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MSFS 2024 · Airliner
ATR 72-600 Startup Checklist
ATR 72-600 Startup Notes
The ATR has no APU, and that shapes the whole start. Instead it uses Hotel Mode: engine 2 is started with the propeller brake engaged, so the turbine spins and supplies electrical power and bleed air while the prop stays stopped. That means the very first engine start happens at the gate, long before pushback. Once you are ready to go, engine 1 is started normally, then the prop brake is released to bring engine 2's propeller to life.
The classic mistake is hunting the overhead for an APU switch that does not exist. The second is prop brake discipline: starting engine 2 without the brake engaged defeats Hotel Mode, and forgetting to release it before taxi leaves the right prop frozen while you add power. Watch the condition levers too; they have their own gates for start and feather, and moving them like jet thrust levers is a quick way to a bad start.
Common mistakes
- Searching for an APU that the ATR does not have
- Starting engine 2 without the prop brake engaged
- Taxiing with the prop brake still set
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
ATR 72-600MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 136 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning7 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check current conditions and forecast at departure, enroute, and destination airports. Operator normal checklist note: when entering icing conditions (TAT 7 deg C or below with visible moisture) the icing procedures and speeds must be applied and carefully monitored. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, nav-aid outages, and airspace restrictions along route. | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: Typical burn ~1,200 kg/hr per engine. Plan for trip fuel + alternate + 45-minute reserve. | |
| 04 | Weight & BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: EASA TCDS EASA.A.084: ATR 72-212A certified masses depend on the modification and weight variant fitted. MTOW ranges 22,000 to 23,000 kg, MLW 21,850 to 22,350 kg, MZFW 20,000 to 21,000 kg. A common -600 build (Mod 5555 / WV40) is MTOW 22,800 kg, MLW 22,350 kg, MZFW 20,800 kg. Verify CG within envelope. | |
| 05 | Takeoff & Landing PerformanceCALCULATEDNOTE: Account for elevation, temperature, and wind. ATR is optimized for short regional runways. | |
| 06 | OFP / Flight PlanREVIEWED & LOADEDNOTE: Verify route, alternates, RVSM requirements, and step climb plan in FMS. | |
| 07 | ATIS / D-ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Record active runway, wind, QNH, and temperature. |
PHS 2 - Cockpit Preparation15 steps
| 01 | Battery 1 / Battery 2ONWARNING: Do not start ground power or APU before batteries are confirmed ON. | |
| 02 | Emergency Exit LightsARM | |
| 03 | External Power (GPU)CONNECTED / ONNOTE: Use GPU before APU start to preserve fuel. | |
| 04 | Overhead PanelCHECKEDNOTE: Verify all lights extinguished except those normally illuminated. | |
| 05 | Avionics / ADIRUON - ALIGNINGNOTE: Allow full 10-minute alignment if cold. Do not taxi during alignment. | |
| 06 | Standby InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 07 | Radios & FrequenciesSETNOTE: Pre-set departure ATIS, ground, and tower frequencies. | |
| 08 | FMS / FMC RoutePROGRAMMED & VERIFIEDNOTE: Enter route, SID, cruise altitude, and fuel data. Cross-check pilot and co-pilot FMS. | |
| 09 | Performance Data (V-speeds)COMPUTED & SETNOTE: Enter V1, Vr, V2 based on TOW, runway, and temperature. | |
| 10 | AltimetersSET TO QNHNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters with ATIS QNH. | |
| 11 | Fuel QuantityCHECKEDNOTE: Verify total fuel matches planned load on fuel gauges. | |
| 12 | Fuel Cross-Feed ValveCLOSED | |
| 13 | Fire Warning TestTESTED - OK | |
