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Piper PA-24-250 Comanche (A2A) Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.23.0Checklist
Piper PA-24-250 Comanche (A2A)MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 122 steps · 13 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: The aircraft is approved for day and night VFR and IFR, non-icing only. The carburetted O-540 can pick up carburettor ice with outside air temperature between 20 degF (-5 degC) and 70 degF (21 degC). | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDCAUTION: The manual quotes usable fuel with tip tanks as 84 gal in the Fuel System description and 86 gal in the General specification table. Plan on the lower figure.NOTE: Two 30 gal main cells, 60 gal standard of which 56 gal usable. With tip tanks fitted total capacity is 90 gal. Burn is about 14 GPH at 75 percent power, giving 4.3 hours or 740 miles on standard fuel and 6.4 hours or 1,100 miles with tip tanks. | |
| 04 | Weight & BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Maximum takeoff weight 3,000 lbs with tip tanks. Standard empty weight 1,690 lbs, maximum useful load 1,310 lbs, maximum 200 lbs in the baggage compartment. The airplane cannot be flown with maximum passengers, full fuel and maximum baggage together. | |
| 05 | Takeoff & Landing DistanceCALCULATEDNOTE: Use the performance charts in the manual. Flaps 18 degrees (2/3) reduce the takeoff run by about 20 percent. | |
| 06 | Flight Plan / ChartsPREPARED | |
| 07 | Accu-Sim Maintenance HangarCHECKEDNOTE: Review the engine inspection report, oil level and spark plug condition. 9 quarts is the recommended maximum oil level (sump capacity 12 quarts). Massive electrode plugs foul if idled too long or too low; fine wire plugs are far more resistant. | |
| 08 | Airspeed UnitsNOTED - MPHCAUTION: The Comanche airspeed indicator is calibrated in MPH. All speeds below are the manual's MPH figures with knots in brackets. |
PHS 2 - Before Engine Start13 steps
| 01 | PreflightCOMPLETE | |
| 02 | PassengersBRIEFED | |
| 03 | Seat BeltsSECURE | |
| 04 | Controls LockREMOVED | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 06 | Gear SwitchDOWN | |
| 07 | FlapsUPNOTE: The mechanical flaps have three positions: 9, 18 and 27 degrees. | |
| 08 | RadiosOFF | |
| 09 | Autopilot MasterOFF | |
| 10 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 11 | All Electrical SwitchesOFF | |
| 12 | Circuit BreakersINNOTE: Allow about two minutes for a popped breaker to cool before resetting it. | |
| 13 | Rotating BeaconON |
PHS 3 - Engine Start15 steps
| 01 | Fuel SelectorsDESIRED TANK | |
| 02 | MixtureRICH | |
| 03 | ThrottleCRACKEDNOTE: About one quarter inch open gives the easiest start. | |
| 04 | PropFULL FORWARD | |
| 05 | Carb HeatOFF | |
| 06 | Master SwitchON | |
| 07 | Fuel PumpONNOTE: The electric pump is not needed for starting. It is switched on only to prove it works, because the engine-driven pump is not turning yet. | |
| 08 | Fuel PressureCHECK | |
| 09 | Fuel PumpOFFNOTE: Switched off again so the engine-driven pump can be checked independently. It goes back on for the before takeoff check. | |
| 10 | Primer1-5 STROKESCAUTION: Engine warm (over 40 degF): do not prime. Engine cold (under 40 degF): prime three to five strokes, more if extremely cold. Pumping the throttle primes a little but can easily overload the engine. | |
| 11 | MagsBOTH | |
| 12 | Prop AreaCLEAR | |
| 13 | StarterENGAGENOTE: If the engine fails to start, try again without additional priming. If that fails the engine may be over primed: mags OFF, throttle open slowly, crank about ten revolutions, then re-prime with half the original amount, mags BOTH and repeat. | |
