; tandem gear allows aft-wheel-first or level touchdown. | |
| 05 | TouchdownAFT GEAR then FWD - Settle level | |
| 06 | Thrust LeverFULL DOWN after firm on ground | |
| 07 | Cyclic / PedalsNEUTRAL | |
| 08 | Parking BrakeSET |
PHS 14 - After Landing5 steps
| 01 | Landing / Taxi LightsOFF | |
| 02 | Transponder / IFFSTANDBY | |
| 03 | Cargo / Sling LoadRELEASE / SECURE as required | |
| 04 | Radar AltimeterOFF | |
| 05 | CrewREPORT - Cabin secure |
PHS 15 - Rotor Shutdown / Securing19 steps
| 01 | Thrust LeverFULL DOWN | |
| 02 | APU SwitchSTART - then RUNNOTE: Restart APU to maintain electrical/hydraulic power for shutdown. | |
| 03 | APU GeneratorON | |
| 04 | ENG COND Levers (Both)GROUND (GND)NOTE: Allow ~2 minutes cool-down at GND idle before shutdown. | |
| 05 | Cool-DownWAIT - 2 minutes at ground idleCAUTION: Adequate cool-down prevents heat soak and bearing damage. | |
| 06 | Generators 1 & 2OFF (APU gen carrying load) | |
| 07 | ENG COND Levers (Both)STOPWARNING: Engines to STOP. Alternately motor engines if residual fire is suspected during shutdown. | |
| 08 | Rotor RPM (Nr)MONITOR - Spool downWARNING: Stay clear of rotor arc until blades stop completely. | |
| 09 | Rotor BrakeAPPLY (when Nr below limit)CAUTION: Apply rotor brake only below the maximum engagement RPM. | |
| 10 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 11 | Avionics / CAAS DisplaysOFF | |
| 12 | RadiosOFF | |
| 13 | APU GeneratorOFF | |
| 14 | APU SwitchOFF | |
| 15 | Hydraulics (PTU)OFF | |
| 16 | LightsOFF - Beacon, position, taxi | |
| 17 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 18 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 19 | Chocks / Tie-DownsAS REQUIRED |