MSFS 2024 · Rotary
Bell 407 Startup Checklist
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Bell 407 Startup Notes
The 407's Rolls-Royce 250-C47B is FADEC controlled, which makes this one of the friendlier turbine helicopter starts. Battery on, FADEC in AUTO, throttle full closed, then press the start button and roll the throttle to the idle detent as NG rises. The FADEC schedules fuel through light-off and provides hot start protection, but you still watch MGT the whole way. Keep the starter engaged until NG is self-sustaining, then let everything stabilize at idle before rolling up to 100 percent.
The big mistake is treating this like a Bell 206 and modulating the throttle during light-off. In AUTO mode the throttle goes to the idle detent and stays there; rolling past idle mid-start is the classic error. Others include releasing the starter too early, which can hang the start, and skipping the battery voltage check so there is not enough cranking power. Roll to idle, hold the starter, watch MGT and NG, and resist the urge to help.
Common mistakes
- Rolling the throttle past the idle detent during start
- Releasing the starter before NG is self-sustaining
- Ignoring MGT during light-off despite FADEC protection
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Bell 407MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 140 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning9 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Define mission type, duration, landing zones, and crew roles. | |
| 02 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Winds Aloft)REVIEWEDWARNING: 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. | |
| 03 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for TFRs, restricted areas, heliport closures, and obstacle advisories along route. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Hover Time Included)CALCULATEDNOTE: Fuel capacity 131 US gal. Plan for cruise burn, hover time at LZs, and 20-minute VFR reserve. Typical cruise burn ~55 GPH. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / PayloadWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: 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. | |
| 06 | Performance Planning (Density Altitude / Hover Ceiling)CALCULATEDWARNING: 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. | |
| 07 | Route / Landing Zone SurveyREVIEWEDNOTE: Check LZ dimensions, obstacles, approach/departure paths, and surface type. Identify abort points along route. | |
| 08 | Radio Frequencies & NavigationNOTEDNOTE: Record ATIS, tower, ground, approach, CTAF/UNICOM, and company frequencies for all planned stops. | |
| 09 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Note: GSX fuel support varies by airport and helipad. |
PHS 2 — Cockpit Preparation / Before Start16 steps
| 01 | CollectiveFULL DOWN AND LOCKEDNOTE: Ensure twist grip throttle is in full OFF / idle cutoff position. | |
| 02 | CyclicCENTERED | |
| 03 | PedalsNEUTRAL | |
| 04 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: If equipped. Verify wheels are chocked. | |
| 05 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 06 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - ADEQUATE FOR FLIGHTNOTE: Verify fuel quantity matches planned fuel load. | |
| 07 | Generator SwitchOFFNOTE: Will be turned on after engine start. | |
| 08 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 09 | All Electrical EquipmentOFF | |
| 10 | Fuel ValveON | |
| 11 | Governor SwitchOFFNOTE: Will be activated after rotor RPM stabilizes. | |
| 12 | Circuit BreakersALL INCAUTION: Check every breaker. Do not reset a tripped breaker without investigating the cause. | |
| 13 | Caution / Warning PanelTEST AND CHECKNOTE: Press to test. All lights should illuminate then extinguish. | |
