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L-39 Albatros Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.23.0Checklist
L-39 AlbatrosDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 152 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review training objectives, airspace, threats, and ROE. L-39 is a trainer - typical missions are navigation, formation, aerobatics, or light attack. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, operating area, and recovery weather. Note winds - the L-39 has modest crosswind limits. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, training airspace blocks, and active ranges. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - BingoSETNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel for RTB. Internal capacity ~1,000 kg. Define joker and bingo before departure. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: L-39ZA has GSh-23L gun pod and two underwing pylons for rockets or bombs. Confirm loadout matches mission. | |
| 06 | Waypoints / NavigationPREPAREDNOTE: L-39 uses basic VOR/ADF navigation and RSBN. Prepare headings, distances, and radio frequencies. | |
| 07 | Radio FrequenciesSETNOTE: Note tower, approach, departure, and ATIS frequencies. Set IFF squawk codes. | |
| 08 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields - limited fuel makes divert planning essential. |
PHS 2 - Before Start14 steps
| 01 | ThrottleOFF (fully aft)CAUTION: Ensure throttle is in the OFF/STOP position before applying power. | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 03 | Ejection Seat Safety PinsREMOVEDWARNING: Remove safety pins and stow before flight. Confirm seat is armed. | |
| 04 | Main Circuit BreakersCHECK - All set | |
| 05 | Battery Switch (BATTERY)ONNOTE: 24V, 28Ah battery in nose compartment. Minimum 22V required before start. | |
| 06 | Battery VoltageCHECK - Min 22V | |
| 07 | Fuel Shutoff ValveOPEN (forward)WARNING: Must be open before any start attempt. | |
| 08 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate | |
| 09 | Fuel Transfer PumpsON | |
| 10 | Oxygen Supply ValveOPENNOTE: Located on left console aft section. Required above 18,000 ft. | |
| 11 | Oxygen PressureCHECK - Adequate | |
| 12 | CanopyOPEN (for start)NOTE: Start with canopy open to monitor engine sounds and allow smoke escape. | |
| 13 | Warning LightsCHECK - All illuminate on test | |
| 14 | Fire Warning SystemTESTNOTE: Press fire warning test button - light and horn should activate. |
PHS 3 - APU / Turbo Start5 steps
| 01 | Saphir-5 APUCONFIRM readyNOTE: The Saphir-5 APU provides compressed air to spin the AI-25TL high-pressure rotor. | |
| 02 | Engine Power SwitchON | |
| 03 | Anti-Collision / Beacon LightONNOTE: Turn on beacon to signal ground crew that start is about to commence. | |
| 04 | Turbo Start Button (APU)PRESS AND HOLDCAUTION: Hold until APU spools up. APU must reach operating speed before pressing Engine Start. | |
| 05 | APU Spool-UpVERIFY - Whine audibleNOTE: Wait for APU to reach operating speed - typically 15-25 seconds. |
PHS 4 - Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Engine Start ButtonPRESSNOTE: AI-25TL turbofan begins to rotate. Press while APU is still running. | |
| 02 | N2 RPMMONITOR - RisingNOTE: N2 (high-pressure) RPM should begin climbing within seconds of pressing start. | |
| 03 | EGTMONITOR - RisingWARNING: EGT must not exceed 600 C during start. Abort start immediately if limit approached. | |
| 04 | Throttle to IdleIDLE (when N2 >15%)CAUTION: Advance gently to idle. Do not rush fuel introduction - EGT spike risk. | |
| 05 | Start CompletionVERIFY - N2 stable ~50-56% at idle | |
| 06 | EGT at IdleCHECK - Below 590 CWARNING: If EGT remains above 600 C at idle, shut down immediately. | |
| 07 | Turbo Start (APU)RELEASE - APU automatically disengagesNOTE: APU disengages automatically once engine reaches idle. Confirm APU light extinguished. | |
