Bell 407MSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 140 steps
Bell 407
MSFS 2024 - 0/140 STEPS
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AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Bell 407 is a single-engine light utility helicopter derived from the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger but featuring the four-blade composite rotor system from the military OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Certified in 1996, it offers significantly improved performance, reduced vibration, and a wider cabin compared to its predecessor. Over 1,600 have been delivered worldwide for corporate, utility, EMS, and law enforcement operations.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerBell Helicopter (Nemeth Designs)
first Flight1995
roleLight utility helicopter
crew1–2 pilots + 5 passengers
engines1x Rolls-Royce 250-C47B (813 shp)
max Speed259 km/h (140 kts)
range611 km (330 nmi)
ceiling18,500 ft
weight2,381 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning9 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefingNOTE: Define mission type, duration, landing zones, and crew roles. | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Winds Aloft)WARNING: Wind is critical for helicopter ops. Check surface winds, gusts, and wind shear at all LZs.NOTE: Crosswind limit: 17 kts. Tailwind limit for takeoff/landing: 10 kts. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for TFRs, restricted areas, heliport closures, and obstacle advisories along route. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Hover Time Included)NOTE: Fuel capacity 131 US gal. Plan for cruise burn, hover time at LZs, and 20-minute VFR reserve. Typical cruise burn ~55 GPH. | CALCULATED | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / PayloadCAUTION: MTOW 5,250 lbs (2,381 kg). Verify CG is within forward and aft limits. Cargo placement affects CG significantly.NOTE: Check baggage compartment loading and passenger seating arrangement. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 06 | Performance Planning (Density Altitude / Hover Ceiling)WARNING: High density altitude drastically reduces hover ceiling and climb performance. Verify IGE/OGE hover capability at destination LZs.NOTE: Check power available vs. power required charts for planned conditions. | CALCULATED | |
| 07 | Route / Landing Zone SurveyNOTE: Check LZ dimensions, obstacles, approach/departure paths, and surface type. Identify abort points along route. | REVIEWED | |
| 08 | Radio Frequencies & NavigationNOTE: Record ATIS, tower, ground, approach, CTAF/UNICOM, and company frequencies for all planned stops. | NOTED | |
| 09 | GSX - Fuel TruckNOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Note: GSX fuel support varies by airport and helipad. | REFUEL COMPLETE |
PHS 2 — Cockpit Preparation / Before Start16 steps
| 01 | CollectiveNOTE: Ensure twist grip throttle is in full OFF / idle cutoff position. | FULL DOWN AND LOCKED | |
| 02 | Cyclic | CENTERED | |
| 03 | Pedals | NEUTRAL | |
| 04 | Parking BrakeNOTE: If equipped. Verify wheels are chocked. | SET | |
| 05 | Battery Switch | ON | |
| 06 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches planned fuel load. | CHECK - ADEQUATE FOR FLIGHT | |
| 07 | Generator SwitchNOTE: Will be turned on after engine start. | OFF | |
| 08 | Avionics Master | OFF | |
| 09 | All Electrical Equipment | OFF | |
| 10 | Fuel Valve | ON | |
| 11 | Governor SwitchNOTE: Will be activated after rotor RPM stabilizes. | OFF | |
| 12 | Circuit BreakersCAUTION: Check every breaker. Do not reset a tripped breaker without investigating the cause. | ALL IN | |
| 13 | Caution / Warning PanelNOTE: Press to test. All lights should illuminate then extinguish. | TEST AND CHECK | |
| 14 | Beacon / Anti-Collision LightCAUTION: Turn on before engine start to warn ground personnel. | ON | |
| 15 | Doors and Cowlings | CLOSED AND SECURED | |
| 16 | Rotor AreaWARNING: Visually confirm no persons, vehicles, or debris near rotor disc. | CLEAR |
PHS 3 — Engine Start9 steps