| 14 | Beacon / Anti-Collision LightONCAUTION: Turn on before engine start to warn ground personnel. | |
| 15 | Doors and CowlingsCLOSED AND SECURED | |
| 16 | Rotor AreaCLEARWARNING: Visually confirm no persons, vehicles, or debris near rotor disc. |
PHS 3 — Engine Start9 steps
| 01 | Throttle (Twist Grip)IDLE CUTOFF (Full Aft)WARNING: Throttle must be at idle cutoff before engaging starter. Starting with throttle advanced can cause hot start or overtorque. | |
| 02 | Starter ButtonPRESS AND HOLDNOTE: Hold starter until N1/Ng reaches 15%. Release at light-off. | |
| 03 | N1/NgMONITOR - INCREASINGNOTE: Ng should accelerate smoothly through 15-20% at light-off. | |
| 04 | TOT (Turbine Outlet Temperature)MONITOR - RISINGWARNING: 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. | |
| 05 | Oil PressureCHECK - RISINGWARNING: If no oil pressure indication within 30 seconds of light-off, abort start and shut down. | |
| 06 | Ng Stabilizing at Idle58-65% NgNOTE: Allow engine to stabilize at ground idle before advancing throttle. | |
| 07 | TOT at IdleCHECK - STABILIZED BELOW 727°CCAUTION: Continuous TOT limit is 727°C. Monitor throughout operations. | |
| 08 | Throttle (Twist Grip)SLOWLY ADVANCE TO FLIGHT IDLECAUTION: 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. | |
| 09 | Nr (Rotor RPM)MONITOR - BUILDING TO 100%WARNING: Do not allow Nr to exceed 100% with governor off.NOTE: 100% Nr = 413 RPM. Normal operating range 97-100%. |
PHS 4 — Post-Start / Systems Check15 steps
| 01 | Generator SwitchONNOTE: Verify generator is online and charging. | |
| 02 | Generator / Electrical LoadCHECK - NORMALNOTE: Verify ammeter shows charging. No caution lights. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK - ALL GREENNOTE: Ng: 58-65% idle. TOT: below 727°C. Oil pressure: 90-130 PSI. Oil temp: rising. | |
| 04 | Oil Pressure90-130 PSIWARNING: Pressure outside 90-130 PSI range requires investigation. Below 60 PSI - shut down immediately. | |
| 05 | Oil TemperatureCHECK - RISING TOWARD GREEN ARC | |
| 06 | Hydraulic SwitchON | |
| 07 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK - NORMALCAUTION: Low hydraulic pressure will make flight controls very heavy. Do not fly without hydraulics unless emergency. | |
| 08 | Governor SwitchONNOTE: Governor maintains Nr at 100%. Verify Nr stabilizes. | |
| 09 | Nr (Rotor RPM)100% - STABILIZEDNOTE: Governor should hold Nr at 100% (413 RPM). Range 97-100% is normal. | |
| 10 | Caution / Warning PanelALL CLEARCAUTION: Investigate any illuminated caution or warning lights before proceeding. | |
| 11 | Avionics MasterON | |
| 12 | Avionics / RadiosSET AND CHECKEDNOTE: Tune COM/NAV frequencies. Set transponder code. Verify GPS initialization. | |
| 13 | AltimeterSET TO FIELD ELEVATION OR QNH | |
| 14 | Heading IndicatorSET TO COMPASS HEADING | |
| 15 | Fuel QuantityRECHECK - CONFIRMS PRE-START |
PHS 5 — Before Taxi / Hover Check11 steps
| 01 | Flight Controls - CyclicFREE AND CORRECTCAUTION: With hydraulics on, controls should feel light and responsive.NOTE: Move cyclic full range in all directions. Check for binding or restriction. | |
| 02 | Flight Controls - CollectiveFREE AND CORRECTNOTE: Move collective through full range. Throttle correlator should adjust engine power. | |
| 03 | Flight Controls - PedalsFREE AND CORRECTNOTE: Full pedal travel both directions. Tail rotor pitch should respond. | |
| 04 | TrimSET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeRELEASED | |
| 06 | Hover Check - Raise Collective SlowlyLIGHT ON SKIDSCAUTION: 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. | |
| 07 | Torque at HoverNOTE HOVER TORQUENOTE: Record hover torque for performance comparison with planning data. | |
| 08 | Engine Instruments in HoverCHECK - ALL GREENWARNING: TOT must remain below 779°C (takeoff limit). Torque within limits. | |
