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DCS WORLD · Fighter
P-47D Thunderbolt Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.9.0Checklist
P-47D ThunderboltDCS WORLD · Startup Checklist · 154 steps · 19 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning7 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Review mission objectives, target area, ROE, and attack profile. P-47D excels at low-altitude ground attack and escort. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check cloud base, visibility, and icing. The R-2800 is vulnerable to carburettor icing in certain conditions. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningSETNOTE: Internal capacity ~305 US gal across main and aux tanks. External drop tanks extend range significantly. | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutVERIFIEDNOTE: Eight .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns. Up to 2,500 lb of bombs or rockets on wing and centerline hardpoints. | |
| 06 | Radio FrequenciesSETNOTE: SCR-522 radio. Set channel before engine start. | |
| 07 | Divert BasesIDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Cockpit Preparation4 steps
| 01 | Seat HarnessFASTENED TIGHT | |
| 02 | Oxygen SystemON - CHECK FLOW AND QUANTITYNOTE: Oxygen essential above 10,000 ft. R-2800 operations at altitude require supplemental oxygen. | |
| 03 | CanopyCLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 04 | Parking BrakeSET |
PHS 3 — Electrical Power4 steps
| 01 | Battery (Master Switch)ON | |
| 02 | Generator SwitchON | |
| 03 | Circuit BreakersALL IN | |
| 04 | InstrumentsCHECK - FUEL, OIL PRESSURE, VOLTMETER |
PHS 4 — Pre-Start12 steps
| 01 | Fuel SelectorMAIN TANK | |
| 02 | Fuel Boost PumpSTART AND ALTITUDE POSITIONNOTE: Dual-position pump. Set to START AND ALTITUDE for engine start. | |
| 03 | ThrottleCRACKED OPEN 1/4 TO 1/2 INCHCAUTION: Do not open throttle too far - risk of over-rich mixture and engine flooding. | |
| 04 | Mixture ControlIDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 05 | Propeller SwitchAUTOMATIC CONSTANT SPEED | |
| 06 | Propeller ControlFULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM MAX) | |
| 07 | Supercharger LeverLOW BLOWER (FULL REAR / OFF)NOTE: Turbosupercharger should be fully off for engine start. | |
| 08 | Intercooler ControlTRAIL POSITIONNOTE: Set intercooler to trail during ground operations. | |
| 09 | Cowl FlapsFULLY OPENNOTE: Manually hand-pump hydraulic pressure if needed to open cowl flaps before start. | |
| 10 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK - HAND PUMP IF BELOW MINIMUMNOTE: Use hand pump on left side of cockpit to build pressure for cowl flaps and landing flaps. | |
| 11 | Air Filter ControlUNFILTERED (CLEAN AIR)NOTE: Set to clean air position unless operating in dusty conditions. | |
| 12 | PrimerPRIME 4-6 STROKES (COLD ENGINE)NOTE: Pump primer handle 4-6 times for cold start. Reduce for warm engine. Lock primer after use. |
PHS 5 — Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Magneto SwitchBOTH | |
| 02 | Starter SwitchENERGIZE - HOLD 15-20 SECONDSNOTE: Hold ENERGIZE position to wind up inertia starter. Count to 15-20 seconds then release to ENGAGE. | |
