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DCS WORLD · Fighter
Mosquito FB Mk VI Startup Checklist
Mosquito FB Mk VI Startup Notes
The Mossie start is a two-finger drill, twice over. Battery master on, fuel cocks to OUTER TANKS, cut-out handles pushed in, pressure venting cock on, radiator shutters closed, throttles cracked half an inch, RPM levers fully forward, supercharger in MOD and mixture rich. Then open the side window and ask the ground crew over the comms menu to start priming; the Ki-gass pumps live in the wheel wells. For each engine: both magneto switches on, flip the starter and booster coil covers up, hold the starter for three or four prop rotations, then hold the booster coil as well until the Merlin catches. That is the V-for-victory grip, two fingers on two buttons. Settle each engine at 1,200 RPM and watch for 60-120 psi oil pressure before touching the other one.
The fuel system runs the flight, so learn it cold. There is no crossfeed: each outer tank feeds only its own engine, which is why you start on the outers, warm up on MAIN SUPPLY to prove both fuel lines, and go back to the fullest tanks for takeoff. Wing drop tanks do not feed directly; they transfer into the outer tanks through the transfer cock behind the pilot's seat, driven by the port vacuum pump, and the long-range fuselage tank needs MAIN SUPPLY selected with the immersed pump on. Finally, the radiator shutters are your hands, not a thermostat's: closed for the start, open after, and if the coolant gauge climbs you open them yourself or you will cook a Merlin.
Common mistakes
- Holding the starter and booster coil buttons past 20 seconds and burning out the starter
- Taxiing or taking off before oil reaches 20 C and coolant 40 C
- Climbing out with the radiator shutters still closed and overheating the engines
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
Mosquito FB Mk VIDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 113 steps · 17 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning7 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review strike/intruder profile, target, routing, and fighter opposition. The Mosquito fights with speed, not turn rate. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check winds, cloud, and icing. Wooden airframe - avoid prolonged icing. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningSETNOTE: Internal 452 Imp gal (116 outer + 336 main supply). Optional 63 gal long-range fuselage tank and 2x 100 gal wing drop tanks. | |
| 05 | WeaponsVERIFIEDNOTE: 4x 20mm Hispano cannon + 4x .303 Browning MGs. Bombs in bay plus bombs, rockets, or drop tanks on wing racks. | |
| 06 | Radio FrequenciesSETNOTE: Set T1154/R1155 channels A-D as briefed. The navigator operates the radio sets. | |
| 07 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 - Cockpit Preparation6 steps
| 01 | Side DoorCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 02 | Seat HarnessFASTENED TIGHT | |
| 03 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Press wheel brake lever, push locking pin IN, release lever. | |
| 04 | Pneumatic Supply PressureMIN 200 PSIWARNING: Brakes are pneumatic. Below 200 psi braking may be inadequate. | |
| 05 | Flight ControlsFREE AND CORRECT - FULL TRAVEL | |
| 06 | Bomb Doors and Selector PanelDOORS SHUT - PANEL ALL OFFNOTE: Bomb bay light extinguished confirms doors closed. |
PHS 3 - Electrical Power4 steps
| 01 | Electrical Services Master (Battery) SwitchON (UP) | |
| 02 | VoltmeterMIN 24 V | |
| 03 | Magneto Ignition SwitchesALL OFF (BOTH ENGINES) | |
| 04 | AltimeterSET QNH |
PHS 4 - Engine Start21 steps
| 01 | Main Fuel CocksOUTER TANKSNOTE: Start on the outer tanks; each outer feeds its own engine. No crossfeed exists. | |
| 02 | Engine Fuel Cut-Out HandlesIN (FUEL VALVE OPEN) | |