| 01 | Throttle (Twist Grip)WARNING: Throttle must be at idle cutoff before engaging starter. Starting with throttle advanced can cause hot start or overtorque. | IDLE CUTOFF (Full Aft) | |
| 02 | Starter ButtonNOTE: Hold starter until N1/Ng reaches 15%. Release at light-off. | PRESS AND HOLD | |
| 03 | N1/NgNOTE: Ng should accelerate smoothly through 15-20% at light-off. | MONITOR - INCREASING | |
| 04 | TOT (Turbine Outlet Temperature)WARNING: Max start TOT: 927°C for 10 seconds. If exceeded, abort start immediately - motor to cool.NOTE: Normal start peak ~650-750°C. Watch for hot start indications. | MONITOR - RISING | |
| 05 | Oil PressureWARNING: If no oil pressure indication within 30 seconds of light-off, abort start and shut down. | CHECK - RISING | |
| 06 | Ng Stabilizing at IdleNOTE: Allow engine to stabilize at ground idle before advancing throttle. | 58-65% Ng | |
| 07 | TOT at IdleCAUTION: Continuous TOT limit is 727°C. Monitor throughout operations. | CHECK - STABILIZED BELOW 727°C | |
| 08 | Throttle (Twist Grip)CAUTION: Advance throttle smoothly over 5-10 seconds. Rapid throttle movement can cause compressor stall.NOTE: Nr (rotor RPM) will begin to build as throttle advances. | SLOWLY ADVANCE TO FLIGHT IDLE | |
| 09 | Nr (Rotor RPM)WARNING: Do not allow Nr to exceed 100% with governor off.NOTE: 100% Nr = 413 RPM. Normal operating range 97-100%. | MONITOR - BUILDING TO 100% |
PHS 4 — Post-Start / Systems Check15 steps
| 01 | Generator SwitchNOTE: Verify generator is online and charging. | ON | |
| 02 | Generator / Electrical LoadNOTE: Verify ammeter shows charging. No caution lights. | CHECK - NORMAL | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Ng: 58-65% idle. TOT: below 727°C. Oil pressure: 90-130 PSI. Oil temp: rising. | CHECK - ALL GREEN | |
| 04 | Oil PressureWARNING: Pressure outside 90-130 PSI range requires investigation. Below 60 PSI - shut down immediately. | 90-130 PSI | |
| 05 | Oil Temperature | CHECK - RISING TOWARD GREEN ARC | |
| 06 | Hydraulic Switch | ON | |
| 07 | Hydraulic PressureCAUTION: Low hydraulic pressure will make flight controls very heavy. Do not fly without hydraulics unless emergency. | CHECK - NORMAL | |
| 08 | Governor SwitchNOTE: Governor maintains Nr at 100%. Verify Nr stabilizes. | ON | |
| 09 | Nr (Rotor RPM)NOTE: Governor should hold Nr at 100% (413 RPM). Range 97-100% is normal. | 100% - STABILIZED | |
| 10 | Caution / Warning PanelCAUTION: Investigate any illuminated caution or warning lights before proceeding. | ALL CLEAR | |
| 11 | Avionics Master | ON | |
| 12 | Avionics / RadiosNOTE: Tune COM/NAV frequencies. Set transponder code. Verify GPS initialization. | SET AND CHECKED | |
| 13 | Altimeter | SET TO FIELD ELEVATION OR QNH | |
| 14 | Heading Indicator | SET TO COMPASS HEADING | |
| 15 | Fuel Quantity | RECHECK - CONFIRMS PRE-START |
PHS 5 — Before Taxi / Hover Check11 steps
| 01 | Flight Controls - CyclicCAUTION: With hydraulics on, controls should feel light and responsive.NOTE: Move cyclic full range in all directions. Check for binding or restriction. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 02 | Flight Controls - CollectiveNOTE: Move collective through full range. Throttle correlator should adjust engine power. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 03 | Flight Controls - PedalsNOTE: Full pedal travel both directions. Tail rotor pitch should respond. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 04 | Trim | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 05 | Parking Brake | RELEASED | |
| 06 | Hover Check - Raise Collective SlowlyCAUTION: Watch for ground resonance - if vibration builds, either land immediately or take off to a hover.NOTE: Come to a steady 3-5 ft hover. Check for unusual vibrations. | LIGHT ON SKIDS | |
| 07 | Torque at HoverNOTE: Record hover torque for performance comparison with planning data. | NOTE HOVER TORQUE | |
| 08 | Engine Instruments in HoverWARNING: TOT must remain below 779°C (takeoff limit). Torque within limits. | CHECK - ALL GREEN | |
| 09 | Governor - NrNOTE: Governor should maintain Nr. If Nr droops excessively, power margin may be insufficient. | 97-100% | |
| 10 | Caution / Warning Panel in Hover | ALL CLEAR | |
| 11 | Pedal AuthorityNOTE: Verify sufficient pedal margin for anti-torque in all wind conditions. | CHECK - ADEQUATE BOTH DIRECTIONS |
PHS 6 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Taxi ClearanceNOTE: At towered fields, request hover taxi clearance. At non-towered, announce intentions on CTAF. | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | Navigation Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Landing LightNOTE: Aids visibility to other traffic during ground operations. | ON | |
| 04 | Hover Taxi SpeedCAUTION: Maintain slow taxi speed. Avoid downwind taxi turns - loss of tail rotor effectiveness possible. | WALKING PACE OR BELOW | |
| 05 | Hover HeightNOTE: Stay in ground effect during taxi for efficiency. | 3-5 FEET AGL | |
| 06 | Instruments During TaxiNOTE: Scan engine instruments and Nr periodically during taxi. | MONITOR |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Takeoff Clearance / Intentions | OBTAINED OR ANNOUNCED | |
| 02 | Departure PathWARNING: Verify departure route is clear. Identify abort points and forced landing areas. | CLEAR OF OBSTACLES | |
| 03 | Wind CheckNOTE: Position into wind for takeoff when possible. Note any crosswind component. | NOTED | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments | ALL GREEN | |
| 05 | Nr | 100% | |
| 06 | Torque AvailableCAUTION: Verify power margin above hover torque is adequate for climb. | CHECK - SUFFICIENT FOR DEPARTURE | |
| 07 | Doors | CLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 08 | Passengers / CrewNOTE: Ensure all occupants are secured and briefed on emergency procedures. | BELTS FASTENED - BRIEFED | |
| 09 | Transponder | ALT (Mode C or S) |
PHS 8 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | CollectiveNOTE: Apply collective to establish a climb. Use pedals to maintain heading. | INCREASE SMOOTHLY | |
| 02 | Anti-Torque PedalsNOTE: Left pedal input required as collective increases to counter main rotor torque. | ADJUST TO MAINTAIN HEADING | |
| 03 | CyclicNOTE: Transition through translational lift (15-24 kts). Expect some vibration and increased efficiency. | FORWARD - ESTABLISH CLIMB ATTITUDE | |
| 04 | Translational LiftNOTE: Aircraft will gain additional lift efficiency. Adjust cyclic for climb attitude. | PASSING THROUGH 15-24 KTS | |
| 05 | AirspeedNOTE: Vy ~60 KIAS for best rate of climb. | ACCELERATE TO 60 KIAS (BEST RATE OF CLIMB) | |
| 06 | Torque / TOTWARNING: Takeoff TOT limit: 779°C. Max continuous torque: 100%. Do not exceed. | MONITOR - WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 07 | NrNOTE: Governor should maintain rotor RPM in normal range. | 97-100% | |
| 08 | Clear of ObstaclesCAUTION: Maintain obstacle clearance awareness throughout departure. | CONFIRMED |
PHS 9 — Climb7 steps
| 01 | AirspeedNOTE: Best rate of climb: 60 KIAS. Best angle of climb: 45 KIAS. | 60 KIAS (BEST RATE) OR AS DESIRED | |
| 02 | Torque | SET FOR CLIMB - WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 03 | TOTCAUTION: Reduce to continuous limit (727°C) within 5 minutes of takeoff. | BELOW 779°C (5-min takeoff limit) | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR - ALL GREEN | |
| 05 | Nr | 97-100% | |
| 06 | Altimeter | CHECK - INCREASING | |
| 07 | Heading / Navigation | ON COURSE |
PHS 10 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Level Off at Cruise Altitude | COLLECTIVE - ADJUST FOR LEVEL FLIGHT | |
| 02 | AirspeedWARNING: Vne: 140 KIAS. Never exceed.NOTE: Max cruise ~133 KIAS. Economy cruise ~120 KIAS. | SET CRUISE - UP TO 133 KIAS | |
| 03 | Torque / PowerNOTE: Adjust collective for desired airspeed. Typical cruise torque 70-85%. | SET FOR CRUISE | |
| 04 | TOT | BELOW 727°C (CONTINUOUS LIMIT) | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Ng continuous max: 105%. Oil pressure: 90-130 PSI. | SCAN - ALL GREEN | |
| 06 | NrNOTE: Governor maintaining rotor RPM. | 100% | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Cross-check fuel remaining against flight plan. | MONITOR - ADEQUATE | |
| 08 | Navigation / GPS | ON COURSE - VERIFIED | |
| 09 | Radio CallsNOTE: Position reports, ATC communications, or CTAF calls. | AS REQUIRED |
PHS 11 — Descent / Approach8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Weather at Destination | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET TO LOCAL QNH | |
| 03 | Approach Clearance / CTAF Call | OBTAINED OR ANNOUNCED | |
| 04 | Airspeed - DescentNOTE: Begin gradual descent. Avoid high rate of descent approaches. | REDUCE - 80-100 KIAS | |
| 05 | CollectiveNOTE: Manage descent rate with collective. Avoid low-G pushovers. | LOWER SMOOTHLY TO DESCEND | |
| 06 | LZ / HelipadCAUTION: Survey the landing zone for obstacles, wires, slope, and surface conditions. | IDENTIFIED - OBSTACLES NOTED | |
| 07 | Wind at LZNOTE: Determine wind direction from windsock, smoke, or surface indicators. | CHECK - PLAN INTO-WIND APPROACH | |
| 08 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR - ALL GREEN |
PHS 12 — Before Landing6 steps
| 01 | Landing Light | ON | |
| 02 | Airspeed - Final ApproachNOTE: Decelerate on approach. Transition to slow flight / hover. | REDUCE TO 40-60 KIAS | |
| 03 | LZ ClearWARNING: Verify no persons, vehicles, or FOD in the landing area. | CONFIRMED | |
| 04 | Approach AngleCAUTION: Maintain safe approach angle. Avoid settling with power (vortex ring state) - do not descend vertically at high rate. | NORMAL - AVOID STEEP APPROACH | |
| 05 | Power / TorqueNOTE: Ensure sufficient power margin for go-around if needed. | ADEQUATE - MONITOR | |
| 06 | Nr | 97-100% |
PHS 13 — Landing5 steps
| 01 | Terminate to HoverNOTE: Bring aircraft to a steady hover over intended landing point. | 3-5 FEET - STABILIZED | |
| 02 | PedalsNOTE: Maintain heading with pedals. | HEADING INTO WIND | |
| 03 | CollectiveCAUTION: On slopes, use proper slope landing technique. Max slope: 6 degrees.NOTE: Reduce collective smoothly for gentle touchdown. Land level on both skids. | LOWER SLOWLY - TOUCHDOWN | |
| 04 | TouchdownNOTE: Verify aircraft is stable on the surface. | SMOOTH - BOTH SKIDS | |
| 05 | Collective | FULL DOWN AFTER LANDING |
PHS 14 — After Landing5 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET (IF EQUIPPED AND ON WHEELS) | |
| 02 | Transponder | STANDBY | |
| 03 | Landing / Taxi Lights | OFF | |
| 04 | Navigation Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | AvionicsNOTE: If shutting down, proceed to shutdown checklist. If remaining at idle, monitor instruments. | AS REQUIRED |
PHS 15 — Shutdown / Securing17 steps
| 01 | Avionics Master | OFF | |
| 02 | All Electrical EquipmentNOTE: Turn off radios, GPS, lights, and accessories. | OFF | |
| 03 | Governor Switch | OFF | |
| 04 | Throttle (Twist Grip)CAUTION: Reduce throttle smoothly. Monitor TOT during rollback.NOTE: Allow engine to cool at idle for 2 minutes before shutdown if high power was used recently. | SLOWLY ROLL TO IDLE CUTOFF | |
| 05 | NrWARNING: Keep collective full down during rotor deceleration. Do not apply cyclic or pedal inputs. | MONITOR - DECREASING | |
| 06 | TOT | DECREASING | |
| 07 | Fuel Valve | OFF | |
| 08 | Ng / N1 | DECREASING TO ZERO | |
| 09 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Wait until rotor has fully stopped before opening doors. | OFF | |
| 10 | Generator Switch | OFF | |
| 11 | Beacon / Anti-Collision Light | OFF | |
| 12 | Rotor Brake (If Equipped)NOTE: Apply rotor brake gently to stop rotor. Do not apply at high RPM. | APPLY BELOW 50% Nr | |
| 13 | Wait for Rotor StopWARNING: Do not exit aircraft or allow passengers to deplane until rotor is completely stopped. | ROTOR FULLY STOPPED | |
| 14 | Collective | FULL DOWN - FRICTION SET | |
| 15 | Cyclic | CENTERED - FRICTION SET | |
| 16 | Tiedowns / Blade RestraintsNOTE: Secure main rotor blades and tail rotor. Install pitot cover and engine inlet covers. | INSTALLED | |
| 17 | Log Flight Time and DiscrepanciesNOTE: Note Hobbs/tach time, fuel remaining, and any maintenance items. | RECORDED |