DCS WORLD · Trainer

L-39 Albatros Startup Checklist

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L-39 AlbatrosDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 152 steps · 15 phases
DATE PILOT TAIL
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
01Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review training objectives, airspace, threats, and ROE. L-39 is a trainer - typical missions are navigation, formation, aerobatics, or light attack.
02Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, operating area, and recovery weather. Note winds - the L-39 has modest crosswind limits.
03NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, training airspace blocks, and active ranges.
04Fuel Planning - BingoSETNOTE: Calculate bingo fuel for RTB. Internal capacity ~1,000 kg. Define joker and bingo before departure.
05Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: L-39ZA has GSh-23L gun pod and two underwing pylons for rockets or bombs. Confirm loadout matches mission.
06Waypoints / NavigationPREPAREDNOTE: L-39 uses basic VOR/ADF navigation and RSBN. Prepare headings, distances, and radio frequencies.
07Radio FrequenciesSETNOTE: Note tower, approach, departure, and ATIS frequencies. Set IFF squawk codes.
08Divert BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields - limited fuel makes divert planning essential.
PHS 2 — Before Start14 steps
01ThrottleOFF (fully aft)CAUTION: Ensure throttle is in the OFF/STOP position before applying power.
02Parking BrakeSET
03Ejection Seat Safety PinsREMOVEDWARNING: Remove safety pins and stow before flight. Confirm seat is armed.
04Main Circuit BreakersCHECK - All set
05Battery Switch (BATTERY)ONNOTE: 24V, 28Ah battery in nose compartment. Minimum 22V required before start.
06Battery VoltageCHECK - Min 22V
07Fuel Shutoff ValveOPEN (forward)WARNING: Must be open before any start attempt.
08Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate
09Fuel Transfer PumpsON
10Oxygen Supply ValveOPENNOTE: Located on left console aft section. Required above 18,000 ft.
11Oxygen PressureCHECK - Adequate
12CanopyOPEN (for start)NOTE: Start with canopy open to monitor engine sounds and allow smoke escape.
13Warning LightsCHECK - All illuminate on test
14Fire Warning SystemTESTNOTE: Press fire warning test button - light and horn should activate.
PHS 3 — APU / Turbo Start5 steps
01Saphir-5 APUCONFIRM readyNOTE: The Saphir-5 APU provides compressed air to spin the AI-25TL high-pressure rotor.
02Engine Power SwitchON
03Anti-Collision / Beacon LightONNOTE: Turn on beacon to signal ground crew that start is about to commence.
04Turbo Start Button (APU)PRESS AND HOLDCAUTION: Hold until APU spools up. APU must reach operating speed before pressing Engine Start.
05APU Spool-UpVERIFY - Whine audibleNOTE: Wait for APU to reach operating speed - typically 15-25 seconds.
PHS 4 — Engine Start10 steps
01Engine Start ButtonPRESSNOTE: AI-25TL turbofan begins to rotate. Press while APU is still running.
02N2 RPMMONITOR - RisingNOTE: N2 (high-pressure) RPM should begin climbing within seconds of pressing start.
03EGTMONITOR - RisingWARNING: EGT must not exceed 600 C during start. Abort start immediately if limit approached.
04Throttle to IdleIDLE (when N2 >15%)CAUTION: Advance gently to idle. Do not rush fuel introduction - EGT spike risk.
05Start CompletionVERIFY - N2 stable ~50-56% at idle
06EGT at IdleCHECK - Below 590 CWARNING: If EGT remains above 600 C at idle, shut down immediately.
07Turbo Start (APU)RELEASE - APU automatically disengagesNOTE: APU disengages automatically once engine reaches idle. Confirm APU light extinguished.
08Oil PressureCHECK - Normal (within 30 sec)
09Engine VibrationCHECK - No abnormal vibration
10Fuel FlowCHECK - Normal for idle
PHS 5 — After Start / Systems19 steps
01Generator 1ONNOTE: Engine-driven generator provides primary DC power. Voltage ~28V.