| 03 | Pressure Venting CockON (VERTICAL) | |
| 04 | Fuel Transfer CockOFF | |
| 05 | Immersed Fuel Pump SwitchOFF | |
| 06 | Radiator ShuttersCLOSED (UP) | |
| 07 | Throttles0.5 INCH OPEN | |
| 08 | RPM Control LeversFULLY FORWARD (MAX RPM) | |
| 09 | Supercharger SwitchMOD (LOW GEAR, DOWN) | |
| 10 | Fuel Mixture LeverRICH (DOWN) | |
| 11 | Ground Crew PrimingREQUESTED VIA COMMS MENUNOTE: Open the side window, then comms menu, F8 Ground Crew, F6 Start Priming Engines. The crew works the Ki-gass priming pump. | |
| 12 | Port Magneto Switches No. 1 and No. 2ON (UP) | |
| 13 | Port Starter and Booster Coil CoversUP (OPEN) | |
| 14 | Port Starter ButtonPRESS AND HOLD - 3 TO 4 PROP ROTATIONSWARNING: Do not crank more than 20 seconds; allow 30 seconds between attempts. | |
| 15 | Port Booster Coil ButtonPRESS AND HOLD UNTIL ENGINE FIRESNOTE: Hold both buttons together - the classic two-finger V for victory grip. | |
| 16 | Port ThrottleSET 1,200 RPM | |
| 17 | Port Oil Pressure60-120 PSIWARNING: If oil pressure does not rise, shut down immediately. | |
| 18 | Starboard EngineREPEAT START SEQUENCENOTE: Mags ON, covers up, starter then booster coil, then 1,200 RPM and check oil pressure. | |
| 19 | Generator Warning LightEXTINGUISHEDNOTE: Confirms the starboard engine generator is charging. | |
| 20 | All Starter and Booster Coil CoversDOWN (CLOSED) | |
| 21 | Radiator ShuttersOPEN (DOWN) |
PHS 5 - Post-Start / Avionics12 steps
| 01 | Main Fuel CocksMAIN SUPPLY FOR WARM-UPNOTE: Switching tanks during warm-up proves both fuel lines. Return to fullest tanks before takeoff. | |
| 02 | Pilot Oxygen ValveOPEN | |
| 03 | Oil TemperatureABOVE 20 C BEFORE TAXI | |
| 04 | Coolant TemperatureABOVE 40 C BEFORE TAXICAUTION: Takeoff with cold oil or coolant can ruin a Merlin. Wait for temperatures. | |
| 05 | Magneto CheckBOTH MAGS EACH ENGINE - DROP < 150 RPM | |
| 06 | Carburettor Air Intake FilterON IF DUSTY, ELSE OFF | |
| 07 | Radio Transmit-Receive SwitchREM - CHANNEL AS BRIEFED | |
| 08 | R.I. Compass Power SwitchesON (DOWN) | |
| 09 | Directional GyroSET TO MAGNETIC COMPASS HEADING | |
| 10 | Gun Reflector Sight and Gun CameraON (DOWN) | |
| 11 | IFF (A.R.I. 5083)ON - CHANNEL AS BRIEFED | |
| 12 | Pitot Heat / Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED |
PHS 6 - Guns / Weapons Check2 steps
| 01 | Gun Master Arm SwitchOFF (UP) - GUARD DOWNNOTE: Guns and cannon cannot fire with master arm OFF. | |
| 02 | Drop Tank Jettison CoverCLOSED |
PHS 7 - Before Taxi5 steps
| 01 | Main Fuel CocksFULLEST TANKS | |
| 02 | Oil Temperature20-80 C | |
| 03 | Coolant Temperature40-120 C | |
| 04 | Pneumatic PressureMIN 200 PSI | |
| 05 | FlapsUP - LEVER NEUTRAL |
PHS 8 - Taxi5 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASEDNOTE: Press the brake lever to release the locking pin latch. | |
| 02 | Control ColumnHELD FULLY AFTNOTE: Keeps the tailwheel straight while taxiing. | |
| 03 | BrakesCHECK - DIFFERENTIAL BRAKINGNOTE: Hold the brake lever and add rudder in the turn direction; one wheel brakes to steer. | |
| 04 | Taxi SpeedSLOW - GENTLE THROTTLE ONLYCAUTION: Tailwheel aircraft with pneumatic brakes. Avoid fast taxi and sharp brake turns. | |
| 05 | Runway LineupSTRAIGHTEN TAILWHEELNOTE: Roll forward a few yards straight before stopping on the runway. |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Flaps15 DEG - LEVER BACK TO NEUTRALNOTE: Unlock the safety catch first. Flaps-up takeoff only at light weight on a long runway. | |
| 02 | RPM Control LeversFULLY FORWARD | |
| 03 | Supercharger SwitchMOD (LOW GEAR) | |
| 04 | Radiator ShuttersOPEN (DOWN) | |
| 05 | Fuel Mixture LeverRICH | |
| 06 | Main Fuel CocksFULLEST TANKS CONFIRMED | |
| 07 | Elevator Trim2 DIV NOSE DOWN (2.5 HEAVY LOAD) | |
| 08 | Rudder TrimHALF DIVISION RIGHT | |
