MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Boeing 747-8i Startup Checklist
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Boeing 747-8i Startup Notes
The real 747-8 pairs its GEnx engines with an autostart system, and the default MSFS 2024 rendition follows that pattern in simplified form. The flow is classic Boeing: battery on, APU started and on the buses, fuel pumps set, then work through each engine with the start selector and fuel control switch while autostart manages the sequence. Systems depth is lighter than a study-level addon, so the cockpit is forgiving, but the correct order still matters if you want a clean start.
The usual failure is an engine that cranks slowly or not at all because APU bleed never made it to the starters, so confirm APU bleed is on before touching the start selectors. Pilots coming from study-level airliners also over-think it and hunt for switches the default model does not simulate; fly the basic flow instead. Finally, give each pair of engines time to stabilize at idle rather than snapping all four fuel control switches in quick succession.
Common mistakes
- Starting engines with APU bleed off, so nothing cranks
- Snapping all four fuel control switches without letting engines stabilize
- Expecting study-level systems depth from the default model
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Boeing 747-8iMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 218 steps · 16 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. For long-haul, review SIGWX charts for jet stream and turbulence. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions along entire route. | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADEDNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. Consider ETOPS routing if over water. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Long-Haul)VERIFIEDCAUTION: MTOW is 987,000 lbs (447,696 kg). Verify ramp weight does not exceed limits.NOTE: Block fuel includes taxi, trip, contingency (5%), alternate, final reserve (30 min), and extra. 747-8i range up to 7,730 nmi - verify fuel for step climbs. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within limits. Check trim setting (CG%). Heavy aircraft - CG range is critical. | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Check transition altitudes. Note any noise abatement procedures. | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: V1, VR, V2 based on TOW, runway length, conditions, and flap setting (typically Flaps 10 or 20). |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up8 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 02 | Standby Power SwitchAUTO | |
| 03 | External PowerON (if available)NOTE: Check ELEC synoptic for power source. Two external power connections available. | |
| 04 | APU Selector SwitchSTARTNOTE: Hold until APU starts. Wait for AVAIL light (~1 min). | |
| 05 | APU Generator Switches (L and R)ONNOTE: Both APU GEN bus switches ON. Verify buses powered. | |
| 06 | APU BleedON | |
| 07 | External PowerDISCONNECT (if APU running) | |
| 08 | 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 Preparation16 steps
| 01 | Crew OxygenTESTED AND ONNOTE: Check pressure gauge for adequate supply. | |
| 02 | IRS Selectors (L, C, R)NAVCAUTION: Do not move aircraft during alignment (~10 min). All 3 units must align. | |
| 03 | Emergency Exit LightsARM | |
| 04 | Seat Belt SignON | |
| 05 | No Smoking SignAUTO | |
| 06 | Window Heat (L, C, R, Side)ONNOTE: All window heat switches ON. Verify annunciators extinguish. | |
| 07 | Fuel Pump Switches - Left Wing (FWD / AFT)ON | |
| 08 | Fuel Pump Switches - Right Wing (FWD / AFT)ON | |
| 09 | Fuel Pump Switches - Center Tank (L / R)ON (if fuel in center tank)NOTE: Center tank pumps ON only when center tank has fuel. | |
| 10 | Fuel Pump Switch - Stabilizer TankAS REQUIREDNOTE: Stabilizer tank used on long-haul flights for CG management. | |
| 11 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 1ON | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 2ON | |
| 13 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 3ON | |
| 14 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 4ON | |
| 15 | Panel LightsSET AS NEEDED | |
| 16 | Navigation LightsON |
PHS 4 — FMC / CDU Setup10 steps
| 01 | CDU - IDENT PageVERIFY GEnx-2B67 engine modelNOTE: Confirm aircraft model and navigation database currency. | |
| 02 | CDU - POS INIT PageSET gate/ramp positionNOTE: Verify IRS position matches airport coordinates. | |
| 03 | CDU - ROUTE PageENTER origin, destination, routeNOTE: Enter company route or airways. Verify SID selection. | |
