L-39 AlbatrosDCS WORLD Startup Checklist · 152 steps
L-39 Albatros
DCS WORLD - 0/152 STEPS
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TrainerCold War
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance Czechoslovak jet trainer designed by Jan Vlcek at Aero Vodochody, first flying on 4 November 1968 and entering Warsaw Pact service in 1972. It became the world's first trainer powered by a turbofan engine - the Ivchenko AI-25TL - offering superior fuel economy over turbojets. Over 2,900 were built across several variants including the basic L-39C trainer and the L-39ZA light-attack variant with a 23mm cannon pod, and the type has served with more than 30 air forces worldwide.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerAero Vodochody
first Flight1968
roleJet trainer / Light attack
crew2 (student + instructor, tandem)
engines1x Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan (16.87 kN / 3,792 lbf)
max Speed750 km/h (405 kts)
range1,100 km (594 nmi)
ceiling36,000 ft
weight4,700 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefNOTE: Review training objectives, airspace, threats, and ROE. L-39 is a trainer - typical missions are navigation, formation, aerobatics, or light attack. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingNOTE: Check departure, operating area, and recovery weather. Note winds - the L-39 has modest crosswind limits. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check restricted areas, training airspace blocks, and active ranges. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - BingoNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel for RTB. Internal capacity ~1,000 kg. Define joker and bingo before departure. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: L-39ZA has GSh-23L gun pod and two underwing pylons for rockets or bombs. Confirm loadout matches mission. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Waypoints / NavigationNOTE: L-39 uses basic VOR/ADF navigation and RSBN. Prepare headings, distances, and radio frequencies. | PREPARED | |
| 07 | Radio FrequenciesNOTE: Note tower, approach, departure, and ATIS frequencies. Set IFF squawk codes. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know nearest divert fields - limited fuel makes divert planning essential. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Before Start14 steps
| 01 | ThrottleCAUTION: Ensure throttle is in the OFF/STOP position before applying power. | OFF (fully aft) | |
| 02 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 03 | Ejection Seat Safety PinsWARNING: Remove safety pins and stow before flight. Confirm seat is armed. | REMOVED | |
| 04 | Main Circuit Breakers | CHECK - All set | |
| 05 | Battery Switch (BATTERY)NOTE: 24V, 28Ah battery in nose compartment. Minimum 22V required before start. | ON | |
| 06 | Battery Voltage | CHECK - Min 22V | |
| 07 | Fuel Shutoff ValveWARNING: Must be open before any start attempt. | OPEN (forward) | |
| 08 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - Adequate | |
| 09 | Fuel Transfer Pumps | ON | |
| 10 | Oxygen Supply ValveNOTE: Located on left console aft section. Required above 18,000 ft. | OPEN | |
| 11 | Oxygen Pressure | CHECK - Adequate | |
| 12 | CanopyNOTE: Start with canopy open to monitor engine sounds and allow smoke escape. | OPEN (for start) | |
| 13 | Warning Lights | CHECK - All illuminate on test | |
| 14 | Fire Warning SystemNOTE: Press fire warning test button - light and horn should activate. | TEST |
PHS 3 — APU / Turbo Start5 steps
| 01 | Saphir-5 APUNOTE: The Saphir-5 APU provides compressed air to spin the AI-25TL high-pressure rotor. | CONFIRM ready | |
| 02 | Engine Power Switch | ON | |
| 03 | Anti-Collision / Beacon LightNOTE: Turn on beacon to signal ground crew that start is about to commence. | ON | |
| 04 | Turbo Start Button (APU)CAUTION: Hold until APU spools up. APU must reach operating speed before pressing Engine Start. | PRESS AND HOLD | |
| 05 | APU Spool-UpNOTE: Wait for APU to reach operating speed - typically 15-25 seconds. | VERIFY - Whine audible |
PHS 4 — Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Engine Start ButtonNOTE: AI-25TL turbofan begins to rotate. Press while APU is still running. | PRESS | |
| 02 | N2 RPMNOTE: N2 (high-pressure) RPM should begin climbing within seconds of pressing start. | MONITOR - Rising | |
