MSFS 2024 · Airliner

Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Asobo) Startup Checklist

Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Asobo) Startup Notes

The default MAX 8 is a simplified rendition, but the Boeing order of operations still applies. Battery on, then ground power or APU, and give the APU a moment before putting its generators on the bus. For engine start the classic 737 setup matters: APU bleed on, packs off, start switch to GRD, then the engine start lever to idle once N2 is spinning, around 25 percent. Alignment and system depth are forgiving here compared to study level addons, so the start moves quickly.

The usual mistake is raising the start lever the instant the start switch clicks, before N2 has built, instead of letting the starter do its work. Second is skipping APU bleed or leaving packs on, so the engine barely spools. Third is expecting PMDG depth and burning time hunting for systems the default model simplifies; if a switch seems to do nothing, it may simply not be modeled. Follow the flow, verify N2, then introduce fuel.

Common mistakes

Raising the start lever before N2 reaches 25 percent
Starting engines with APU bleed off or packs on
Expecting study level systems depth from the default model

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Pilot Tools for This Flight

Fuel CalculatorTrip fuel and reserves Descent CalculatorTop of descent and rate SimBrief OFP PreviewReadable flight plan brief

FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist

Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Asobo)MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 215 steps · 17 phases

DATE PILOT TAIL

PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps

	01	Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather.
	02	NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions.
	03	OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADEDNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates.
	04	Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Block fuel includes taxi, trip, contingency (5%), alternate, final reserve (30 min), and extra.
	05	Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within structural and performance limits. Check CG% for trim.
	06	SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Note transition levels and altitudes.
	07	MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items.
	08	Performance - Takeoff SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: V1, VR, V2, and assumed temperature based on TOW, runway length, and conditions.

PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up7 steps

	01	Battery SwitchON (Guard Closed)
	02	Standby Power SwitchAUTO
	03	External PowerCONNECT (if available)NOTE: Use ground power at gate to preserve APU life.
	04	APU SwitchSTART, then RELEASE to ONNOTE: Momentary switch - releasing to ON runs an automatic start sequence. May take up to 120 seconds.
	05	APU Generator Bus Switches (1 & 2)ONNOTE: The APU GEN OFF BUS lights illuminate when the APU is ready to accept load, then extinguish once the generators are on the buses. Allow 1-2 min before using APU bleed.
	06	APU Bleed Air SwitchONNOTE: Provides bleed air for air conditioning and engine start.
	07	GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power while engines are off.

PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation18 steps

	01	Crew OxygenTESTED - CHECK pressureNOTE: Verify oxygen pressure is within normal range.
	02	IRS Selectors (L and R)NAVCAUTION: Do not move aircraft during IRS alignment (~10 min). Align light will extinguish.
	03	Emergency Exit LightsARM
	04	Seat Belt SignON
	05	No Smoking SignON
	06	Window Heat (All 4)ONNOTE: L Side, L Fwd, R Fwd, R Side - all ON. Verify OVHT lights extinguish.
	07	Probe Heat SwitchesOFF (until taxi)NOTE: Activate probe heat before taxi to prevent erroneous readings.
	08	Flight Control Panel - Yaw DamperONNOTE: Aft overhead panel. Verify the amber YAW DAMPER light is extinguished. Engagement depends on the B FLT CONTROL switch being ON, not on hydraulic pressure, so it goes ON here rather than waiting for engine start. Leave it ON through shutdown - Boeing has no yaw damper item in the Secure procedure.
	09	Flight Control Panel - SpoilersVERIFY SPOILERS light extinguishedNOTE: MAX-only check - the NG has no SPOILERS light.
	10	Hydraulic Panel - Engine PumpsON (Both)
	11	Hydraulic Panel - Electric PumpsOFF (Both)NOTE: Electric pumps used for ground operations only if needed.
	12	Fuel PumpsMAIN TANK PUMPS ON (L FWD, L AFT, R FWD, R AFT)WARNING: The two center tank pumps go ON only if center tank quantity exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Dry running a center tank pump with its low pressure light illuminated is prohibited.NOTE: AFT pumps first, then FORWARD.
	13	Panel Lights / Flood LightsSET AS NEEDED
	14	Navigation LightsON
	15	Pack Switches (L and R)OFF for engine startNOTE: Packs are OFF so APU bleed goes to the starter. They return to AUTO after start.
	16	Elevator Jam Landing Assist SwitchGUARD CLOSEDNOTE: MAX-only system - not fitted to the NG.
	17	Bleed Air - APU BleedON
	18	Bleed Air - Engine Bleeds (1 & 2)ON