| 04 | CDU - ROUTE - Verify LEGSCHECK waypoints and altitudes | |
| 05 | CDU - PERF INIT PageENTER ZFW, reserves, cost index, CRZ FLNOTE: Typical cruise FL350-FL430. Heavy weights may require lower initial altitude. | |
| 06 | CDU - N1 LIMIT PageSELECT assumed temperature or rated TO thrustNOTE: Set derate and assumed temperature as required for runway length and conditions. | |
| 07 | CDU - TAKEOFF REF PageENTER flap setting, V-speeds, CG trimNOTE: Typical flaps 10 or 20. Enter V1, VR, V2 from performance calculation. | |
| 08 | MCP AltitudeSET initial cleared altitude | |
| 09 | MCP Heading / SpeedSET as required | |
| 10 | Flight DirectorsON (Both) |
PHS 5 — Before Start18 steps
| 01 | DoorsCLOSED - verify EICAS door displayNOTE: Check upper deck doors as well as main deck. | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 03 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | |
| 04 | Hydraulic PanelALL 4 SYSTEMS - PUMPS ONNOTE: Systems 1, 2, 3, 4. Verify demand pump switches normal. | |
| 05 | Body Gear Steering SwitchARMNOTE: Unique to 747 - enables nose and body gear steering for taxi. | |
| 06 | Flight ControlsCHECK (full travel both axes)NOTE: Ailerons, elevators, rudder - check for free and correct movement. | |
| 07 | Trim - StabilizerSET for takeoffNOTE: Set per loadsheet CG% on CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | |
| 08 | Trim - Aileron / RudderCENTERED | |
| 09 | TransponderSET code - STBY | |
| 10 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 11 | Pack SwitchesOFFNOTE: Reduces APU bleed load for engine start. 747-8 has 3 packs. | |
| 12 | Engine Start SelectorGND | |
| 13 | Ground CrewCLEARED TO STARTCAUTION: Wait for pushback clearance if required. | |
| 14 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | |
| 15 | GSX - Catering ServiceCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | |
| 16 | GSX - Passenger BoardingCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | |
| 17 | GSX - All Passenger DoorsCLOSEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback. | |
| 18 | GSX - Pushback RequestINITIATEDNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. |
PHS 6 — Engine Start22 steps
| 01 | Engine 4 (Right Outboard) - Start SwitchSTARTNOTE: 747-8 start sequence: 4-3-2-1 (outboard to inboard). | |
| 02 | Engine 4 - N2 RotationMONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 03 | Engine 4 - Fuel Control SwitchRUN (at ~20% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT rise - normal start EGT well below 935°C limit. | |
| 04 | Engine 4 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureSTABILIZE AT IDLEWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | |
| 05 | Engine 3 (Right Inboard) - Start SwitchSTART | |
| 06 | Engine 3 - N2 RotationMONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 07 | Engine 3 - Fuel Control SwitchRUN (at ~20% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | |
| 08 | Engine 3 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureSTABILIZE AT IDLEWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | |
| 09 | Engine 2 (Left Inboard) - Start SwitchSTART | |
| 10 | Engine 2 - N2 RotationMONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 11 | Engine 2 - Fuel Control SwitchRUN (at ~20% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | |
| 12 | Engine 2 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureSTABILIZE AT IDLEWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | |
| 13 | Engine 1 (Left Outboard) - Start SwitchSTART | |
| 14 | Engine 1 - N2 RotationMONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 15 | Engine 1 - Fuel Control SwitchRUN (at ~20% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | |
| 16 | Engine 1 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureSTABILIZE AT IDLEWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | |
| 17 | Engine Start SelectorOFF (all 4 engines stable) | |
| 18 | All 4 GeneratorsON - verify buses poweredNOTE: Each engine drives one generator. Verify GEN OFF BUS lights extinguished. | |
| 19 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 20 | Engine BleedsON (all 4)NOTE: Engine bleed switches 1, 2, 3, 4 ON. | |
| 21 | Pack SwitchesAUTO (all 3 packs) | |
| 22 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)DISCONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | All 4 GeneratorsVERIFY ON - no GEN OFF BUS lights | |
| 02 | APUOFFNOTE: APU no longer needed with all engines running. | |
| 03 | Hydraulic Pressure - Systems 1, 2, 3, 4CHECK NORMAL (green) | |
| 04 | Probe HeatON | |