| 09 | Governor - Nr97-100%NOTE: Governor should maintain Nr. If Nr droops excessively, power margin may be insufficient. | |
| 10 | Caution / Warning Panel in HoverALL CLEAR | |
| 11 | Pedal AuthorityCHECK - ADEQUATE BOTH DIRECTIONSNOTE: Verify sufficient pedal margin for anti-torque in all wind conditions. |
PHS 6 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: At towered fields, request hover taxi clearance. At non-towered, announce intentions on CTAF. | |
| 02 | Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Landing LightONNOTE: Aids visibility to other traffic during ground operations. | |
| 04 | Hover Taxi SpeedWALKING PACE OR BELOWCAUTION: Maintain slow taxi speed. Avoid downwind taxi turns - loss of tail rotor effectiveness possible. | |
| 05 | Hover Height3-5 FEET AGLNOTE: Stay in ground effect during taxi for efficiency. | |
| 06 | Instruments During TaxiMONITORNOTE: Scan engine instruments and Nr periodically during taxi. |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Takeoff Clearance / IntentionsOBTAINED OR ANNOUNCED | |
| 02 | Departure PathCLEAR OF OBSTACLESWARNING: Verify departure route is clear. Identify abort points and forced landing areas. | |
| 03 | Wind CheckNOTEDNOTE: Position into wind for takeoff when possible. Note any crosswind component. | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREEN | |
| 05 | Nr100% | |
| 06 | Torque AvailableCHECK - SUFFICIENT FOR DEPARTURECAUTION: Verify power margin above hover torque is adequate for climb. | |
| 07 | DoorsCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 08 | Passengers / CrewBELTS FASTENED - BRIEFEDNOTE: Ensure all occupants are secured and briefed on emergency procedures. | |
| 09 | TransponderALT (Mode C or S) |
PHS 8 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | CollectiveINCREASE SMOOTHLYNOTE: Apply collective to establish a climb. Use pedals to maintain heading. | |
| 02 | Anti-Torque PedalsADJUST TO MAINTAIN HEADINGNOTE: Left pedal input required as collective increases to counter main rotor torque. | |
| 03 | CyclicFORWARD - ESTABLISH CLIMB ATTITUDENOTE: Transition through translational lift (15-24 kts). Expect some vibration and increased efficiency. | |
| 04 | Translational LiftPASSING THROUGH 15-24 KTSNOTE: Aircraft will gain additional lift efficiency. Adjust cyclic for climb attitude. | |
| 05 | AirspeedACCELERATE TO 60 KIAS (BEST RATE OF CLIMB)NOTE: Vy ~60 KIAS for best rate of climb. | |
| 06 | Torque / TOTMONITOR - WITHIN LIMITSWARNING: Takeoff TOT limit: 779°C. Max continuous torque: 100%. Do not exceed. | |
| 07 | Nr97-100%NOTE: Governor should maintain rotor RPM in normal range. | |
| 08 | Clear of ObstaclesCONFIRMEDCAUTION: Maintain obstacle clearance awareness throughout departure. |
PHS 9 — Climb7 steps
| 01 | Airspeed60 KIAS (BEST RATE) OR AS DESIREDNOTE: Best rate of climb: 60 KIAS. Best angle of climb: 45 KIAS. | |
| 02 | TorqueSET FOR CLIMB - WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 03 | TOTBELOW 779°C (5-min takeoff limit)CAUTION: Reduce to continuous limit (727°C) within 5 minutes of takeoff. | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - ALL GREEN | |
| 05 | Nr97-100% | |
| 06 | AltimeterCHECK - INCREASING | |
| 07 | Heading / NavigationON COURSE |
PHS 10 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Level Off at Cruise AltitudeCOLLECTIVE - ADJUST FOR LEVEL FLIGHT | |
| 02 | AirspeedSET CRUISE - UP TO 133 KIASWARNING: Vne: 140 KIAS. Never exceed.NOTE: Max cruise ~133 KIAS. Economy cruise ~120 KIAS. | |
| 03 | Torque / PowerSET FOR CRUISENOTE: Adjust collective for desired airspeed. Typical cruise torque 70-85%. | |
| 04 | TOTBELOW 727°C (CONTINUOUS LIMIT) | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsSCAN - ALL GREENNOTE: Ng continuous max: 105%. Oil pressure: 90-130 PSI. | |
| 06 | Nr100%NOTE: Governor maintaining rotor RPM. | |