PHS 4 — FMC / CDU Setup12 steps

	01	FMC - IDENT PageVERIFY engine type LEAP-1B and nav database datesNOTE: Confirm LEAP-1B engine model displayed. Check nav data is current.
	02	FMC - POS INIT PageSET reference airport or gate positionNOTE: Verify IRS position matches known gate coordinates.
	03	FMC - ROUTE PageENTER origin, destination, flight number, and routeNOTE: Load from SimBrief or enter manually. Verify SID and transition.
	04	FMC - ROUTE - Verify LEGSCHECK all waypoints and discontinuities resolved
	05	FMC - PERF INIT PageENTER ZFW, reserves, cost index, cruise altitudeNOTE: ZFW from loadsheet. Typical CI 25–50. Cruise FL from OFP.
	06	FMC - N1 LIMIT PageSELECT thrust rating (TO, TO 1, TO 2) and assumed temp if applicableNOTE: Assumed temperature reduces takeoff thrust for engine life. Verify runway length adequate.
	07	FMC - TAKEOFF REF PageENTER flaps setting, CG%, and verify V-speedsCAUTION: V1, VR, V2 must match performance calculations. Trim setting from CG%.
	08	MCP - Altitude SelectorSET initial cleared altitude
	09	MCP - Heading SelectorSET runway heading
	10	MCP - IAS/Mach SelectorSET as required
	11	Flight Directors (Both)ON
	12	HGS (Heads-Up Guidance System)SET AS REQUIREDNOTE: Configure HGS brightness and declutter for takeoff if equipped.

PHS 5 — Before Start16 steps

	01	DoorsVERIFY ALL CLOSEDWARNING: Do not start engines with doors open. Check DOOR annunciator.
	02	Parking BrakeSET
	03	Beacon LightONNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines are about to start.
	04	Hydraulic PanelVERIFY NORMAL
	05	Flight ControlsCHECK (full travel - aileron, elevator, rudder)NOTE: Move yoke and pedals through full range. Verify correct deflections on EICAS.
	06	Stabilizer TrimSET FOR TAKEOFFCAUTION: Set trim to value from FMC TAKEOFF REF page. Verify green band on trim wheel.
	07	Speed Brake LeverDOWN DETENT
	08	TransponderSET ASSIGNED CODE - STBY
	09	Fuel QuantityVERIFY matches loadsheetNOTE: Check total fuel on EICAS matches planned block fuel.
	10	Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine anti-ice ON if OAT ≤10°C with visible moisture or standing water.
	11	ATC ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Receive departure clearance. Verify SID, initial altitude, squawk code.
	12	GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming.
	13	GSX - Catering ServiceCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft.
	14	GSX - Passenger BoardingCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board.
	15	GSX - All Passenger DoorsCLOSEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback.
	16	GSX - Pushback RequestINITIATEDNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted.