| 05 | Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine anti-ice ON if OAT <10°C and visible moisture. Wing anti-ice as needed. | |
| 06 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFF (10 or 20)NOTE: Typical setting per CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | |
| 07 | Body Gear SteeringVERIFY ARMNOTE: Body gear steering helps navigate tight taxiway turns. | |
| 08 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 09 | Taxi LightsON | |
| 10 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 11 | BrakesCHECK DURING TAXINOTE: Test brakes within first few feet of taxi. | |
| 12 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK DURING TAXINOTE: Verify compass headings match taxiway direction. |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review departure procedure, engine failure procedure, V-speeds. | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsCHECK - free and correct | |
| 03 | FlapsVERIFY takeoff setting (10 or 20)NOTE: Cross-check CDU TAKEOFF REF page and flap indicator. | |
| 04 | Stabilizer TrimVERIFY - set in green band | |
| 05 | MCPSET (altitude, heading, IAS/Mach) | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeDOWN DETENT | |
| 07 | AutobrakeRTO | |
| 08 | TransponderTA/RANOTE: Set before entering runway. | |
| 09 | Strobe LightsON | |
| 10 | Landing LightsON | |
| 11 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 12 | Taxi LightsOFF | |
| 13 | Body Gear SteeringOFFNOTE: Must be OFF for takeoff. | |
| 14 | Engine Start SwitchesCONTNOTE: Provides continuous ignition for takeoff. |
PHS 9 — Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversADVANCE to ~40% N1NOTE: Allow all 4 engines to stabilize symmetrically. | |
| 03 | All 4 EnginesSTABILIZE - check symmetric thrust | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversADVANCE TO TO/GANOTE: Engage autothrottle. Verify EICAS thrust mode. | |
| 06 | FMAVERIFY modes (THR REF, LNAV or HDG)CAUTION: Reject if FMA shows unexpected modes. | |
| 07 | 80 KnotsCALLOUT - cross-check airspeed | |
| 08 | V1CALLOUT - committed to flyWARNING: Do not reject above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. Decision speed - no stopping beyond this point. | |
| 09 | VRROTATE - pitch ~8° nose upNOTE: Smooth rotation. 747-8 is 250 ft long - tail strike awareness. | |
| 10 | V2MAINTAIN - verify positive climb | |
| 11 | Positive RateCONFIRMED | |
| 12 | Landing GearUPNOTE: Gear includes nose gear, wing gear, and body gear - all retract. |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb12 steps
| 01 | Thrust ReductionAT acceleration altitudeNOTE: Typically 1,000-1,500 ft AGL. | |
| 02 | AutopilotON (CMD)NOTE: Engage after positive rate and stable flight path. | |
| 03 | FlapsRETRACT on scheduleNOTE: Retract in steps: 20→10→5→1→UP with airspeed increase. | |
| 04 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP AND LOCKED | |
| 05 | Gear LeverOFFNOTE: Move gear lever to OFF after gear fully retracted and indicated up. | |
| 06 | Engine Start SwitchesAUTO | |
| 07 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM DOWN | |
| 08 | Taxi / Runway Turnoff LightsOFF | |
| 09 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsOFF | |
| 10 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignOFF (conditions permitting) | |
| 11 | Transition Altitude - AltimeterSET STD (29.92 / 1013) | |
| 12 | Climb ThrustSETNOTE: Verify autothrottle maintaining correct N1 limits. |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeVERIFY at cruise FLNOTE: Typical FL350-FL430. Heavy takeoff weights may require FL310-FL350 initially. | |
| 02 | AutopilotON - verify LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT | |
| 03 | Engine Parameters (all 4)CHECK NORMALNOTE: Monitor N1, N2, EGT, fuel flow, oil pressure/temperature on all 4 GEnx engines. | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity & BalanceCHECKNOTE: Verify fuel burn matches flight plan. Monitor main, center, and stabilizer tanks. | |
| 05 | Fuel BalancingMONITORCAUTION: Keep wing tanks balanced. Cross-feed as needed for fuel imbalance >1,000 lbs. | |
| 06 | Step Climb PlanningREVIEWNOTE: As fuel burns off, plan step climbs to higher FL for fuel efficiency. Check CDU VNAV CRZ page. | |
| 07 | Flight ProgressMONITOR on CDU LEGS page | |
| 08 | RadiosSET for ATC sectors | |
| 09 | SpeedCHECKNOTE: Vmo 365 KIAS / Mmo 0.92. Typical cruise M0.855. |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, wind, active runway, transition level. | |
| 02 | CDU - ARRIVALS PageSELECT STAR and approach | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review chart, decision altitude/MDA, missed approach procedure. | |
| 04 | MCP AltitudeSET first cleared altitude or 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. | |
| 07 | Landing AltitudeSET on pressurization panel | |
| 08 | VREFSET on CDU APPROACH REF pageNOTE: VREF based on landing weight and flap setting. |
PHS 13 — Approach19 steps
| 01 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINED for approach | |
| 02 | Transition Level - AltimeterSET local QNHNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters. | |
| 03 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsON | |
| 04 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignON | |
| 05 | SpeedBELOW 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeARM | |
| 07 | Flaps 1SETNOTE: At flap maneuvering speed. | |
| 08 | APP ModePRESS when cleared for approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture. | |
| 09 | Flaps 5SET | |
| 10 | Flaps 10SET | |
| 11 | Landing GearDOWNNOTE: All gear extends - nose, wing, and body gear. Verify 5 green lights. | |
| 12 | Flaps 20SET | |
| 13 | Flaps 25SET (if required) | |
| 14 | Flaps 30SET for landingNOTE: Flaps 25 or 30 typical for 747-8i landing. | |
| 15 | SpeedVREF + wind additive | |
| 16 | Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 5 green lights (nose, body, 2 wing, body)WARNING: All 5 gear assemblies must indicate DOWN AND LOCKED. | |
| 17 | AutobrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 18 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 19 | Runway Turnoff LightsON |
PHS 14 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft - Stabilized ApproachVERIFYWARNING: Go around if not stabilized by 1,000 ft AGL. | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotDISCONNECT (or continue for autoland)NOTE: Leave engaged for CAT II/III autoland. | |
| 03 | VREFMAINTAINNOTE: Adjust for wind additive. | |
| 04 | Flare (~50 ft)REDUCE descent rateNOTE: Gentle backstick. 747-8 is 250 ft - use body gear as reference, not tail. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE at touchdown | |
| 06 | SpeedbrakeVERIFY DEPLOYED | |
| 07 | Reverse Thrust - All 4 EnginesSELECTCAUTION: Inboard reversers (#2 and #3) - verify deployment.NOTE: All 4 reversers deploy. Max reverse for wet/short runways. | |
| 08 | AutobrakeVERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 09 | 80 KnotsREVERSE IDLE - stow all 4 reversers | |
| 10 | 60 KnotsMANUAL braking as needed |
PHS 15 — After Landing14 steps
| 01 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED | |
| 02 | FlapsUP | |
| 03 | Speed BrakeDOWN | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 06 | Taxi LightsON | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 08 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 09 | AutobrakeOFF | |
| 10 | Body Gear SteeringARMNOTE: Re-engage for taxi to gate. | |
| 11 | APUSTARTNOTE: Start APU for bleed air and electrical at gate. | |
| 12 | Weather RadarOFF | |
| 13 | Probe HeatOFF | |
| 14 | Engine Start SwitchesAUTO |
PHS 16 — Parking / Shutdown26 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Taxi LightsOFF | |
| 03 | Runway Turnoff LightsOFF | |
| 04 | APU GeneratorsON (both buses)NOTE: Ensure APU powering buses before engine shutdown. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 - Fuel Control SwitchCUTOFF | |
| 06 | Engine 2 - Fuel Control SwitchCUTOFF | |
| 07 | Engine 3 - Fuel Control SwitchCUTOFF | |
| 08 | Engine 4 - Fuel Control SwitchCUTOFFNOTE: All 4 engines shut down. Verify N2 spooldown on EICAS. | |
| 09 | Seat Belt SignOFF | |
| 10 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 11 | Fuel PumpsALL OFFNOTE: All wing, center, and stabilizer tank pumps OFF. | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Pumps - Systems 1, 2, 3, 4OFF | |
| 13 | Pack SwitchesOFF (all 3) | |
| 14 | Engine BleedsOFF (all 4) | |
| 15 | Window HeatOFF (all) | |
| 16 | Body Gear SteeringOFF - install steering bypass pinNOTE: Ground crew installs body gear steering pin for towing. | |
| 17 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 18 | IRS Selectors (L, C, R)OFF | |
| 19 | Emergency Exit LightsOFF | |
| 20 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 21 | APUOFFNOTE: Allow 2 min cooling before switching off. | |
| 22 | Standby PowerOFF | |
| 23 | BatteryOFF | |
| 24 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power for turnaround. | |
| 25 | GSX - Jetway / StairsCONNECTEDNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | |
| 26 | GSX - Passenger DeboardingCOMPLETENOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate. |