| 07 | Fuel QuantityMONITOR - ADEQUATENOTE: Cross-check fuel remaining against flight plan. | |
| 08 | Navigation / GPSON COURSE - VERIFIED | |
| 09 | Radio CallsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Position reports, ATC communications, or CTAF calls. |
PHS 11 — Descent / Approach8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Weather at DestinationOBTAINED | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET TO LOCAL QNH | |
| 03 | Approach Clearance / CTAF CallOBTAINED OR ANNOUNCED | |
| 04 | Airspeed - DescentREDUCE - 80-100 KIASNOTE: Begin gradual descent. Avoid high rate of descent approaches. | |
| 05 | CollectiveLOWER SMOOTHLY TO DESCENDNOTE: Manage descent rate with collective. Avoid low-G pushovers. | |
| 06 | LZ / HelipadIDENTIFIED - OBSTACLES NOTEDCAUTION: Survey the landing zone for obstacles, wires, slope, and surface conditions. | |
| 07 | Wind at LZCHECK - PLAN INTO-WIND APPROACHNOTE: Determine wind direction from windsock, smoke, or surface indicators. | |
| 08 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - ALL GREEN |
PHS 12 — Before Landing6 steps
| 01 | Landing LightON | |
| 02 | Airspeed - Final ApproachREDUCE TO 40-60 KIASNOTE: Decelerate on approach. Transition to slow flight / hover. | |
| 03 | LZ ClearCONFIRMEDWARNING: Verify no persons, vehicles, or FOD in the landing area. | |
| 04 | Approach AngleNORMAL - AVOID STEEP APPROACHCAUTION: Maintain safe approach angle. Avoid settling with power (vortex ring state) - do not descend vertically at high rate. | |
| 05 | Power / TorqueADEQUATE - MONITORNOTE: Ensure sufficient power margin for go-around if needed. | |
| 06 | Nr97-100% |
PHS 13 — Landing5 steps
| 01 | Terminate to Hover3-5 FEET - STABILIZEDNOTE: Bring aircraft to a steady hover over intended landing point. | |
| 02 | PedalsHEADING INTO WINDNOTE: Maintain heading with pedals. | |
| 03 | CollectiveLOWER SLOWLY - TOUCHDOWNCAUTION: On slopes, use proper slope landing technique. Max slope: 6 degrees.NOTE: Reduce collective smoothly for gentle touchdown. Land level on both skids. | |
| 04 | TouchdownSMOOTH - BOTH SKIDSNOTE: Verify aircraft is stable on the surface. | |
| 05 | CollectiveFULL DOWN AFTER LANDING |
PHS 14 — After Landing5 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET (IF EQUIPPED AND ON WHEELS) | |
| 02 | TransponderSTANDBY | |
| 03 | Landing / Taxi LightsOFF | |
| 04 | Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | AvionicsAS REQUIREDNOTE: If shutting down, proceed to shutdown checklist. If remaining at idle, monitor instruments. |
PHS 15 — Shutdown / Securing17 steps
| 01 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 02 | All Electrical EquipmentOFFNOTE: Turn off radios, GPS, lights, and accessories. | |
| 03 | Governor SwitchOFF | |
| 04 | Throttle (Twist Grip)SLOWLY ROLL TO IDLE CUTOFFCAUTION: 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. | |
| 05 | NrMONITOR - DECREASINGWARNING: Keep collective full down during rotor deceleration. Do not apply cyclic or pedal inputs. | |
| 06 | TOTDECREASING | |
| 07 | Fuel ValveOFF | |
| 08 | Ng / N1DECREASING TO ZERO | |
| 09 | Battery SwitchOFFNOTE: Wait until rotor has fully stopped before opening doors. | |
| 10 | Generator SwitchOFF | |
| 11 | Beacon / Anti-Collision LightOFF | |
| 12 | Rotor Brake (If Equipped)APPLY BELOW 50% NrNOTE: Apply rotor brake gently to stop rotor. Do not apply at high RPM. | |
| 13 | Wait for Rotor StopROTOR FULLY STOPPEDWARNING: Do not exit aircraft or allow passengers to deplane until rotor is completely stopped. | |
| 14 | CollectiveFULL DOWN - FRICTION SET | |
| 15 | CyclicCENTERED - FRICTION SET | |
| 16 | Tiedowns / Blade RestraintsINSTALLEDNOTE: Secure main rotor blades and tail rotor. Install pitot cover and engine inlet covers. | |
| 17 | Log Flight Time and DiscrepanciesRECORDEDNOTE: Note Hobbs/tach time, fuel remaining, and any maintenance items. |