| 03 | EGTWARNING: EGT must not exceed 600 C during start. Abort start immediately if limit approached. | MONITOR - Rising | |
| 04 | Throttle to IdleCAUTION: Advance gently to idle. Do not rush fuel introduction - EGT spike risk. | IDLE (when N2 >15%) | |
| 05 | Start Completion | VERIFY - N2 stable ~50-56% at idle | |
| 06 | EGT at IdleWARNING: If EGT remains above 600 C at idle, shut down immediately. | CHECK - Below 590 C | |
| 07 | Turbo Start (APU)NOTE: APU disengages automatically once engine reaches idle. Confirm APU light extinguished. | RELEASE - APU automatically disengages | |
| 08 | Oil Pressure | CHECK - Normal (within 30 sec) | |
| 09 | Engine Vibration | CHECK - No abnormal vibration | |
| 10 | Fuel Flow | CHECK - Normal for idle |
PHS 5 — After Start / Systems19 steps
| 01 | Generator 1NOTE: Engine-driven generator provides primary DC power. Voltage ~28V. | ON | |
| 02 | Inverter (AC)NOTE: Converts DC to AC for instruments and avionics. | ON | |
| 03 | Voltmeter | CHECK - 28V | |
| 04 | Ammeter | CHECK - Normal charge | |
| 05 | Hydraulic PressureCAUTION: If hydraulic pressure not within range, do not taxi. | CHECK - 135-150 kgf/cm2 | |
| 06 | Flight Controls | CYCLE - Stick and rudder full travel | |
| 07 | Flaps | CHECK - Cycle and return to UP | |
| 08 | Speed Brakes | CHECK - Extend and retract | |
| 09 | Trim | SET - Takeoff position (neutral) | |
| 10 | Pitot Heat | ON | |
| 11 | Altimeter | SET - QNH | |
| 12 | Directional Gyro | SET - Align with compass | |
| 13 | Horizon (ADI) | ERECT - Check no warnings | |
| 14 | Radio (R-832M UHF) | ON - Set frequency | |
| 15 | RSBN / PRMG Nav SystemNOTE: Soviet-era approach aid similar to ILS/TACAN. Set channel for departure airfield. | ON | |
| 16 | ADF (ARK) | ON - Set NDB frequency | |
| 17 | Transponder / IFF | SET - Code as assigned | |
| 18 | Oxygen RegulatorNOTE: Set AUTO below FL250, 100% above or if pressurization fails. | CHECK - 100% as required | |
| 19 | PressurizationNOTE: Partial pressurization above 23,000 ft. Oxygen masks required above 23,000 ft. | ON |
PHS 6 — Before Taxi7 steps
| 01 | CanopyWARNING: Confirm canopy latched before taxiing - ejection seat must not be armed with canopy open. | CLOSE AND LOCK | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatNOTE: Arm seat after canopy is closed and locked. VS-1 BRI seat with rocket assist. | ARMED | |
| 03 | Taxi / Landing Lights | ON | |
| 04 | Anti-Collision Light | ON | |
| 05 | Brakes | CHECK - Hydraulic brakes functional | |
| 06 | Nosewheel Steering | VERIFY active | |
| 07 | Parking Brake | RELEASE |
PHS 7 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | ATC Clearance | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | Throttle | ADVANCE - Enough to begin roll | |
| 03 | Taxi Speed | MAX 30 km/h on taxiway | |
| 04 | Differential BrakingNOTE: L-39 uses differential braking through rudder pedals rather than conventional toe brakes. | CHECK - Turn using rudder and brakes | |
| 05 | Hydraulic Pressure | MONITOR - Remains 135-150 kgf/cm2 | |
| 06 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR - All normal |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Runup / Engine Check | N2 at 80% - instruments normal | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Flaps are typically set 20-25 degrees for normal takeoff. Adjust for heavy loadout. | TAKEOFF position (set per loadout) | |
| 03 | Trim | SET - Neutral / Takeoff | |
| 04 | Speed Brakes | RETRACTED | |
| 05 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - Sufficient for mission | |
| 06 | Oxygen | ON - Flow verified | |
| 07 | Canopy | LOCKED - Verify light extinguished | |
| 08 | HarnessWARNING: Harness must be locked and tight before takeoff for ejection seat use. | LOCKED AND TIGHT | |
| 09 | Cockpit Check | COMPLETE - All switches correct | |
| 10 | ATC Takeoff Clearance | OBTAINED |
PHS 9 — Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Line Up | RUNWAY CENTERLINE | |
| 02 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 03 | ThrottleNOTE: Advance smoothly to max power. N2 should reach ~106% at full throttle. | ADVANCE TO MAXIMUM (106% N2) | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments | CHECK - All in limits | |
| 05 | Directional Control | MAINTAIN with rudder | |
| 06 | Rotation SpeedNOTE: Rotate gently at 150 km/h IAS. Do not over-rotate - risk of tail strike. | 150 km/h (81 kts) | |
| 07 | Landing GearNOTE: Confirm positive climb rate before retracting gear. | RETRACT (positive climb confirmed) | |
| 08 | Flaps | RETRACT (above 200 km/h) | |
| 09 | Climb Speed | ESTABLISH 300 km/h (best angle) or 390 km/h (best rate) |
PHS 10 — Climb9 steps
| 01 | Throttle | MAXIMUM (or as required) | |
| 02 | Climb Speed | 300 km/h (best angle) / 390 km/h (best rate) | |
| 03 | Flaps | UP (confirmed) | |
| 04 | Landing Gear | UP (confirmed) | |
| 05 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR - EGT, N2, oil pressure | |
| 06 | Fuel Flow | MONITOR - Normal for power setting | |
| 07 | 10,000 ft / 3,000 mNOTE: Taxi/landing lights off above 10,000 ft / 3,000 m. | LANDING LIGHTS OFF | |
| 08 | AltimeterNOTE: Transition to standard pressure at 18,000 ft. | SET 29.92 / 1013 hPa at FL180 | |
| 09 | OxygenNOTE: Cockpit is only partially pressurized. Oxygen mask required above 23,000 ft. | VERIFY flow above 23,000 ft |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Cruise Speed | 460 km/h (248 kts) at altitude - or as required | |
| 02 | Throttle | REDUCE to cruise power | |
| 03 | EGT | MONITOR - Below 575 C continuous | |
| 04 | N2 RPM | MONITOR - Normal cruise range | |
| 05 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - Monitor consumption | |
| 06 | Bingo Fuel | MAINTAIN awareness | |
| 07 | Navigation | TRACK - RSBN / ADF / visual | |
| 08 | Oil Pressure | MONITOR - Remain in normal range | |
| 09 | Hydraulic Pressure | MONITOR - 135-150 kgf/cm2 |
PHS 12 — Descent9 steps
| 01 | Descent Clearance | OBTAINED from ATC | |
| 02 | Throttle | REDUCE as required | |
| 03 | Descent Speed | 370-460 km/h (200-248 kts) | |
| 04 | Altimeter | SET QNH below FL180 | |
| 05 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK | |
| 06 | RSBN / PRMG | SET for destination | |
| 07 | ADF | SET - Destination NDB | |
| 08 | Radio | CONTACT approach / tower | |
| 09 | Speed Brakes | EXTEND as needed for descent rate |
PHS 13 — Landing14 steps
| 01 | Landing ChecklistNOTE: Begin at approx 15-20 km from field. | INITIATE | |
| 02 | Speed Brakes | AS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Airspeed | 370 km/h (200 kts) on downwind | |
| 04 | Landing GearWARNING: Do not extend gear above 300 km/h (162 kts). | DOWN (below 300 km/h / 162 kts) | |
| 05 | Gear Lights | THREE GREEN | |
| 06 | Flaps | LANDING POSITION (below 300 km/h) | |
| 07 | Final Approach Speed | 220-240 km/h (119-130 kts) | |
| 08 | Threshold SpeedNOTE: Cross threshold at approx 200-210 km/h depending on weight. | 200-210 km/h (108-113 kts) | |
| 09 | Glide Path | 3-4 DEGREES nose-high attitude | |
| 10 | Touchdown | MAIN GEAR FIRST - Gentle flare | |
| 11 | Nosewheel | LOWER gently after main gear touchdown | |
| 12 | Speed Brakes | EXTEND - Full after touchdown | |
| 13 | Brakes | APPLY - As required to slow aircraft | |
| 14 | Throttle | IDLE |
PHS 14 — After Landing7 steps
| 01 | Speed Brakes | RETRACT after clearing runway | |
| 02 | Flaps | RETRACT (UP) | |
| 03 | Landing / Taxi Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Transponder | SET STANDBY or as directed | |
| 05 | Pitot Heat | OFF | |
| 06 | Engine Instruments | CHECK - Cool down at idle before shutdown | |
| 07 | Taxi to Ramp | AS DIRECTED by ATC |
PHS 15 — Shutdown16 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | ThrottleCAUTION: AI-25TL requires idle cool-down before shutdown to prevent hot-section damage. | IDLE - Allow 3-5 min cool-down | |
| 03 | Ejection SeatWARNING: Install safety pins in ejection seat before opening canopy. | SAFE - Install safety pins | |
| 04 | Canopy | OPEN | |
| 05 | Avionics | OFF - Radio, RSBN, ADF | |
| 06 | Anti-Collision Light | OFF | |
| 07 | ThrottleNOTE: Move throttle to the STOP position to cut fuel supply. | OFF / STOP (fully aft / fuel cutoff) | |
| 08 | Engine Spool Down | MONITOR - N2 decelerating to zero | |
| 09 | Fuel Transfer Pumps | OFF | |
| 10 | Pitot Heat | OFF (if not already off) | |
| 11 | Inverter (AC) | OFF | |
| 12 | Generator | OFF | |
| 13 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Turn off battery only after confirming engine has fully stopped and no fire indications. | OFF | |
| 14 | Oxygen Valve | CLOSE | |
| 15 | Main Circuit Breakers | AS REQUIRED | |
| 16 | Chocks / Ground Crew | CALL for chocks and tie-downs |