Boeing 747-8iMSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 218 steps
Boeing 747-8i
MSFS 2024 - 0/218 STEPS
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AirlinerModern
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the latest and final variant of the iconic 747 'Queen of the Skies.' At 250 feet long, it is the longest airliner ever built. Powered by four GE GEnx-2B67 engines with distinctive chevron nozzles, it offers 16% better fuel efficiency per seat than the 747-400. First flying in 2011 and entering service with Lufthansa in 2012, it carries up to 467 passengers over 7,730 nmi.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerBoeing Commercial Airplanes
first Flight2011
roleWide-body airliner
crew2 pilots + cabin crew
engines4x GE GEnx-2B67 (66,500 lbf each)
max Speed988 km/h (Mach 0.86)
range14,310 km (7,730 nmi)
ceiling43,100 ft
weight447,696 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. For long-haul, review SIGWX charts for jet stream and turbulence. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions along entire route. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. Consider ETOPS routing if over water. | LOADED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Long-Haul)CAUTION: 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. | VERIFIED | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within limits. Check trim setting (CG%). Heavy aircraft - CG range is critical. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Check transition altitudes. Note any noise abatement procedures. | BRIEFED | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | CHECKED | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsNOTE: V1, VR, V2 based on TOW, runway length, conditions, and flap setting (typically Flaps 10 or 20). | CALCULATED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up8 steps
| 01 | Battery Switch | ON | |
| 02 | Standby Power Switch | AUTO | |
| 03 | External PowerNOTE: Check ELEC synoptic for power source. Two external power connections available. | ON (if available) | |
| 04 | APU Selector SwitchNOTE: Hold until APU starts. Wait for AVAIL light (~1 min). | START | |
| 05 | APU Generator Switches (L and R)NOTE: Both APU GEN bus switches ON. Verify buses powered. | ON | |
| 06 | APU Bleed | ON | |
| 07 | External Power | DISCONNECT (if APU running) | |
| 08 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power while engines are off. | CONNECT |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation16 steps
| 01 | Crew OxygenNOTE: Check pressure gauge for adequate supply. | TESTED AND ON | |
| 02 | IRS Selectors (L, C, R)CAUTION: Do not move aircraft during alignment (~10 min). All 3 units must align. | NAV | |
| 03 | Emergency Exit Lights | ARM | |
| 04 | Seat Belt Sign | ON | |
| 05 | No Smoking Sign | AUTO | |
| 06 | Window Heat (L, C, R, Side)NOTE: All window heat switches ON. Verify annunciators extinguish. | ON | |
| 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)NOTE: Center tank pumps ON only when center tank has fuel. | ON (if fuel in center tank) | |
| 10 | Fuel Pump Switch - Stabilizer TankNOTE: Stabilizer tank used on long-haul flights for CG management. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 11 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 1 | ON | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 2 | ON | |
| 13 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 3 | ON | |
| 14 | Hydraulic Pump Switches - System 4 | ON | |
| 15 | Panel Lights | SET AS NEEDED | |
| 16 | Navigation Lights | ON |
PHS 4 — FMC / CDU Setup10 steps
| 01 | CDU - IDENT PageNOTE: Confirm aircraft model and navigation database currency. | VERIFY GEnx-2B67 engine model | |
| 02 | CDU - POS INIT PageNOTE: Verify IRS position matches airport coordinates. | SET gate/ramp position | |
| 03 | CDU - ROUTE PageNOTE: Enter company route or airways. Verify SID selection. | ENTER origin, destination, route | |
| 04 | CDU - ROUTE - Verify LEGS | CHECK waypoints and altitudes | |
| 05 | CDU - PERF INIT PageNOTE: Typical cruise FL350-FL430. Heavy weights may require lower initial altitude. | ENTER ZFW, reserves, cost index, CRZ FL | |
| 06 | CDU - N1 LIMIT PageNOTE: Set derate and assumed temperature as required for runway length and conditions. | SELECT assumed temperature or rated TO thrust | |
| 07 | CDU - TAKEOFF REF PageNOTE: Typical flaps 10 or 20. Enter V1, VR, V2 from performance calculation. | ENTER flap setting, V-speeds, CG trim | |
| 08 | MCP Altitude | SET initial cleared altitude | |
| 09 | MCP Heading / Speed | SET as required | |
| 10 | Flight Directors | ON (Both) |
PHS 5 — Before Start18 steps
| 01 | DoorsNOTE: Check upper deck doors as well as main deck. | CLOSED - verify EICAS door display | |
| 02 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 03 | Beacon LightNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | ON | |
| 04 | Hydraulic PanelNOTE: Systems 1, 2, 3, 4. Verify demand pump switches normal. | ALL 4 SYSTEMS - PUMPS ON | |
| 05 | Body Gear Steering SwitchNOTE: Unique to 747 - enables nose and body gear steering for taxi. | ARM | |
| 06 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Ailerons, elevators, rudder - check for free and correct movement. | CHECK (full travel both axes) | |
| 07 | Trim - StabilizerNOTE: Set per loadsheet CG% on CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | SET for takeoff | |
| 08 | Trim - Aileron / Rudder | CENTERED | |
| 09 | Transponder | SET code - STBY | |
| 10 | Thrust Levers | IDLE | |
| 11 | Pack SwitchesNOTE: Reduces APU bleed load for engine start. 747-8 has 3 packs. | OFF | |
| 12 | Engine Start Selector | GND | |
| 13 | Ground CrewCAUTION: Wait for pushback clearance if required. | CLEARED TO START | |
| 14 | GSX - Fuel TruckNOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | REFUEL COMPLETE | |
| 15 | GSX - Catering ServiceNOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | COMPLETE | |
| 16 | GSX - Passenger BoardingNOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | COMPLETE | |
| 17 | GSX - All Passenger DoorsCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback. | CLOSED | |
| 18 | GSX - Pushback RequestNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. | INITIATED |
PHS 6 — Engine Start22 steps
| 01 | Engine 4 (Right Outboard) - Start SwitchNOTE: 747-8 start sequence: 4-3-2-1 (outboard to inboard). | START | |
| 02 | Engine 4 - N2 Rotation | MONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 03 | Engine 4 - Fuel Control SwitchCAUTION: Watch EGT rise - normal start EGT well below 935°C limit. | RUN (at ~20% N2) | |
| 04 | Engine 4 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | STABILIZE AT IDLE | |
| 05 | Engine 3 (Right Inboard) - Start Switch | START | |
| 06 | Engine 3 - N2 Rotation | MONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 07 | Engine 3 - Fuel Control SwitchCAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | RUN (at ~20% N2) | |
| 08 | Engine 3 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | STABILIZE AT IDLE | |
| 09 | Engine 2 (Left Inboard) - Start Switch | START | |
| 10 | Engine 2 - N2 Rotation | MONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 11 | Engine 2 - Fuel Control SwitchCAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | RUN (at ~20% N2) | |
| 12 | Engine 2 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | STABILIZE AT IDLE | |
| 13 | Engine 1 (Left Outboard) - Start Switch | START | |
| 14 | Engine 1 - N2 Rotation | MONITOR - wait for ~20% N2 | |
| 15 | Engine 1 - Fuel Control SwitchCAUTION: Watch EGT rise - monitor for hot start. | RUN (at ~20% N2) | |
| 16 | Engine 1 - N1, N2, EGT, Oil PressureWARNING: Abort start if EGT exceeds 935°C or no oil pressure within 60 seconds. | STABILIZE AT IDLE | |
| 17 | Engine Start Selector | OFF (all 4 engines stable) | |
| 18 | All 4 GeneratorsNOTE: Each engine drives one generator. Verify GEN OFF BUS lights extinguished. | ON - verify buses powered | |
| 19 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 20 | Engine BleedsNOTE: Engine bleed switches 1, 2, 3, 4 ON. | ON (all 4) | |
| 21 | Pack Switches | AUTO (all 3 packs) | |
| 22 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. | DISCONNECT |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | All 4 Generators | VERIFY ON - no GEN OFF BUS lights | |
| 02 | APUNOTE: APU no longer needed with all engines running. | OFF | |
| 03 | Hydraulic Pressure - Systems 1, 2, 3, 4 | CHECK NORMAL (green) | |
| 04 | Probe Heat | ON | |
| 05 | Anti-IceNOTE: Engine anti-ice ON if OAT <10°C and visible moisture. Wing anti-ice as needed. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | FlapsNOTE: Typical setting per CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | SET FOR TAKEOFF (10 or 20) | |
| 07 | Body Gear SteeringNOTE: Body gear steering helps navigate tight taxiway turns. | VERIFY ARM | |
| 08 | Taxi Clearance | OBTAINED | |
| 09 | Taxi Lights | ON | |
| 10 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 11 | BrakesNOTE: Test brakes within first few feet of taxi. | CHECK DURING TAXI | |
| 12 | Flight InstrumentsNOTE: Verify compass headings match taxiway direction. | CHECK DURING TAXI |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingNOTE: Review departure procedure, engine failure procedure, V-speeds. | COMPLETED | |
| 02 | Flight Controls | CHECK - free and correct | |
| 03 | FlapsNOTE: Cross-check CDU TAKEOFF REF page and flap indicator. | VERIFY takeoff setting (10 or 20) | |
| 04 | Stabilizer Trim | VERIFY - set in green band | |
| 05 | MCP | SET (altitude, heading, IAS/Mach) | |
| 06 | Speed Brake | DOWN DETENT | |
| 07 | Autobrake | RTO | |
| 08 | TransponderNOTE: Set before entering runway. | TA/RA | |
| 09 | Strobe Lights | ON | |
| 10 | Landing Lights | ON | |
| 11 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 12 | Taxi Lights | OFF | |
| 13 | Body Gear SteeringNOTE: Must be OFF for takeoff. | OFF | |
| 14 | Engine Start SwitchesNOTE: Provides continuous ignition for takeoff. | CONT |
PHS 9 — Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | Brakes | HOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversNOTE: Allow all 4 engines to stabilize symmetrically. | ADVANCE to ~40% N1 | |
| 03 | All 4 Engines | STABILIZE - check symmetric thrust | |
| 04 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversNOTE: Engage autothrottle. Verify EICAS thrust mode. | ADVANCE TO TO/GA | |
| 06 | FMACAUTION: Reject if FMA shows unexpected modes. | VERIFY modes (THR REF, LNAV or HDG) | |
| 07 | 80 Knots | CALLOUT - cross-check airspeed | |
| 08 | V1WARNING: Do not reject above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. Decision speed - no stopping beyond this point. | CALLOUT - committed to fly | |
| 09 | VRNOTE: Smooth rotation. 747-8 is 250 ft long - tail strike awareness. | ROTATE - pitch ~8° nose up | |
| 10 | V2 | MAINTAIN - verify positive climb | |
| 11 | Positive Rate | CONFIRMED | |
| 12 | Landing GearNOTE: Gear includes nose gear, wing gear, and body gear - all retract. | UP |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb12 steps
| 01 | Thrust ReductionNOTE: Typically 1,000-1,500 ft AGL. | AT acceleration altitude | |
| 02 | AutopilotNOTE: Engage after positive rate and stable flight path. | ON (CMD) | |
| 03 | FlapsNOTE: Retract in steps: 20→10→5→1→UP with airspeed increase. | RETRACT on schedule | |
| 04 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM UP AND LOCKED | |
| 05 | Gear LeverNOTE: Move gear lever to OFF after gear fully retracted and indicated up. | OFF | |
| 06 | Engine Start Switches | AUTO | |
| 07 | Speed Brake | CONFIRM DOWN | |
| 08 | Taxi / Runway Turnoff Lights | OFF | |
| 09 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 10 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt Sign | OFF (conditions permitting) | |
| 11 | Transition Altitude - Altimeter | SET STD (29.92 / 1013) | |
| 12 | Climb ThrustNOTE: Verify autothrottle maintaining correct N1 limits. | SET |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeNOTE: Typical FL350-FL430. Heavy takeoff weights may require FL310-FL350 initially. | VERIFY at cruise FL | |
| 02 | Autopilot | ON - verify LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT | |
| 03 | Engine Parameters (all 4)NOTE: Monitor N1, N2, EGT, fuel flow, oil pressure/temperature on all 4 GEnx engines. | CHECK NORMAL | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity & BalanceNOTE: Verify fuel burn matches flight plan. Monitor main, center, and stabilizer tanks. | CHECK | |
| 05 | Fuel BalancingCAUTION: Keep wing tanks balanced. Cross-feed as needed for fuel imbalance >1,000 lbs. | MONITOR | |
| 06 | Step Climb PlanningNOTE: As fuel burns off, plan step climbs to higher FL for fuel efficiency. Check CDU VNAV CRZ page. | REVIEW | |
| 07 | Flight Progress | MONITOR on CDU LEGS page | |
| 08 | Radios | SET for ATC sectors | |
| 09 | SpeedNOTE: Vmo 365 KIAS / Mmo 0.92. Typical cruise M0.855. | CHECK |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATISNOTE: Note QNH, wind, active runway, transition level. | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | CDU - ARRIVALS Page | SELECT STAR and approach | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingNOTE: Review chart, decision altitude/MDA, missed approach procedure. | COMPLETED | |
| 04 | MCP Altitude | SET first cleared altitude or constraint | |
| 05 | AutobrakeNOTE: Select based on runway length and conditions. | SET (1, 2, 3, or MAX) | |
| 06 | ILS / RNAV FrequencyNOTE: Verify on both nav radios. | SET and IDENTIFIED | |
| 07 | Landing Altitude | SET on pressurization panel | |
| 08 | VREFNOTE: VREF based on landing weight and flap setting. | SET on CDU APPROACH REF page |
PHS 13 — Approach19 steps
| 01 | ATC Clearance | OBTAINED for approach | |
| 02 | Transition Level - AltimeterNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters. | SET local QNH | |
| 03 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | ON | |
| 04 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt Sign | ON | |
| 05 | Speed | BELOW 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft | |
| 06 | Speed Brake | ARM | |
| 07 | Flaps 1NOTE: At flap maneuvering speed. | SET | |
| 08 | APP ModeNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture. | PRESS when cleared for approach | |
| 09 | Flaps 5 | SET | |
| 10 | Flaps 10 | SET | |
| 11 | Landing GearNOTE: All gear extends - nose, wing, and body gear. Verify 5 green lights. | DOWN | |
| 12 | Flaps 20 | SET | |
| 13 | Flaps 25 | SET (if required) | |
| 14 | Flaps 30NOTE: Flaps 25 or 30 typical for 747-8i landing. | SET for landing | |
| 15 | Speed | VREF + wind additive | |
| 16 | Landing GearWARNING: All 5 gear assemblies must indicate DOWN AND LOCKED. | CONFIRM DOWN - 5 green lights (nose, body, 2 wing, body) | |
| 17 | Autobrake | CONFIRM ARMED | |
| 18 | Speed Brake | CONFIRM ARMED | |
| 19 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON |
PHS 14 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft - Stabilized ApproachWARNING: Go around if not stabilized by 1,000 ft AGL. | VERIFY | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotNOTE: Leave engaged for CAT II/III autoland. | DISCONNECT (or continue for autoland) | |
| 03 | VREFNOTE: Adjust for wind additive. | MAINTAIN | |
| 04 | Flare (~50 ft)NOTE: Gentle backstick. 747-8 is 250 ft - use body gear as reference, not tail. | REDUCE descent rate | |
| 05 | Thrust Levers | IDLE at touchdown | |
| 06 | Speedbrake | VERIFY DEPLOYED | |
| 07 | Reverse Thrust - All 4 EnginesCAUTION: Inboard reversers (#2 and #3) - verify deployment.NOTE: All 4 reversers deploy. Max reverse for wet/short runways. | SELECT | |
| 08 | Autobrake | VERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 09 | 80 Knots | REVERSE IDLE - stow all 4 reversers | |
| 10 | 60 Knots | MANUAL braking as needed |
PHS 15 — After Landing14 steps
| 01 | Runway Vacated | CONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Flaps | UP | |
| 03 | Speed Brake | DOWN | |
| 04 | Strobe Lights | OFF | |
| 05 | Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 06 | Taxi Lights | ON | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 08 | Transponder | STBY | |
| 09 | Autobrake | OFF | |
| 10 | Body Gear SteeringNOTE: Re-engage for taxi to gate. | ARM | |
| 11 | APUNOTE: Start APU for bleed air and electrical at gate. | START | |
| 12 | Weather Radar | OFF | |
| 13 | Probe Heat | OFF | |
| 14 | Engine Start Switches | AUTO |
PHS 16 — Parking / Shutdown26 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Taxi Lights | OFF | |
| 03 | Runway Turnoff Lights | OFF | |
| 04 | APU GeneratorsNOTE: Ensure APU powering buses before engine shutdown. | ON (both buses) | |
| 05 | Engine 1 - Fuel Control Switch | CUTOFF | |
| 06 | Engine 2 - Fuel Control Switch | CUTOFF | |
| 07 | Engine 3 - Fuel Control Switch | CUTOFF | |
| 08 | Engine 4 - Fuel Control SwitchNOTE: All 4 engines shut down. Verify N2 spooldown on EICAS. | CUTOFF | |
| 09 | Seat Belt Sign | OFF | |
| 10 | Beacon Light | OFF | |
| 11 | Fuel PumpsNOTE: All wing, center, and stabilizer tank pumps OFF. | ALL OFF | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Pumps - Systems 1, 2, 3, 4 | OFF | |
| 13 | Pack Switches | OFF (all 3) | |
| 14 | Engine Bleeds | OFF (all 4) | |
| 15 | Window Heat | OFF (all) | |
| 16 | Body Gear SteeringNOTE: Ground crew installs body gear steering pin for towing. | OFF - install steering bypass pin | |
| 17 | Anti-Ice | OFF | |
| 18 | IRS Selectors (L, C, R) | OFF | |
| 19 | Emergency Exit Lights | OFF | |
| 20 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 21 | APUNOTE: Allow 2 min cooling before switching off. | OFF | |
| 22 | Standby Power | OFF | |
| 23 | Battery | OFF | |
| 24 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power for turnaround. | CONNECT | |
| 25 | GSX - Jetway / StairsNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | CONNECTED | |
| 26 | GSX - Passenger DeboardingNOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate. | COMPLETE |