PHS 6 — Engine Start18 steps

	01	APU BleedVERIFY ONNOTE: APU supplies bleed air for pneumatic engine start.
	02	Engine Start SelectorGRDNOTE: GRD position - ground start mode for LEAP-1B engines.
	03	Engine 2 - Start SwitchENGAGENOTE: Right engine first (standard). Monitor N2 rotation.
	04	Engine 2 - Bowed Rotor Motoring (MOTORING)WAIT for the white MOTORING indication to BLANKWARNING: Do not open the start lever while MOTORING is displayed on the N2 indicator.NOTE: LEAP-1B only. The EEC holds N2 at 18-24% for 6-90 seconds on ground starts to straighten a thermally bowed rotor. This does not happen on the NG.
	05	Engine 2 - N2N1 rotation seen and N2 at 25%NOTE: If 25% N2 is not attainable, use maximum motoring with a minimum of 20% N2.
	06	Engine 2 - Start LeverCUTOFF → IDLE (at 25% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT rise.
	07	Engine 2 - TCMA / EOS TestEXPECT fuel flow zero and blue ENG VALVE CLOSED light until test completesNOTE: MAX-only. The EEC self-tests Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation and the Electronic Overspeed System by cycling the fuel valve. Normal - do not interrupt the start.
	08	Engine 2 - Monitor StartCHECK N1, N2, EGT, oil pressureWARNING: LEAP-1B EGT limit during start: 940°C. Abort start if EGT exceeds limit or no oil pressure within 60 seconds.
	09	Engine 2STABILIZED at idle (~20% N1)NOTE: Verify stable idle parameters before starting Engine 1.
	10	Engine 1 - Start SwitchENGAGENOTE: Monitor N2 rotation on left engine.
	11	Engine 1 - Bowed Rotor Motoring (MOTORING)WAIT for the white MOTORING indication to BLANKWARNING: Do not open the start lever while MOTORING is displayed.
	12	Engine 1 - N2N1 rotation seen and N2 at 25%
	13	Engine 1 - Start LeverCUTOFF → IDLE (at 25% N2)
	14	Engine 1 - Monitor StartCHECK N1, N2, EGT, oil pressureWARNING: Abort if EGT exceeds 940°C or no oil pressure. Motoring may be required before retry.
	15	Engine 1STABILIZED at idle
	16	Engine Start SwitchesVERIFY BOTH RELEASED TO OFF at 63% N2NOTE: MAX starter cutout is 63% N2 - the NG cuts out at 56%. The switch releases itself; select OFF manually only if it does not.
	17	Engine Warm-UpMIN 3 MIN at idle before takeoff (5 MIN if grounded over 5 hours)NOTE: Longer than the NG, which requires a 2 min minimum.
	18	GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)DISCONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines.

PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi14 steps

	01	APU BleedOFF
	02	Engine Bleeds (1 & 2)VERIFY ON
	03	Pack SwitchesAUTO (both)NOTE: Restore the packs after start.
	04	Generators (1 & 2)VERIFY ON - GEN OFF BUS lights out
	05	APUOFFNOTE: Engine generators now provide electrical power.
	06	Hydraulic PressureCHECK (System A and B normal - green)
	07	Probe HeatON
	08	Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine anti-ice ON if OAT ≤10°C and visible moisture.
	09	FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFF (1, 5, 10, 15, or 25)NOTE: Flaps 5 is the most common. Must match the FMC TAKEOFF REF page.
	10	Taxi LightON
	11	Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED
	12	Parking BrakeRELEASE
	13	BrakesCHECK DURING INITIAL TAXI
	14	Flight InstrumentsCHECK DURING TAXINOTE: Verify heading indicators, attitude, and compass align during turns.

PHS 8 — Before Takeoff14 steps

	01	Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review departure, engine-out procedures, and rejected takeoff plan.
	02	MCPVERIFY - altitude, heading, IAS set correctly
	03	Flight Directors (Both)VERIFY ON
	04	FlapsVERIFY TAKEOFF SETTING (1, 5, 10, 15, or 25)NOTE: Confirm matches FMC TAKEOFF REF page.
	05	Stabilizer TrimVERIFY SET FOR TAKEOFF
	06	Speed Brake LeverVERIFY DOWN DETENT
	07	AutobrakeRTO
	08	TransponderTA/RANOTE: Set before entering runway.
	09	Landing LightsON
	10	Strobe LightsON
	11	Runway Turnoff LightsON
	12	Taxi LightOFF
	13	Engine Start SelectorCONTNOTE: Continuous ignition for takeoff - protects against flameout.
	14	PacksAS REQUIREDNOTE: Packs OFF may be required for max performance on short runways.