| 14 | ATPCS Static TestPERFORMEDNOTE: The ATPCS static test is called for in the Preliminary Cockpit Preparation section of the ATR 72-600 SOP and checks the auto take off power control system before flight. A separate ATPCS dynamic test is called for in the Daily Checks section at the end of the last sector of the day. | |
| 15 | Oxygen SupplyCHECKEDNOTE: Crew oxygen pressure minimum 1,800 psi. |
PHS 3 - Before Start8 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | DoorsCLOSED & LOCKEDWARNING: All doors must show closed and locked before engine start. | |
| 03 | Seat Belts / No Smoking SignsON | |
| 04 | Prop / Ground ClearanceCHECKEDWARNING: ATR has large propellers - confirm ground crew and equipment are clear. | |
| 05 | Fuel PumpsAUTO / ON | |
| 06 | Engine Fire GuardsARMED | |
| 07 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 08 | Start ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 4 - Engine Start10 steps
| 01 | Engine 2 - StartINITIATEDNOTE: Start engine 2 first (right engine). Select ENG 2 START on overhead. | |
| 02 | Ng (Gas Generator) RisingCONFIRMEDNOTE: Ng should rise steadily. ITT should not exceed 870 deg C during start. | |
| 03 | Power Lever 2GROUND IDLENOTE: Move to ground idle when Ng > 60% and ITT stabilized. | |
| 04 | Engine 2 ParametersSTABLENOTE: Verify oil pressure, ITT, Ng, Np within normal green bands. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 - StartINITIATEDNOTE: Start engine 1 using the same procedure. | |
| 06 | Power Lever 1GROUND IDLE | |
| 07 | Engine 1 ParametersSTABLE | |
| 08 | Bleed Air / Air ConditioningCONFIGUREDNOTE: Select packs ON once both engines are running. | |
| 09 | GPU / External PowerDISCONNECTED | |
| 10 | Generator 1 & 2ON |
PHS 5 - After Start / Pre-Taxi11 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full deflection check - verify controls move freely and in correct sense. | |
| 02 | Elevator TrimSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Set trim to calculated takeoff position based on CG. | |
| 03 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Typically 15 deg for normal takeoff. Verify flap indicator. | |
| 04 | Propeller Speed100% (1,020 RPM)NOTE: Ensure prop levers are at maximum RPM for takeoff. | |
| 05 | ATPCS PushbuttonPRESSED INNOTE: ATPCS is the auto take off power control system (autofeather plus uptrim). It only arms when all four conditions are met together: PWR MGT selector in TO, ATPCS pushbutton pressed in, both engine torques above 46.2 percent, and both power lever angles above 49 degrees. The green ARM light therefore comes on during the take off roll, not on stand. | |
| 06 | PWR MGT SelectorTONOTE: The power management selector must be in TO for the ATPCS to arm. Moving the selector out of TO is one of the three actions that cancels a triggered ATPCS sequence. | |
| 07 | PressurisationSETNOTE: Set destination field elevation. Verify cabin rate. | |
| 08 | Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Select engine and wing anti-ice ON if SAT below 5 deg C and visible moisture. | |
| 09 | LightsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Taxi lights ON, strobes OFF until line up. | |
| 10 | Brake PressureNORMAL | |
| 11 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 6 - Taxi8 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | Brakes TestCHECKEDNOTE: Apply brakes briefly to confirm normal braking response. | |
| 03 | Taxi SpeedCONTROLLED - MAX 20 KTSNOTE: Prop wash and propeller arc require wider turning radius and greater separation. | |
| 04 | TransponderTA/RA | |
| 05 | Nose Wheel SteeringCHECKEDNOTE: Verify positive steering response. | |
| 06 | Take Off Briefing (PF)PERFORMNOTE: Normally a brief confirmation of the departure briefing made at the parking bay, covering any change of runway or SID, standard calls, single engine procedure, acceleration altitude and departure clearance. For a significant failure before V1 the Captain calls STOP and takes the stop actions; above V1 the take off is continued and no action is taken except on Captain command. | |
| 07 | Cabin Report (CM1)OBTAIN FROM CABIN ATTENDANT | |
| 08 | Taxi ChecklistCOMPLETEDNOTE: Sterile cockpit applies during taxi, take off, landing and all operations below 5,000 ft except cruise. |
PHS 7 - Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Flaps15 (CONFIRMED)NOTE: Verify flap handle position and flap indicator agree. | |
| 02 | Elevator TrimSET (CONFIRMED) | |
| 03 | Propellers100% - BLUE ARC | |
| 04 | ATPCS PushbuttonINCAUTION: The green ATPCS ARM light will not illuminate until take off power is set. It is checked and announced during the take off roll, not here. | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeRELEASED | |
| 06 | V-Speeds ReviewedV1 / Vr / V2 CONFIRMEDNOTE: Computed for the actual weight, runway, temperature and configuration. The take off briefing also confirms the ATPCS OFF (inoperative) take off weight. | |
| 07 | Tailwind ComponentWITHIN LIMITCAUTION: Tailwind limitation 15 kt, based on AFM 2.03.02. Do not operate the cargo door with a crosswind component of 45 kt or more (AFM 2.05.07). | |
| 08 | Cabin CrewREADYNOTE: Receive cabin secure confirmation. | |
| 09 | LightsLANDING + STROBE ON | |
| 10 | Takeoff ClearanceRECEIVED |
PHS 8 - Takeoff15 steps
| 01 | CM1 - "TAKE OFF AT XX:XX, V1 XXX"ANNOUNCE | |
| 02 | CM1 - BrakesRELEASED | |
| 03 | CM1 - PL 1 + 2SET IN THE NOTCHNOTE: The ATR has no TOGA detent. Take off power is set by placing both power levers in the notch with the PWR MGT selector in TO. | |
| 04 | CM1 - FMAANNOUNCE THEN CHECK | |
| 05 | CM2 - "ATPCS ARM"CHECK THEN ANNOUNCEWARNING: ATR OEB 2759: the ATPCS must be checked armed and announced. If it is not armed while both power levers are in the notch, or if the ATPCS arms and disarms intermittently, the take off must be interrupted, as for any other anomaly during the take off run. | |
| 06 | CM2 - Engine ParametersCHECKNOTE: Parameters should be obtained at around 60 kt. Actual TQ - MATCH T.O BUG (adjust the power levers if needed to obtain take off torque). RTO BUG - CHECK. NP - approximately 100 percent (-0.6 / +0.8 percent). ITT - CHECK. | |
| 07 | CM2 - TO INHIBCHECK | |
| 08 | CM2 - "POWER SET"ANNOUNCE | |
| 09 | At 70 kt - CM2 - "SEVENTY KNOTS"ANNOUNCENOTE: CM1 cross checks the speed on the PFD and cross checks against the IESI. Non-essential warnings are inhibited from 70 kt until 1,500 ft or 2 minutes after lift off, whichever comes first. | |
| 10 | Transfer of ControlANNOUNCENOTE: If CM1 becomes PF, CM1 announces only "I HAVE CONTROL". If CM2 becomes PF, CM1 announces "YOU HAVE CONTROL" and CM2 answers "I HAVE CONTROL". | |
| 11 | PM - "V1"ANNOUNCECAUTION: The V1 call has precedence over any other call. Above V1 the take off must be continued, because it may not be possible to stop on the remaining runway. | |
| 12 | At VR - PM - "ROTATE"ANNOUNCE | |
| 13 | PF - RotationPERFORMNOTE: Rotate smoothly and follow the FD bar. | |
| 14 | Positive ClimbCONFIRMED | |
| 15 | Landing GearUP |
PHS 9 - Climb7 steps
| 01 | At V2 + 10 ktsFLAPS RETRACTNOTE: Retract flaps from 15 to 0 as climb speed increases. | |
| 02 | Climb Power / Acceleration AltitudeSET AT ACCELERATION ALTITUDENOTE: Acceleration altitude is confirmed in the take off briefing. The PWR MGT selector positions used by the cited ATR procedures are TO for take off and MCT for maximum continuous. After a failure, no actions apart from memory items and no checklists are carried out before acceleration altitude is reached. | |
| 03 | Autopilot / Flight DirectorENGAGEDNOTE: Engage AP once established in positive climb above 200 ft. | |
| 04 | Climb Speed170 KIAS (250 KIAS BELOW FL100)NOTE: Optimal climb speed 170 KCAS up to cruise altitude. | |
| 05 | Landing LightsOFF (ABOVE 10,000 FT) | |
| 06 | Transition AltitudeALTIMETERS SET TO STD (1013 hPa)NOTE: At or above transition altitude, set both altimeters to 1013.25 hPa. | |
| 07 | Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Monitor OAT and visible moisture. ATR approved for flight into known icing above -40 deg C. |
PHS 10 - Cruise6 steps
| 01 | Cruise LevelESTABLISHEDNOTE: ATR 72-600 typical cruise FL170-FL200. Max certified altitude FL250. | |
| 02 | Cruise PowerSET - ~1,000 SHP PER ENGINENOTE: Adjust torque for desired cruise speed. Max cruise ~275 KTAS. | |
| 03 | Fuel BalanceCHECKEDNOTE: Max fuel imbalance 280 kg. Open crossfeed if required. | |
| 04 | PressurizationCHECKEDNOTE: Cabin altitude should be below 6,500 ft. Differential pressure normal. | |
| 05 | FMS ProgressMONITOREDNOTE: Check fuel predictions vs actuals at each waypoint. | |
| 06 | Position ReportAS REQUIRED |
PHS 11 - Descent6 steps
| 01 | Destination ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Record active runway, wind, QNH, ceiling and visibility. | |
| 02 | AltimetersSET TO DESTINATION QNH (AT TRANSITION LEVEL) | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief approach type, minima, missed approach, and landing runway. | |
| 04 | FMS ApproachSELECTED & REVIEWED | |
| 05 | Descent Speed250 KIAS (BELOW FL100)NOTE: Manage descent rate to arrive at FAF at approach speed. | |
| 06 | Landing PerformanceCALCULATEDNOTE: Compute Vref and landing distance for current weight, wind, and runway. |
PHS 12 - Approach10 steps
| 01 | Seat Belt SignON | |
| 02 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | SpeedBELOW 250 KIAS / 200 KIAS AT FL100 | |
| 04 | Flaps15 DEG (BELOW 185 KIAS) | |
| 05 | Landing GearDOWN (BELOW 200 KIAS)NOTE: Three greens confirmed. | |
| 06 | FlapsFULL 30 DEGNOTE: Select full flap for normal landing. Verify indicator. | |
| 07 | AutofeatherARMED | |
| 08 | Vapp113-120 KIAS (WEIGHT DEPENDENT)NOTE: Maintain Vapp (+5/-0) on final. Stabilized by 500 ft. | |
| 09 | Landing LightsON | |
| 10 | Approach ChecklistCOMPLETE |
PHS 13 - Landing7 steps
| 01 | Final ApproachSTABLE - SPEED / GLIDEPATH CONFIRMEDCAUTION: Decide GO AROUND if the aircraft is not stabilized in flight path, configuration and speed at 500 ft.NOTE: Maintain the standard 3 degree final approach slope and final VAPP until the "20 ft" call on the radio altimeter. | |
| 02 | At "20 FT" Call (PM) - FlareREDUCE TO FI AND FLARE VISUALLYNOTE: 20 ft leaves ample time for flare control from a standard 3 degree final slope. Airspeed necessarily decreases during the flare, giving a touchdown speed 5 to 10 kt below the stabilized approach speed. | |
| 03 | Power LeversGROUND IDLE THEN REVERSEWARNING: In a bounce, never push the control column forward and do not try to land. Perform a go around immediately: GA pitch, set power, flaps one notch when speed is above Vga.NOTE: Move to ground idle after touchdown. Select reverse as required. | |
| 04 | Propeller ReverseAS REQUIREDNOTE: ATR 72 propellers provide very effective beta range braking. | |
| 05 | BrakesAPPLY AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | SpeedREDUCE TO TAXI SPEED | |
| 07 | Power LeversFORWARD OF GROUND IDLE (GROUND IDLE)NOTE: Return power levers from reverse to ground idle before reaching slow taxi speed. |
PHS 14 - After Landing6 steps
| 01 | Landing LightsOFF (AS REQUIRED) | |
| 02 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 03 | FlapsUP / RETRACTED | |
| 04 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 05 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 06 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 15 - Shutdown10 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | GPU / External PowerCONNECTED (IF AVAILABLE) | |
| 03 | Engine 1 - Condition LeverFTR THEN FUEL SONOTE: The ATR condition lever gates are 100% OVRD, AUTO, FTR (feather) and FUEL SO (fuel shut off). Feather first, then move to fuel shut off. | |
| 04 | Engine 2 - Condition LeverFTR THEN FUEL SO | |
| 05 | EnginesOFF - Ng TO ZERO | |
| 06 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 07 | Seat Belt SignOFF | |
| 08 | AvionicsOFF | |
| 09 | All ElectricalOFF | |
| 10 | BatteriesOFF |