02Inverter (AC)ONNOTE: Converts DC to AC for instruments and avionics.
03VoltmeterCHECK - 28V
04AmmeterCHECK - Normal charge
05Hydraulic PressureCHECK - 135-150 kgf/cm2CAUTION: If hydraulic pressure not within range, do not taxi.
06Flight ControlsCYCLE - Stick and rudder full travel
07FlapsCHECK - Cycle and return to UP
08Speed BrakesCHECK - Extend and retract
09TrimSET - Takeoff position (neutral)
10Pitot HeatON
11AltimeterSET - QNH
12Directional GyroSET - Align with compass
13Horizon (ADI)ERECT - Check no warnings
14Radio (R-832M UHF)ON - Set frequency
15RSBN / PRMG Nav SystemONNOTE: Soviet-era approach aid similar to ILS/TACAN. Set channel for departure airfield.
16ADF (ARK)ON - Set NDB frequency
17Transponder / IFFSET - Code as assigned
18Oxygen RegulatorCHECK - 100% as requiredNOTE: Set AUTO below FL250, 100% above or if pressurization fails.
19PressurizationONNOTE: Partial pressurization above 23,000 ft. Oxygen masks required above 23,000 ft.
PHS 6 — Before Taxi7 steps
01CanopyCLOSE AND LOCKWARNING: Confirm canopy latched before taxiing - ejection seat must not be armed with canopy open.
02Ejection SeatARMEDNOTE: Arm seat after canopy is closed and locked. VS-1 BRI seat with rocket assist.
03Taxi / Landing LightsON
04Anti-Collision LightON
05BrakesCHECK - Hydraulic brakes functional
06Nosewheel SteeringVERIFY active
07Parking BrakeRELEASE
PHS 7 — Taxi6 steps
01ATC ClearanceOBTAINED
02ThrottleADVANCE - Enough to begin roll
03Taxi SpeedMAX 30 km/h on taxiway
04Differential BrakingCHECK - Turn using rudder and brakesNOTE: L-39 uses differential braking through rudder pedals rather than conventional toe brakes.
05Hydraulic PressureMONITOR - Remains 135-150 kgf/cm2
06Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - All normal
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff10 steps
01Runup / Engine CheckN2 at 80% - instruments normal
02FlapsTAKEOFF position (set per loadout)NOTE: Flaps are typically set 20-25 degrees for normal takeoff. Adjust for heavy loadout.
03TrimSET - Neutral / Takeoff
04Speed BrakesRETRACTED
05Fuel QuantityCHECK - Sufficient for mission
06OxygenON - Flow verified
07CanopyLOCKED - Verify light extinguished
08HarnessLOCKED AND TIGHTWARNING: Harness must be locked and tight before takeoff for ejection seat use.
09Cockpit CheckCOMPLETE - All switches correct
10ATC Takeoff ClearanceOBTAINED
PHS 9 — Takeoff9 steps
01Line UpRUNWAY CENTERLINE
02Parking BrakeRELEASE
03ThrottleADVANCE TO MAXIMUM (106% N2)NOTE: Advance smoothly to max power. N2 should reach ~106% at full throttle.
04Engine InstrumentsCHECK - All in limits
05Directional ControlMAINTAIN with rudder
06Rotation Speed150 km/h (81 kts)NOTE: Rotate gently at 150 km/h IAS. Do not over-rotate - risk of tail strike.
07Landing GearRETRACT (positive climb confirmed)NOTE: Confirm positive climb rate before retracting gear.
08FlapsRETRACT (above 200 km/h)
09Climb SpeedESTABLISH 300 km/h (best angle) or 390 km/h (best rate)
PHS 10 — Climb9 steps
01ThrottleMAXIMUM (or as required)
02Climb Speed300 km/h (best angle) / 390 km/h (best rate)
03FlapsUP (confirmed)
04Landing GearUP (confirmed)
05Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - EGT, N2, oil pressure
06Fuel FlowMONITOR - Normal for power setting
0710,000 ft / 3,000 mLANDING LIGHTS OFFNOTE: Taxi/landing lights off above 10,000 ft / 3,000 m.
08AltimeterSET 29.92 / 1013 hPa at FL180NOTE: Transition to standard pressure at 18,000 ft.
09OxygenVERIFY flow above 23,000 ftNOTE: Cockpit is only partially pressurized. Oxygen mask required above 23,000 ft.
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
01Cruise Speed460 km/h (248 kts) at altitude - or as required
02ThrottleREDUCE to cruise power
03EGTMONITOR - Below 575 C continuous
04N2 RPMMONITOR - Normal cruise range
05Fuel QuantityCHECK - Monitor consumption
06Bingo FuelMAINTAIN awareness
07NavigationTRACK - RSBN / ADF / visual
08Oil PressureMONITOR - Remain in normal range
09Hydraulic PressureMONITOR - 135-150 kgf/cm2
PHS 12 — Descent9 steps
01Descent ClearanceOBTAINED from ATC
02ThrottleREDUCE as required
03Descent Speed370-460 km/h (200-248 kts)
04AltimeterSET QNH below FL180
05Fuel QuantityCHECK
06RSBN / PRMGSET for destination
07ADFSET - Destination NDB
08RadioCONTACT approach / tower
09Speed BrakesEXTEND as needed for descent rate
PHS 13 — Landing14 steps
01Landing ChecklistINITIATENOTE: Begin at approx 15-20 km from field.
02Speed BrakesAS REQUIRED
03Airspeed370 km/h (200 kts) on downwind
04Landing GearDOWN (below 300 km/h / 162 kts)WARNING: Do not extend gear above 300 km/h (162 kts).
05Gear LightsTHREE GREEN
06FlapsLANDING POSITION (below 300 km/h)
07Final Approach Speed220-240 km/h (119-130 kts)
08Threshold Speed200-210 km/h (108-113 kts)NOTE: Cross threshold at approx 200-210 km/h depending on weight.
09Glide Path3-4 DEGREES nose-high attitude
10TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - Gentle flare
11NosewheelLOWER gently after main gear touchdown
12Speed BrakesEXTEND - Full after touchdown
13BrakesAPPLY - As required to slow aircraft
14ThrottleIDLE
PHS 14 — After Landing7 steps
01Speed BrakesRETRACT after clearing runway
02FlapsRETRACT (UP)
03Landing / Taxi LightsAS REQUIRED
04TransponderSET STANDBY or as directed
05Pitot HeatOFF
06Engine InstrumentsCHECK - Cool down at idle before shutdown
07Taxi to RampAS DIRECTED by ATC
PHS 15 — Shutdown16 steps
01Parking BrakeSET
02ThrottleIDLE - Allow 3-5 min cool-downCAUTION: AI-25TL requires idle cool-down before shutdown to prevent hot-section damage.
03Ejection SeatSAFE - Install safety pinsWARNING: Install safety pins in ejection seat before opening canopy.
04CanopyOPEN
05AvionicsOFF - Radio, RSBN, ADF
06Anti-Collision LightOFF
07ThrottleOFF / STOP (fully aft / fuel cutoff)NOTE: Move throttle to the STOP position to cut fuel supply.
08Engine Spool DownMONITOR - N2 decelerating to zero
09Fuel Transfer PumpsOFF
10Pitot HeatOFF (if not already off)
11Inverter (AC)OFF
12GeneratorOFF
13Battery SwitchOFFNOTE: Turn off battery only after confirming engine has fully stopped and no fire indications.
14Oxygen ValveCLOSE
15Main Circuit BreakersAS REQUIRED
16Chocks / Ground CrewCALL for chocks and tie-downs
FlightChecklistflightchecklist.app/dcs/l-39-albatrosFor flight simulation use only