| 08 | Oil PressureCHECK - Normal (within 30 sec) | |
| 09 | Engine VibrationCHECK - No abnormal vibration | |
| 10 | Fuel FlowCHECK - Normal for idle |
PHS 5 - After Start / Systems19 steps
| 01 | Generator 1ONNOTE: Engine-driven generator provides primary DC power. Voltage ~28V. | |
| 02 | Inverter (AC)ONNOTE: Converts DC to AC for instruments and avionics. | |
| 03 | VoltmeterCHECK - 28V | |
| 04 | AmmeterCHECK - Normal charge | |
| 05 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK - 135-150 kgf/cm2CAUTION: If hydraulic pressure not within range, do not taxi. | |
| 06 | Flight ControlsCYCLE - Stick and rudder full travel | |
| 07 | FlapsCHECK - Cycle and return to UP | |
| 08 | Speed BrakesCHECK - Extend and retract | |
| 09 | TrimSET - Takeoff position (neutral) | |
| 10 | Pitot HeatON | |
| 11 | AltimeterSET - QNH | |
| 12 | Directional GyroSET - Align with compass | |
| 13 | Horizon (ADI)ERECT - Check no warnings | |
| 14 | Radio (R-832M UHF)ON - Set frequency | |
| 15 | RSBN / PRMG Nav SystemONNOTE: Soviet-era approach aid similar to ILS/TACAN. Set channel for departure airfield. | |
| 16 | ADF (ARK)ON - Set NDB frequency | |
| 17 | Transponder / IFFSET - Code as assigned | |
| 18 | Oxygen RegulatorCHECK - 100% as requiredNOTE: Set AUTO below FL250, 100% above or if pressurization fails. | |
| 19 | PressurizationONNOTE: Partial pressurization above 23,000 ft. Oxygen masks required above 23,000 ft. |
PHS 6 - Before Taxi7 steps
| 01 | CanopyCLOSE AND LOCKWARNING: Confirm canopy latched before taxiing - ejection seat must not be armed with canopy open. | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatARMEDNOTE: Arm seat after canopy is closed and locked. VS-1 BRI seat with rocket assist. | |
| 03 | Taxi / Landing LightsON | |
| 04 | Anti-Collision LightON | |
| 05 | BrakesCHECK - Hydraulic brakes functional | |
| 06 | Nosewheel SteeringVERIFY active | |
| 07 | Parking BrakeRELEASE |
PHS 7 - Taxi6 steps
| 01 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 02 | ThrottleADVANCE - Enough to begin roll | |
| 03 | Taxi SpeedMAX 30 km/h on taxiway | |
| 04 | Differential BrakingCHECK - Turn using rudder and brakesNOTE: L-39 uses differential braking through rudder pedals rather than conventional toe brakes. | |
| 05 | Hydraulic PressureMONITOR - Remains 135-150 kgf/cm2 | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - All normal |
PHS 8 - Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Runup / Engine CheckN2 at 80% - instruments normal | |
| 02 | FlapsTAKEOFF position (set per loadout)NOTE: Flaps are typically set 20-25 degrees for normal takeoff. Adjust for heavy loadout. | |
| 03 | TrimSET - Neutral / Takeoff | |
| 04 | Speed BrakesRETRACTED | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Sufficient for mission | |
| 06 | OxygenON - Flow verified | |
| 07 | CanopyLOCKED - Verify light extinguished | |
| 08 | HarnessLOCKED AND TIGHTWARNING: Harness must be locked and tight before takeoff for ejection seat use. | |
| 09 | Cockpit CheckCOMPLETE - All switches correct | |
| 10 | ATC Takeoff ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 9 - Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Line UpRUNWAY CENTERLINE | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 03 | ThrottleADVANCE TO MAXIMUM (106% N2)NOTE: Advance smoothly to max power. N2 should reach ~106% at full throttle. | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - All in limits | |
| 05 | Directional ControlMAINTAIN with rudder | |
| 06 | Rotation Speed150 km/h (81 kts)NOTE: Rotate gently at 150 km/h IAS. Do not over-rotate - risk of tail strike. | |
| 07 | Landing GearRETRACT (positive climb confirmed)NOTE: Confirm positive climb rate before retracting gear. | |
| 08 | FlapsRETRACT (above 200 km/h) | |
| 09 | Climb SpeedESTABLISH 300 km/h (best angle) or 390 km/h (best rate) |