PHS 9 — Takeoff12 steps

	01	BrakesHOLD
	02	Thrust LeversADVANCE to ~40% N1NOTE: Allow engines to stabilize symmetrically.
	03	EnginesSTABILIZE - verify symmetric thrustCAUTION: Stabilizing for more than about 2 seconds may adversely affect takeoff distance.
	04	BrakesRELEASE
	05	TO/GA SwitchPRESSCAUTION: Target N1 must be set by 60 knots.NOTE: Autothrottle advances to takeoff thrust (LEAP-1B, up to 28,000 lbf per engine). Reduced thrust shows as D-TO (assumed temperature) or TO 1 / TO 2 / D-TO 1 / D-TO 2 (derate, -10% / -20%) on the FMA - Boeing uses assumed temperature and derate, not FLEX.
	06	FMAVERIFY - THR, roll, and pitch modes activeCAUTION: Reject takeoff if FMA shows unexpected or missing modes.
	07	80 KnotsCALLOUT - cross-check airspeed both sides
	08	V1CALLOUT - decision speed, committed to flyWARNING: Do NOT reject above V1 unless the aircraft is unsafe to fly. Go/no-go decision point.
	09	VR - RotatePITCH to ~15° nose upNOTE: Smooth rotation at ~3°/second.
	10	V2MAINTAIN - minimum safe climb speed
	11	Positive ClimbCONFIRMED - altimeter increasing
	12	Landing GearUP

PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb13 steps

	01	Thrust Reduction AltitudeAUTOTHROTTLE reduces takeoff N1 to climb thrustNOTE: Set as THR REDUCTION on the FMC. 1,000 ft AFE typical, ~1,500 ft AFE for noise abatement.
	02	Acceleration HeightACCELERATE - begin flap retraction scheduleNOTE: Set as ACCEL HT on the FMC. Often 1,000 ft AFE, 1,500-3,000 ft AFE for noise abatement. A separate altitude from thrust reduction.
	03	AutopilotENGAGE (CMD A)NOTE: Engage after positive climb and above 400 ft AGL.
	04	Flaps - Retract on ScheduleRETRACT incrementally with speedNOTE: 737 MAX flap schedule: 15→10→5→2→1→UP. Retract as speed increases.
	05	Landing GearCONFIRM UP and locked
	06	Engine Start SelectorOFF (from CONT)
	07	Speed BrakeCONFIRM DOWN
	08	PacksAUTO (if turned off for takeoff)
	09	Runway Turnoff LightsOFF
	10	10,000 ft - Landing LightsOFF
	11	10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignOFF (conditions permitting)
	12	Transition Altitude - AltimeterSET STD (29.92 in / 1013 hPa)
	13	Climb ThrustVERIFY - autothrottle maintaining target N1NOTE: LEAP-1B climb thrust per FMC N1 LIMIT page.

PHS 11 — Cruise8 steps

	01	Cruise AltitudeVERIFY at planned FLNOTE: Typical cruise FL350–FL390. Mmo 0.82 / Vmo 340 KIAS.
	02	AutopilotVERIFY - LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT engaged
	03	Engine ParametersCHECK NORMAL - N1, N2, EGT, oil
	04	Fuel Quantity & BalanceCHECKNOTE: Verify fuel burn matches OFP. Balance within limits (max imbalance ~453 kg).
	05	Step ClimbAS REQUIREDNOTE: Check FMC OPT/MAX altitude. Step climb as weight decreases for fuel efficiency.
	06	Flight ProgressMONITOR on CDU LEGS page
	07	RadiosSET for ATC sector handoffs
	08	Seat Belt SignAS REQUIRED

PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps

	01	ATIS / Destination WeatherOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, wind, active runway, transition level.
	02	FMC - ARRIVALS PageSELECT STAR and approachNOTE: Load expected STAR, transition, and approach type.
	03	Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums (DA/MDA), missed approach procedure.
	04	MCP AltitudeSET first descent constraint
	05	AutobrakeSET (1, 2, 3, or MAX)NOTE: Select based on runway length and conditions.
	06	ILS / RNAV FrequencySET and IDENTIFIEDNOTE: Verify on both nav radios. Check course selector.
	07	Landing AltitudeSET on pressurization panel
	08	FMC - APPROACH REF PageSET VREF and landing flap configuration

PHS 13 — Descent7 steps

	01	ATC Descent ClearanceOBTAINED
	02	MCP AltitudeSET cleared altitude
	03	VNAV DescentENGAGEDNOTE: Or use V/S or LVL CHG for manual descent.
	04	Transition Level - AltimeterSET local QNHNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters agree.
	05	10,000 ft - Landing LightsON
	06	10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignON
	07	SpeedBELOW 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft

PHS 14 — Approach14 steps

	01	Speed BrakeARMNOTE: Arm for automatic deployment on landing.
	02	Flaps 1SET at flap maneuvering speed
	03	APP Button (MCP)PRESS when cleared for approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture for ILS approach.
	04	Flaps 5SET
	05	Landing GearDOWN
	06	Flaps 15SET
	07	Flaps 25SETNOTE: Continue to final flap setting.
	08	Flaps 30 (or 40)SET for landingNOTE: Flaps 30 typical. Flaps 40 for shortest landing distance.
	09	SpeedVREF + wind additiveNOTE: Add half headwind component plus full gust increment, max 20 knots.
	10	Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 3 green lights
	11	AutobrakeCONFIRM ARMED
	12	Speed BrakeCONFIRM ARMED
	13	Runway Turnoff LightsON
	14	Taxi LightON

PHS 15 — Landing10 steps

	01	1,000 ft AGL - Stabilized ApproachVERIFYWARNING: Go around if not stabilized by 1,000 ft AGL - on speed, on path, in landing configuration.
	02	500 ft AGL - AutopilotDISCONNECT (or maintain for autoland CAT II/III)
	03	VREF SpeedMAINTAIN with wind correction
	04	Flare (~30 ft RA)REDUCE descent rate - gentle backstickNOTE: Aim for touchdown zone (1,000 ft markers). Smooth flare.
	05	Thrust LeversIDLE at touchdown
	06	SpeedbrakeVERIFY DEPLOYEDNOTE: Should auto-deploy if armed. Check EICAS.
	07	Reverse ThrustSELECT reverseNOTE: Use max reverse on short or wet runways. LEAP-1B cascade reversers.
	08	AutobrakeVERIFY ACTIVE
	09	60 Knots - ReversersSTART movement to reverse idle - at the detent before taxi speedNOTE: PM calls '60 knots'. Reverse thrust as needed until 60 kt, then reduce.
	10	Manual BrakingAS NEEDEDNOTE: Disengage autobrake with brake pedal pressure if required.

PHS 16 — After Landing13 steps

	01	Runway VacatedCONFIRMED
	02	FlapsUP
	03	Speed BrakeDOWN DETENT
	04	Strobe LightsOFF
	05	Landing LightsOFF
	06	Taxi LightON
	07	Runway Turnoff LightsON
	08	TransponderSTBY
	09	AutobrakeOFF
	10	Engine Start SelectorOFF (from CONT if set)
	11	APUSTARTNOTE: Start APU for bleed air and electrical power at gate.
	12	Probe HeatOFF
	13	Weather RadarOFF

PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown23 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	Taxi LightOFF
	03	Runway Turnoff LightsOFF
	04	APU Generator Bus SwitchesON (Both)NOTE: Transfer electrical load to APU before engine shutdown.
	05	APU BleedONNOTE: APU bleed provides air conditioning at gate.
	06	Engine 1 Fuel LeverCUTOFFNOTE: Move fuel lever to CUTOFF. Monitor N2 spindown.
	07	Engine 2 Fuel LeverCUTOFF
	08	Seat Belt SignOFF
	09	Beacon LightOFF
	10	Fuel PumpsALL OFF
	11	Hydraulic PumpsOFF
	12	Pack SwitchesOFF
	13	Engine Bleeds (1 & 2)OFF
	14	Window HeatALL OFF
	15	Anti-IceOFF
	16	IRS Selectors (L and R)OFF
	17	Emergency Exit LightsOFF
	18	APU BleedOFF
	19	APUOFFNOTE: Allow 2 min cooling period before shutdown. Or leave running if gate power unavailable.
	20	Battery SwitchOFF (only for full power down)CAUTION: Wait ~2 min after the APU GEN OFF BUS light extinguishes before switching the battery off. The standby power switch stays guarded in AUTO - it is not a normal shutdown item.NOTE: Not part of the Secure checklist, which is just IRS, emergency exit lights, window heat, and packs. Battery OFF belongs to the separate Electrical Power Down supplementary procedure. Leave the battery ON for a normal turnaround.
	21	GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power for turnaround.
	22	GSX - Jetway / StairsCONNECTEDNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically.
	23	GSX - Passenger DeboardingCOMPLETENOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate.