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DCS WORLD · Rotary
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
OH-58D Kiowa WarriorDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 159 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review scout/recon task, battle positions, ingress/egress routes, target handover plan, and known threat array. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDCAUTION: Wind speed and direction are critical for OGE hover, masking, and pinnacle/confined-area work. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Check restricted areas, ROZ, and friendly artillery/airspace coordination measures. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningCALCULATEDNOTE: Plan transit, time-on-station loiter and hover fuel, plus reserve. Hovering OGE burns power and fuel quickly. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / PayloadWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Account for crew, fuel, M296 .50 cal, Hydra-70 rockets, Hellfire/Stinger. Keep gross weight and CG within limits. | |
| 06 | Performance PlanningCHECKEDNOTE: Compute density altitude, hover ceiling IGE/OGE, and power margin. Hot/high reduces available torque. | |
| 07 | Route / Battle Position SurveySTUDIEDNOTE: Identify firing positions, masking terrain, LZs, and alternate routes for the scout task. | |
| 08 | Radio Frequencies / DatalinkSETNOTE: Set ARC-201D FM, ARC-186 VHF/UHF presets and L2MUM/datalink for target sharing. |
PHS 2 - Battery / Electrical13 steps
| 01 | CollectiveFULL DOWN | |
| 02 | ThrottleCLOSED (OFF) | |
| 03 | Rotor BrakeOFFWARNING: Confirm rotor brake released before any rotor engagement. | |
| 04 | Circuit BreakersCHECK - All set | |
| 05 | FADEC Circuit BreakerIN (ON) | |
| 06 | Ignition Circuit BreakerIN (ON) | |
| 07 | Ignition Keylock SwitchON | |
| 08 | Essential Bus SwitchSTART | |
| 09 | Battery 1 SwitchON | |
| 10 | Battery 2 SwitchON | |
| 11 | Battery VoltageCHECK - 24V minimumCAUTION: Low battery voltage may abort the start. Use external power if available. | |
| 12 | MPD / MFD DisplaysPOWER UPNOTE: Pilot MFD, RFD, VSI and MPD come alive. | |
| 13 | Warning / Caution / Advisory (WCA)ACKNOWLEDGENOTE: Press REC/ACK switch DOWN to acknowledge boot-up cautions. |
PHS 3 - Before Engine Start9 steps
| 01 | Fireguard / AreaPOSTED / CLEARWARNING: Rotor disc and intake area must be clear of personnel and obstructions before start. | |
| 02 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate | |
| 03 | Fuel Boost SwitchOFF (until after light-off) | |
| 04 | Particle SeparatorAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | FADEC AUTO/MAN SwitchAUTOCAUTION: Verify AUTO before start. MANUAL start requires careful throttle modulation to protect the engine. | |
| 06 | Anti-Collision / BeaconONNOTE: Signal start to ground crew. | |
| 07 | Master Arm SwitchSAFE / OFF | |
| 08 | Laser Arm SwitchOFF | |
| 09 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - NG, TOT, torque at zero |
PHS 4 - Engine Start7 steps
| 01 | ThrottleIDLECAUTION: START switch must be activated within 60 seconds of advancing the throttle or the engine will not light. | |
| 02 | Start SwitchHOLD 2 SEC, then RELEASENOTE: Automatic FADEC start. MPD may flicker as bus voltage drops during cranking. | |
| 03 | TOT (Turbine Outlet Temp)MONITORWARNING: TOT start limit 810C; do not exceed 927C for 10 sec. Abort start if temperature climbs toward limit. | |
| 04 | NG (Gas Producer)MONITOR - RisingNOTE: Watch for steady, smooth acceleration. Ignition should occur and TOT rise within seconds. | |
| 05 | Oil PressureRISINGWARNING: If no oil pressure indication shortly after start, shut down. | |
| 06 | NG Stabilize63-65% (ground idle)NOTE: Engine settles at idle once self-sustaining. | |
| 07 | Engine ParametersCHECK - TOT, NG, oil all in limits |
PHS 5 - Rotor Engagement / Run-Up13 steps
| 01 | DC Generator SwitchON | |
| 02 | AC Generator SwitchON | |
| 03 | Essential Bus SwitchRUN | |
| 04 | Fuel Boost SwitchON | |
| 05 | Particle Separator Circuit BreakerIN | |
| 06 | ThrottleOPEN (FLY) slowlyWARNING: Advance throttle smoothly. Rotor engages as power turbine drives the mast - keep area clear. | |
| 07 | RotorENGAGE - Blades turningWARNING: Confirm rotor accelerates smoothly with no abnormal vibration. | |
| 08 | MPD BIT/RESET SwitchRESET | |
| 09 | MPD Selector SwitchNR/NP | |
| 10 | RPM Trim (Beep) SwitchINC to 100% NP/NRCAUTION: Trim NR to 100%. Operating rotor range is 97-100%. | |
| 11 | NR (Rotor RPM)CHECK - 100%WARNING: Do not operate below 97% NR powered. Low NR reduces rotor authority. | |
| 12 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - TOT, torque, oil all green | |
| 13 | Transmission OilCHECK - Pressure 30-70 psi, temp normalCAUTION: Transmission oil pressure minimum 30 psi, maximum 70 psi; max temp 110C. |
PHS 6 - Systems / MMS / Avionics24 steps
| 01 | SCAS Power SwitchONNOTE: Stability and Control Augmentation System. | |
| 02 | SCAS Pitch/Roll EngageON | |
| 03 | SCAS Yaw EngageON | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsCHECK - Cyclic, collective, pedals free and correct | |
| 05 | Force TrimCHECK / SET | |
| 06 | MPD Selector SwitchFUEL QTY / ENG TRQ | |
| 07 | Hydraulic SystemCHECK - Pressure normal | |
| 08 | IFF / Radar Detector CBsON | |
| 09 | Radar Warning ReceiverON | |
| 10 | L2MUM / CMWS Circuit BreakersON | |
| 11 | CMWS CI KnobONNOTE: Common Missile Warning System. | |
| 12 | CMWS Arm/Safe SwitchARM | |
| 13 | Countermeasures (Chaff/Flare)CHECK - Loaded, set | |
| 14 | Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS) PowerON - Warm upNOTE: MMS houses the TV, thermal (TIS) and laser rangefinder/designator above the rotor. | |
| 15 | MMS Mode SelectorFWD (Forward) | |
| 16 | TIS / TV SensorsCHECK - Imaging good | |
| 17 | Laser Rangefinder/DesignatorCHECK - SAFE/STANDBYCAUTION: Keep laser SAFE on the ground - do not lase personnel. | |
| 18 | Navigation Alignment (EGI/Doppler)WAIT for completionNOTE: Allow inertial/Doppler nav to align before taxi. | |
| 19 | MPD Navigation PageSET - Waypoints / route loaded | |
| 20 | Radios (FM/VHF/UHF)SET frequencies | |
| 21 | DatalinkON - Verify network | |
| 22 | Transponder / IFFSET | |
| 23 | AltimeterSET - Field elevation / pressure | |
| 24 | Master Arm SwitchSTANDBYCAUTION: Keep weapons in STANDBY until cleared to engage. |
PHS 7 - Before Taxi / Hover8 steps
| 01 | Crew CoordinationBRIEFEDNOTE: Pilot and copilot/observer confirm hover and departure plan. | |
| 02 | Doors / HarnessSECURENOTE: Seat belt, shoulder harness and inertia reel checked. | |
| 03 | Engine / Rotor InstrumentsCHECK - All green, NR 100% | |
| 04 | Caution / Advisory PanelCHECK - No active warnings | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate for mission | |
| 06 | Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Search/Landing LightAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | AreaCLEAR - All quadrantsWARNING: Visually clear left, right, above and tail rotor arc before lifting. |
PHS 8 - Hover Check & Taxi8 steps
| 01 | CollectiveRAISE slowly to light on skids | |
| 02 | PedalsMAINTAIN HEADINGNOTE: Apply left pedal to counter main rotor torque as power increases. | |
| 03 | CyclicCENTER / HOLD position | |
| 04 | Lift to HoverESTABLISH 3-5 ft skid height | |
| 05 | Hover Power CheckNOTE TORQUE requiredCAUTION: Compare hover torque to available power. High torque means limited OGE margin. | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - TOT, torque, NR in limits | |
| 07 | Controls / SCASCHECK - Stable, responsive | |
| 08 | Hover TaxiPROCEED at walking paceCAUTION: Maintain clearance from obstacles and watch tail rotor. |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Departure Path / WindCHECK - Into wind preferred | |
| 02 | NR (Rotor RPM)100% | |
| 03 | FADEC AUTO/MAN SwitchAUTO | |
| 04 | Engine / Transmission InstrumentsCHECK - All in limits | |
| 05 | Power Available vs RequiredCONFIRM margin | |
| 06 | SCAS / TrimENGAGED / SET | |
| 07 | Copilot CyclicENGAGED as required | |
| 08 | Master Arm / WeaponsAS BRIEFED (STANDBY/SAFE) | |
| 09 | RadiosSET - Departure clearance | |
| 10 | AreaCLEAR for takeoff |
PHS 10 - Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | CollectiveINCREASE to takeoff powerWARNING: Do not exceed 100% torque (5 min limit). Watch TOT 810C takeoff limit. | |
| 02 | CyclicFORWARD - Accelerate through ETLNOTE: Effective Translational Lift improves rotor efficiency near 16-24 kts. | |
| 03 | PedalsCOORDINATE - Maintain trim | |
| 04 | AttitudeESTABLISH climb attitude | |
| 05 | Climb Speed60 KIAS (best climb) | |
| 06 | Positive RateCONFIRM - Altimeter / VSI climbing | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - Torque, TOT, NR |
PHS 11 - Climb / Cruise9 steps
| 01 | AirspeedACCELERATE to cruise | |
| 02 | Collective / TorqueSET continuous powerCAUTION: Maximum continuous TOT 738C. Keep torque within continuous limit. | |
| 03 | Cruise Speed100-120 KIASNOTE: Cruise around 120 kts; Vne 130 KIAS below 3000 lb. | |
| 04 | NR (Rotor RPM)CHECK - 100% | |
| 05 | Trim / SCASAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | NavigationCHECK - On course / waypoints | |
| 07 | Fuel StateMONITOR - On plan | |
| 08 | MMS / SensorsAS REQUIRED for mission | |
| 09 | Engine / Transmission InstrumentsSCAN - Regular check |
PHS 12 - Approach8 steps
| 01 | Landing Area / LZIDENTIFY - Wind, obstacles, slope | |
| 02 | AirspeedREDUCE - Begin deceleration | |
| 03 | AltimeterSET / CHECK | |
| 04 | Master Arm / LaserSAFE (if not engaging) | |
| 05 | Approach AngleESTABLISH - Constant angle to LZ | |
| 06 | CollectiveMODULATE - Control descent rate | |
| 07 | PedalsCOORDINATE - Maintain alignment | |
| 08 | DecelerateAFT CYCLIC - Bleed to hover speedCAUTION: Avoid settling with power - keep airspeed until reaching effective hover. |
PHS 13 - Landing7 steps
| 01 | HoverESTABLISH 3-5 ft over touchdown point | |
| 02 | Power CheckCONFIRM torque within limits | |
| 03 | CollectiveSLOWLY LOWER | |
| 04 | TouchdownSKIDS ON GROUND - Level attitude | |
| 05 | CyclicNEUTRAL - Hold position | |
| 06 | CollectiveFULL DOWN once stable | |
| 07 | PedalsMAINTAIN heading on deck |
PHS 14 - After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Master Arm SwitchSAFE / OFF | |
| 02 | Laser Arm SwitchOFF | |
| 03 | WeaponsSAFE - All stations | |
| 04 | MMS Mode SelectorSTOW / OFF | |
| 05 | CMWS Arm/Safe SwitchSAFE | |
| 06 | Transponder / IFFSTANDBY | |
| 07 | Search/Landing LightOFF | |
| 08 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - Stable for cool-down |
PHS 15 - Engine / Rotor Shutdown20 steps
| 01 | CollectiveFULL DOWN | |
| 02 | ThrottleIDLE - Cool down 2 minutesCAUTION: Run at idle for 2 minutes to allow turbine and oil temperatures to stabilize before shutdown. | |
| 03 | MMS / SensorsOFF | |
| 04 | Radios / DatalinkOFF | |
| 05 | CMWS / RWROFF | |
| 06 | SCAS SwitchesOFF | |
| 07 | Fuel Boost SwitchOFF | |
| 08 | ThrottleCLOSED (OFF)WARNING: Closing the throttle cuts fuel - engine spools down and rotor begins to decelerate. | |
| 09 | TOTMONITOR - Cooling | |
| 10 | NR (Rotor)MONITOR - Spooling down | |
| 11 | Rotor BrakeAPPLY at low RPMWARNING: Apply rotor brake only at low rotor RPM per limits - never at high RPM. | |
| 12 | DC Generator SwitchOFF | |
| 13 | AC Generator SwitchOFF | |
| 14 | Essential Bus SwitchOFF | |
| 15 | Anti-Collision / BeaconOFF | |
| 16 | Navigation LightsOFF | |
| 17 | Ignition Keylock SwitchOFF - Remove key | |
| 18 | Battery 1 SwitchOFF | |
| 19 | Battery 2 SwitchOFF | |
| 20 | Blades / TiedownsSECURE as required |