| 09 | Engine TemperaturesOIL MIN 15 C - COOLANT MIN 40 C |
PHS 10 - Takeoff6 steps
| 01 | ThrottlesADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO +9 BOOST / 3,000 RPMNOTE: Lead with the left throttle; keep engines synchronized. Throttle travel is very short for the power produced. | |
| 02 | RudderRIGHT RUDDER FOR LEFT SWINGWARNING: Both Merlins rotate clockwise; torque and slipstream swing the aircraft left. Coarse throttle use aggravates the swing. | |
| 03 | LiftoffFLIES OFF ABOVE ~100 MPH | |
| 04 | Safety Speed180 MPH AT +9 BOOSTNOTE: Minimum safe single-engine speed at 17,000 lb. Accelerate to it before cleaning up fully. | |
| 05 | Wheel Brakes then Landing GearTAP BRAKES - GEAR UP, LEVER NEUTRALCAUTION: Gear must be up before 180 mph or it may jam. | |
| 06 | FlapsUP - LEVER NEUTRALCAUTION: Raise flaps before 150 mph or they may jam. |
PHS 11 - Climb4 steps
| 01 | Climb Power+9 BOOST / 2,850 RPM (OR +7 / 2,650) | |
| 02 | Climb Speed170-175 MPH IAS | |
| 03 | Supercharger SwitchAUTO WHEN BOOST FALLS BELOW +4 PSINOTE: Above 18,000 ft reduce climb speed by 3 mph per 1,000 ft. | |
| 04 | Engine TemperaturesCOOLANT MAX 125 C - OIL MAX 90 CCAUTION: Open radiator shutters and shallow the climb if temperatures rise. |
PHS 12 - Cruise4 steps
| 01 | Cruise PowerMAX +7 BOOST / 2,650 RPM | |
| 02 | Cruise Speed~240 MPH | |
| 03 | Fuel Mixture LeverWEAK (UP) BELOW +7 BOOST FOR ECONOMY | |
| 04 | Fuel ManagementOUTER TANKS FIRST, THEN MAIN SUPPLYNOTE: Drop tanks transfer into the outer tanks via the transfer cock. Long-range tank needs main supply selected and immersed pump ON. Check engine instruments every 30 seconds. |
PHS 13 - Combat4 steps
| 01 | Wing Drop TanksJETTISON BEFORE COMBATCAUTION: Jettison only in level flight without yaw, 200-300 mph. No rocket firing until 1 minute after jettison. | |
| 02 | Gun Master Arm SwitchON (DOWN) | |
| 03 | Emergency Power+18 BOOST / 3,000 RPM - 5 MIN LIMITCAUTION: Boost cut-out required for +18. Not below 2,850 RPM. Time it - it overheats and damages the engines. | |
| 04 | TacticsKEEP SPEED UP - DO NOT TURN-FIGHTNOTE: The Mosquito outruns fighters but cannot out-turn them. Fight in the dive and extension. |
PHS 14 - Descent / Approach6 steps
| 01 | AltimeterSET QNH | |
| 02 | Supercharger / Radiator ShuttersMOD (LOW GEAR) - SHUTTERS OPEN | |
| 03 | Main Fuel CocksFULLEST TANKS | |
| 04 | Fuel Mixture LeverRICH | |
| 05 | RPM Control Levers2,850 RPM | |
| 06 | AirspeedREDUCE TO 180 MPHNOTE: Gear warning horn sounds below about +7 boost with the gear up - normal on approach. |
PHS 15 - Landing6 steps
| 01 | Landing GearDOWN BELOW 180 MPH - LEVER NEUTRAL AFTER LOCKED | |
| 02 | Flaps45 DEG BELOW 150 MPHNOTE: Flapless landing adds about 15 mph to the approach. | |
| 03 | RPM Control Levers3,000 RPM ON FINAL | |
| 04 | Approach Speed125 MPH WITH FLAPS (140 MPH FLAPLESS)NOTE: Add 10 mph at heavy weights. | |
| 05 | Roundout and TouchdownTHROTTLES IDLE - THREE-POINTNOTE: The aircraft floats with full flap. Control speed precisely to avoid a bounce. | |
| 06 | Wheel BrakesSHORT BURSTS ONCE RUDDER FADESWARNING: Excessive braking can nose the aircraft over onto its props. |
PHS 16 - After Landing3 steps
| 01 | FlapsUP - LEVER NEUTRAL | |
| 02 | Radiator ShuttersOPEN FOR TAXI | |
| 03 | Gun Master Arm / Gun Camera / Pitot HeatOFF |
PHS 17 - Shutdown9 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | ThrottlesIDLE AT 1,000 RPM TO COOL | |
| 03 | Magneto Dead-Cut CheckBRIEF OFF-ON EACH MAG | |
| 04 | Engine Fuel Cut-Out HandlesPULL OUT - ENGINES STOPNOTE: Pulling the cut-out handles closes the fuel valves and stops the engines. | |
| 05 | Magneto SwitchesALL OFF | |
| 06 | Main Fuel CocksOFF | |
| 07 | Radios / Gunsight / IFFOFF | |
| 08 | Electrical Services Master SwitchOFF | |
| 09 | Side DoorOPEN ON EXIT |