| 14 | Oil PressureCHECKWARNING: If no oil pressure is indicated within thirty seconds, stop the engine and determine the trouble. In cold weather it takes a few seconds longer. | |
| 15 | MixtureLEAN AS REQUIREDNOTE: Once firing evenly set about 800 RPM. Idling below that will foul the spark plugs unless fine wire plugs are fitted. |
PHS 4 - Taxi11 steps
| 01 | PrimerLOCKED | |
| 02 | Avionics MasterON | |
| 03 | AmmeterCHECK | |
| 04 | RadiosON | |
| 05 | TransponderAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | AltimeterSET | |
| 07 | Heading IndicatorSET | |
| 08 | Landing Gear LampGREEN | |
| 09 | Nav LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 10 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 11 | Brakes on Initial RollTEST |
PHS 5 - Run-Up10 steps
| 01 | PositionINTO WINDCAUTION: Do not run up over loose stones or cinders - they can be picked up and damage the propeller blades. | |
| 02 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 03 | Fuel QuantityCHECK | |
| 04 | Fuel SelectorsDESIRED TANK | |
| 05 | MixtureAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Throttle2,000 RPMNOTE: Warm up at 800 to 1,200 RPM for no more than 2 minutes in warm weather or 4 minutes in cold weather. The engine is warm enough for takeoff when the throttle can be opened without the engine faltering. | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsCHECKNOTE: Oil pressure, oil temperature, fuel pressure, ammeter, vacuum, CHT and EGT. Limits: oil temp max 245 degF, CHT max 500 degF, oil pressure 25 to 100 PSI, fuel pressure 0.5 to 5 PSI, vacuum 4.8 to 5.1 inHg. | |
| 08 | MagnetosCHECKCAUTION: Maximum drop 125 RPM, maximum difference between magnetos 50 RPM. Checked at 2,000 RPM with about 15 inHg manifold pressure. | |
| 09 | PropCYCLE x 3NOTE: Then reduce to 1,500 RPM and check steady. In cold weather cycle at least three times so warm oil circulates through the system, then leave the control full forward. | |
| 10 | Carb HeatCHECKCAUTION: Expect a drop of around 125 RPM. Carb heat air is unfiltered, so do not use it on the ground in dusty conditions except momentarily during the run-up. |
PHS 6 - Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | ControlsFREE & CORRECT | |
| 02 | Elevator TrimNEUTRAL | |
| 03 | Rudder TrimAS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | DoorLATCHED | |
| 05 | FlapsSET AS DESIREDNOTE: For a minimum takeoff run lower the flaps to 18 degrees (2/3), which shortens the run by about 20 percent. Flaps are normally not used for crosswind takeoffs. | |
| 06 | Fuel SelectorsDESIRED TANK | |
| 07 | Fuel PumpONNOTE: Provides redundancy should the engine-driven pump fail to hold fuel pressure during takeoff. | |
| 08 | MixtureFULL RICH | |
| 09 | PropFULL FORWARD | |
| 10 | Carb HeatOFF | |
| 11 | Engine GaugesCHECK | |
| 12 | Pitot HeatAS REQUIRED | |
| 13 | StrobesON | |
| 14 | Landing LightsAS REQUIRED |
PHS 7 - Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | ThrottleFULL OPENNOTE: Apply full power in a smooth, steady motion and let the aircraft accelerate in a three point attitude until the controls become effective. | |
| 02 | Airspeed IndicatorALIVE | |
| 03 | Engine GaugesCHECKNOTE: Maximum rotation speed 2,575 RPM at 250 hp. | |
| 04 | Rotate85 MPH (74 KTS)CAUTION: 85 MPH is at maximum takeoff weight without flaps. At lighter weights or with flaps the aircraft becomes light on the mains nearer 65 MPH, so keep enough back pressure to stop it wheelbarrowing on the nose wheel. | |
| 05 | Positive ClimbVERIFY | |
| 06 | GearUPCAUTION: Retract once a landing on the remaining runway is no longer possible. Recommended maximum gear operating speed (VLO) 125 MPH (108 kts); maximum gear extended speed (VLE) 150 MPH (130 kts). | |
| 07 | FlapsUPNOTE: Maximum flap extension speed (VFE) 125 MPH (108 kts). | |
| 08 | AirspeedVy 105 MPH (91 KTS)NOTE: Vx is 84 MPH (73 kts). Normal climb out is 110 MPH (96 kts). | |
| 09 | Emergency Landing AreaVERIFY |
PHS 8 - Climb4 steps
| 01 | Fuel PumpOFF AT 1,000 FT AGL | |
| 02 | PowerDO NOT REDUCE UNTIL 1,000 FT AGLNOTE: Then set throttle as the engine temperatures will tolerate, propeller 2,400 RPM maximum. | |
| 03 | CHTCHECKCAUTION: Maximum CHT 500 degF. Reducing climb speed below 95 MPH at low altitude cuts forward visibility and the cooling airflow to the engine; extended climbs below that speed are not recommended. | |
| 04 | MixtureLEAN AS REQUIREDNOTE: Best rate of climb is 105 MPH at sea level, decreasing about 1 MPH per thousand feet, so 95 MPH at 10,000 ft. A good rate of climb is also obtained at 110 to 120 MPH at lower altitudes. |
PHS 9 - Cruise7 steps
| 01 | ThrottleSETNOTE: Maximum recommended cruise is 181 MPH (157 kts) at 75 percent power at 7,000 ft, 2,400 RPM and 22.6 inHg, burning about 14 GPH. | |
| 02 | PropSETNOTE: Cruise RPM of 2,000 to 2,400 with the appropriate manifold pressure gives 65 to 75 percent power. For minimum fuel burn use the lowest RPM and the manifold pressure needed for the chosen power. | |
| 03 | MixtureLEAN AS REQUIREDNOTE: Always lean above 5,000 ft, and at lower altitudes at the pilot's discretion. On the EDM engine analyser best power is generally 40 to 50 degF rich of peak. | |
| 04 | Fuel PumpVERIFY OFF | |
| 05 | Fuel PressureCHECK | |
| 06 | Engine GaugesCHECKCAUTION: Do not cruise with carb heat on unless carburettor icing is severe - it costs power and performance. Apply heat slowly and only for a few seconds at intervals. | |
| 07 | Fuel ManagementALTERNATE TANKSNOTE: Use fuel alternately from each tank to keep the aeroplane in lateral trim. If tip tanks are fitted, use the tip tank fuel first. |
PHS 10 - Approach12 steps
| 01 | Autopilot MasterOFF | |
| 02 | Fuel PumpON | |
| 03 | Fuel SelectorsDESIRED TANK | |
| 04 | Fuel LevelsCHECK | |
| 05 | Fuel PressureCHECK | |
| 06 | MixtureRICHNOTE: Lean as required if the airport elevation is above 4,000 ft. | |
| 07 | PropFULL FORWARDNOTE: Set full forward for high RPM to make a go-around possible. | |
| 08 | Carb HeatAS REQUIREDCAUTION: Carburettor heat is generally not applied during landing unless icing is suspected. If a landing is aborted move it to OFF immediately when full power is wanted. | |
| 09 | Airspeed120 MPH (104 KTS) | |
| 10 | GearDOWNNOTE: Gear extension is permitted up to 150 MPH, but loads on the extension motor and gear doors are much lower slower, so normally extend below 125 MPH (108 kts). | |
| 11 | FlapsAS DESIREDNOTE: Flaps may be lowered at 125 MPH but below 100 MPH (87 kts) is recommended. | |
| 12 | G.U.M.P.CHECK |
PHS 11 - Landing3 steps
| 01 | Gear Indicator LampGREEN | |
| 02 | FlapsDOWNNOTE: If windy, flaps as required and add 5 MPH. In strong crosswinds it may be better to approach faster with partial or no flap. | |
| 03 | Airspeed90 MPH (78 KTS)NOTE: Trim to approximately 90 MPH with full flaps or approximately 95 MPH (83 kts) with no flaps. Stall speed is 64 MPH in the landing configuration and 71 MPH clean. Maximum demonstrated crosswind 17 kts. |
PHS 12 - After Landing5 steps
| 01 | FlapsUPNOTE: Maximum braking on a short field is obtained with flaps up and full back pressure on the control wheel while braking. | |
| 02 | StrobesOFF | |
| 03 | Fuel PumpOFF | |
| 04 | MixtureLEAN AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | TrimNEUTRAL |
PHS 13 - Shutdown11 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | RadiosOFF | |
| 03 | TransponderOFF | |
| 04 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 05 | Master SwitchOFF | |
| 06 | ThrottleCLOSED | |
| 07 | MixtureIDLE CUTOFF | |
| 08 | MagnetosOFF | |
| 09 | Control WheelSECURE | |
| 10 | Doors / WindowsCLOSED | |
| 11 | Tie-DownsSECURE |