| 03 | Starter SwitchENGAGE - RELEASE TO MESHNOTE: Move to ENGAGE to mesh starter gear. Engine should begin turning. | |
| 04 | Mixture ControlADVANCE TO RUN AS ENGINE FIRESCAUTION: Advance mixture promptly when engine begins to catch. Do not advance before blades are turning. | |
| 05 | Engine Start ConfirmationENGINE RUNNING - VERIFY RPM STABILISING | |
| 06 | Oil PressureRISING WITHIN 30 SECONDSWARNING: If oil pressure does not rise within 30 seconds of start - shut down immediately to prevent R-2800 engine seizure. | |
| 07 | Starter SwitchOFF AFTER ENGINE STARTS | |
| 08 | ThrottleADJUST TO 1,000 RPM IDLE | |
| 09 | Oil Pressure60-90 PSI NORMAL RANGE | |
| 10 | Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT)RISING - MONITOR DURING WARM-UPNOTE: CHT must reach operating range before applying power. Maximum 400 deg F absolute limit. |
PHS 6 — Engine Warm-Up6 steps
| 01 | Engine Idle1,000 RPM - ALLOW TO WARM UP | |
| 02 | Oil TemperatureRISING - WAIT FOR 40 C MINIMUMNOTE: The R-2800 Double Wasp requires adequate oil temperature before any power increase. | |
| 03 | CHTRISING - MINIMUM 100 DEG F BEFORE POWER INCREASE | |
| 04 | MixtureRUN (FULL RICH FOR WARM-UP) | |
| 05 | Cowl FlapsOPEN DURING WARM-UP - PREVENT OVERHEATINGCAUTION: CHT rises rapidly on the ground. Keep cowl flaps fully open and limit ground run time. | |
| 06 | Magneto CheckLEFT AND RIGHT - RPM DROP LESS THAN 100 RPM EACHNOTE: Run up to 2,000 RPM for mag check. Note drop on each mag. |
PHS 7 — Post-Start / Avionics10 steps
| 01 | Oil Pressure60-90 PSI CONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Oil Temperature40 C MINIMUM BEFORE TAXI | |
| 03 | Fuel PressureNORMAL - BOOST PUMP ON | |
| 04 | Gyro InstrumentsUNCAGE AND ERECT | |
| 05 | Gunsight (K-14)ON - SET WINGSPAN AND RANGENOTE: K-14 gyro gunsight. Set target wingspan and range for computed lead angle. | |
| 06 | Radio (SCR-522)ON - SET CHANNEL | |
| 07 | IFFSET CODES | |
| 08 | AltimeterSET QNH | |
| 09 | CompassSYNCHRONISE TO MAGNETIC HEADING | |
| 10 | Turbo (Turbosupercharger)CHECK - OFF FOR TAXI |
PHS 8 — Guns / Weapons Check3 steps
| 01 | Gun SwitchSAFE / OFF | |
| 02 | Bomb / Rocket Arming LeversSAFE (CONFIRM NOT ARMED FOR TAXI) | |
| 03 | Drop Tank SelectorEXTERNAL (IF TANKS FITTED) |
PHS 9 — Before Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Oil Temperature40 C MINIMUM | |
| 02 | CHTMINIMUM 100 DEG F - BELOW 260 DEG F | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsFULL TRAVEL - FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 04 | FlapsUP | |
| 05 | TrimSET RUDDER RIGHT SLIGHTLY FOR TORQUE, ELEVATOR NEUTRAL | |
| 06 | Cowl FlapsOPEN |
PHS 10 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | ThrottleADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO BREAK FREE | |
| 03 | S-TurnsWEAVE CONTINUOUSLY - NO FORWARD VISIBILITYNOTE: The P-47D has a large radial engine that completely blocks forward view. S-turn throughout taxi. | |
| 04 | BrakesCHECK - HEEL BRAKES FUNCTIONAL | |
| 05 | Taxi SpeedLESS THAN 10 KTS | |
| 06 | TurboMONITOR - OFF DURING TAXI |
PHS 11 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Fuel SelectorMAIN TANK | |
| 02 | Fuel Boost PumpON (START AND ALTITUDE) | |
| 03 | MixtureFULL RICH | |
| 04 | PropellerFULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM MAX) | |
| 05 | SuperchargerLOW BLOWER FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 06 | Oil Temperature40 C MINIMUM FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 07 | CHT100-260 DEG F FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 08 | Run-Up Check2,300 RPM - CHECK BOTH MAGNETOS, DROP LESS THAN 100 RPM | |
| 09 | Flaps20 DEG FOR NORMAL TAKEOFF (MARKS ON FLAP ROOT)NOTE: Set flaps to 20 deg for loaded takeoff. UP for light / unloaded takeoff. | |
| 10 | Trim TabsSET - RUDDER 6 DEG RIGHT, ELEVATOR 1 DEG NOSE DOWN | |
| 11 | Cowl FlapsFULLY OPEN | |
| 12 | CanopyCLOSED AND LOCKED | |
| 13 | HarnessTIGHT AND LOCKED | |
| 14 | Controls CheckFULL AND FREE TRAVEL CONFIRMED |
PHS 12 — Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | ThrottleADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO 52 IN HG / 2,700 RPMNOTE: Takeoff MAP is 52 in Hg normal power. Advance gradually to prevent torque snap. | |
| 02 | Right RudderAPPLY FIRMLY TO COUNTER LEFT TORQUE AND P-FACTORCAUTION: The P-47D has very strong torque. Significant right rudder is required throughout the takeoff roll. | |
| 03 | Directional ControlMAINTAIN RUNWAY CENTRELINE WITH RUDDER | |
| 04 | Rotation Speed~100-110 MPH (87-95 KTS) IAS | |
| 05 | RotateLIFT TAIL FIRST THEN ROTATE TO 10-12 DEG NOSE UPNOTE: Raise tail early to reduce torque effects then rotate to positive pitch attitude. | |
| 06 | GearUP AFTER POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMBCAUTION: Confirm positive climb rate before gear retraction. | |
| 07 | Climb Power46-52 IN HG / 2,700 RPM |
PHS 13 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | GearUP AND LOCKED | |
| 02 | FlapsUP ABOVE 150 MPH | |
| 03 | Climb Power46 IN HG / 2,700 RPM | |
| 04 | Climb Speed160-180 MPH IAS (140-155 KTS) | |
| 05 | Cowl FlapsADJUST TO MAINTAIN CHT BELOW 260 DEG F | |
| 06 | SuperchargerLOW BLOWER BELOW 15,000 FT - HIGH BLOWER ABOVENOTE: Switch to high blower above critical altitude (~15,000 ft) for high-altitude performance. | |
| 07 | TurbosuperchargerINCREASE AS REQUIRED FOR ALTITUDE BOOST PRESSURE | |
| 08 | Fuel SelectorEXTERNAL TANKS FIRST IF FITTED - USE TO EXHAUSTION THEN MAIN | |
| 09 | MixtureLEAN AS ALTITUDE INCREASES FOR ECONOMY |
PHS 14 — Cruise / Transit8 steps
| 01 | Cruise Power35-42 IN HG / 2,300-2,400 RPMNOTE: Normal cruise at approximately 1,300-1,500 BHP. Manifold pressure set by throttle, turbo, and altitude. | |
| 02 | Cruise Speed280-320 MPH IAS AT ALTITUDE | |
| 03 | MixtureLEAN TO BEST ECONOMY | |
| 04 | Fuel StateMONITOR - SWITCH TANKS AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Oil Temperature65-80 C NORMAL RANGE | |
| 06 | CHT200-260 DEG F NORMAL RANGE | |
| 07 | Cowl FlapsADJUST TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE LIMITS | |
| 08 | Oil Pressure60-90 PSI CONFIRM |
PHS 15 — Combat10 steps
| 01 | Drop TanksJETTISON BEFORE ENTERING COMBAT | |
| 02 | Fuel SelectorMAIN TANK | |
| 03 | SuperchargerSET FOR ALTITUDE | |
| 04 | Military Power52 IN HG / 2,700 RPM (NORMAL COMBAT)NOTE: Standard military power. Available continuously up to 15 minutes. | |
| 05 | War Emergency Power (WEP)64 IN HG / 2,700 RPM WITH WATER INJECTIONWARNING: WEP strictly limited to 5 minutes. Exceeding time limit risks serious engine damage to the R-2800. | |
| 06 | MixtureFULL RICH AT MILITARY POWER AND WEP | |
| 07 | Gun SwitchGUNS AND CAMERA ON | |
| 08 | Gunsight K-14ON - WINGSPAN AND RANGE SET | |
| 09 | CHTMONITOR - DO NOT EXCEED 260 DEG F (MAX 400 DEG F)CAUTION: CHT rises rapidly in combat power. Monitor closely and reduce power if temperature approaches limits. | |
| 10 | Dive Limit SpeedDO NOT EXCEED 505 MPH BELOW 5,000 FTWARNING: Compressibility effects occur in steep dives above 350 KIAS. Firm forward stick pressure will develop - do not overstress airframe. |
PHS 16 — Descent / Approach8 steps
| 01 | AltimeterSET QNH | |
| 02 | MixtureRICH BELOW 5,000 FT | |
| 03 | GunsSAFE / OFF | |
| 04 | Bomb / Rocket ArmingSAFE | |
| 05 | Supercharger / TurboREDUCE TURBO AS DESCENDING | |
| 06 | Cowl FlapsOPEN TO PREVENT SHOCK COOLINGCAUTION: During descent do not throttle back rapidly. Shock cooling of the R-2800 can cause cylinder cracking. | |
| 07 | Fuel SelectorMAIN TANK | |
| 08 | SpeedREDUCE TO 160-180 MPH (140-155 KTS) ON APPROACH |
PHS 17 — Landing13 steps
| 01 | Fuel Boost PumpON | |
| 02 | MixtureFULL RICH | |
| 03 | PropellerFULL FORWARD (2,700 RPM) | |
| 04 | GearDOWN - CONFIRM THREE GREENCAUTION: Gear limit speed approximately 200 MPH. Do not lower gear above this speed. | |
| 05 | Gear IndicatorTHREE GREEN LIGHTS CONFIRMED | |
| 06 | FlapsDOWN BELOW 200 MPHNOTE: Lower flaps to full (40 deg) for normal landing. Can use partial flap for power-on approaches. | |
| 07 | Cowl FlapsTRAIL / PARTLY CLOSED ON APPROACH | |
| 08 | Approach Speed120-130 MPH (105-113 KTS) IAS | |
| 09 | Threshold Speed110-115 MPH (95-100 KTS) | |
| 10 | TouchdownTHREE-POINT OR WHEEL LANDINGNOTE: Wheel landings preferred for better directional control. Touch down main gear first, fly tail on. | |
| 11 | Throttle at TouchdownIDLE | |
| 12 | Directional ControlMAINTAIN WITH RUDDER - AVOID BRAKE STEERINGCAUTION: P-47D prone to ground looping if asymmetric braking used. Use rudder for directional control first. | |
| 13 | BrakesAPPLY SMOOTHLY AFTER TAIL SETTLES |
PHS 18 — After Landing6 steps
| 01 | FlapsUP | |
| 02 | Cowl FlapsOPEN | |
| 03 | TurboOFF | |
| 04 | SuperchargerLOW BLOWER | |
| 05 | Guns / ArmamentSAFE CONFIRMED | |
| 06 | MixtureREDUCE TO LEAN FOR TAXI |
PHS 19 — Shutdown11 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | ThrottleIDLE - ALLOW 2 MINUTE COOLING PERIODNOTE: Allow engine to cool at idle before shutdown. Reduces thermal stress on cylinders. | |
| 03 | Turbo / SuperchargerOFF | |
| 04 | Cowl FlapsOPEN FOR COOLING | |
| 05 | Fuel Boost PumpOFF | |
| 06 | MixtureIDLE CUT-OFF TO STOP ENGINE | |
| 07 | Magneto SwitchOFF AFTER ENGINE STOPS | |
| 08 | Battery / GeneratorOFF | |
| 09 | Fuel SelectorOFF | |
| 10 | Gun SwitchOFF - CONFIRMED SAFE | |
| 11 | CanopyOPEN |