PHS 10 - Climb9 steps
| 01 | ThrottleMAXIMUM (or as required) | |
| 02 | Climb Speed300 km/h (best angle) / 390 km/h (best rate) | |
| 03 | FlapsUP (confirmed) | |
| 04 | Landing GearUP (confirmed) | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - EGT, N2, oil pressure | |
| 06 | Fuel FlowMONITOR - Normal for power setting | |
| 07 | 10,000 ft / 3,000 mLANDING LIGHTS OFFNOTE: Taxi/landing lights off above 10,000 ft / 3,000 m. | |
| 08 | AltimeterSET 29.92 / 1013 hPa at FL180NOTE: Transition to standard pressure at 18,000 ft. | |
| 09 | OxygenVERIFY flow above 23,000 ftNOTE: Cockpit is only partially pressurized. Oxygen mask required above 23,000 ft. |
PHS 11 - Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Cruise Speed460 km/h (248 kts) at altitude - or as required | |
| 02 | ThrottleREDUCE to cruise power | |
| 03 | EGTMONITOR - Below 575 C continuous | |
| 04 | N2 RPMMONITOR - Normal cruise range | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Monitor consumption | |
| 06 | Bingo FuelMAINTAIN awareness | |
| 07 | NavigationTRACK - RSBN / ADF / visual | |
| 08 | Oil PressureMONITOR - Remain in normal range | |
| 09 | Hydraulic PressureMONITOR - 135-150 kgf/cm2 |
PHS 12 - Descent9 steps
| 01 | Descent ClearanceOBTAINED from ATC | |
| 02 | ThrottleREDUCE as required | |
| 03 | Descent Speed370-460 km/h (200-248 kts) | |
| 04 | AltimeterSET QNH below FL180 | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityCHECK | |
| 06 | RSBN / PRMGSET for destination | |
| 07 | ADFSET - Destination NDB | |
| 08 | RadioCONTACT approach / tower | |
| 09 | Speed BrakesEXTEND as needed for descent rate |
PHS 13 - Landing14 steps
| 01 | Landing ChecklistINITIATENOTE: Begin at approx 15-20 km from field. | |
| 02 | Speed BrakesAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Airspeed370 km/h (200 kts) on downwind | |
| 04 | Landing GearDOWN (below 300 km/h / 162 kts)WARNING: Do not extend gear above 300 km/h (162 kts). | |
| 05 | Gear LightsTHREE GREEN | |
| 06 | FlapsLANDING POSITION (below 300 km/h) | |
| 07 | Final Approach Speed220-240 km/h (119-130 kts) | |
| 08 | Threshold Speed200-210 km/h (108-113 kts)NOTE: Cross threshold at approx 200-210 km/h depending on weight. | |
| 09 | Glide Path3-4 DEGREES nose-high attitude | |
| 10 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - Gentle flare | |
| 11 | NosewheelLOWER gently after main gear touchdown | |
| 12 | Speed BrakesEXTEND - Full after touchdown | |
| 13 | BrakesAPPLY - As required to slow aircraft | |
| 14 | ThrottleIDLE |
PHS 14 - After Landing7 steps
| 01 | Speed BrakesRETRACT after clearing runway | |
| 02 | FlapsRETRACT (UP) | |
| 03 | Landing / Taxi LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | TransponderSET STANDBY or as directed | |
| 05 | Pitot HeatOFF | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - Cool down at idle before shutdown | |
| 07 | Taxi to RampAS DIRECTED by ATC |
PHS 15 - Shutdown16 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | ThrottleIDLE - Allow 3-5 min cool-downCAUTION: AI-25TL requires idle cool-down before shutdown to prevent hot-section damage. | |
| 03 | Ejection SeatSAFE - Install safety pinsWARNING: Install safety pins in ejection seat before opening canopy. | |
| 04 | CanopyOPEN | |
| 05 | AvionicsOFF - Radio, RSBN, ADF | |
| 06 | Anti-Collision LightOFF | |
| 07 | ThrottleOFF / STOP (fully aft / fuel cutoff)NOTE: Move throttle to the STOP position to cut fuel supply. | |
| 08 | Engine Spool DownMONITOR - N2 decelerating to zero | |
| 09 | Fuel Transfer PumpsOFF | |
| 10 | Pitot HeatOFF (if not already off) | |
| 11 | Inverter (AC)OFF | |
| 12 | GeneratorOFF | |
| 13 | Battery SwitchOFFNOTE: Turn off battery only after confirming engine has fully stopped and no fire indications. | |
| 14 | Oxygen ValveCLOSE | |
| 15 | Main Circuit BreakersAS REQUIRED | |
| 16 | Chocks / Ground CrewCALL for chocks and tie-downs |