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MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Startup Checklist
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Startup Notes
The 787 has no bleed air system, and that removes most of the Boeing start you already know. Each engine is turned by its own electrically driven starter/generators, so the APU supplies electrical power rather than air, and there is no packs off, isolation valve or duct pressure sequence anywhere. Bleed air survives only for cowl anti-ice and pressurizing the hydraulic reservoirs. The other surprise arrives immediately: after the battery goes on the common core computers need time to boot, so the flight deck stays dark until the captain's displays come up. Get external power or the APU on quickly, because the battery drains fast.
The most common error is flying this like a 777 and waiting for N2 to rise before introducing fuel. On the 787 you rotate the start selector to START and move the fuel control switch to RUN straight away; autostart decides when fuel goes in and will correct or abort a hot, hung or stalled start by itself. Second is deciding the airplane is broken during that core systems boot instead of waiting it out. Third is the hydraulics: the C1 and C2 electric pumps and both demand pump selectors sit OFF at power-up and need AUTO before pushback.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for an N2 rise before moving the fuel control switch to RUN
- Assuming the flight deck is broken while the core systems boot
- Leaving the C1 and C2 electric hydraulic pumps OFF before pushback
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Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
Boeing 787-9 DreamlinerMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 175 steps · 18 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning11 steps
| 01 | Weather - Departure, Destination, AlternateMETAR/TAF REVIEWEDNOTE: Check ceilings, visibility, winds, freezing levels and any significant enroute weather. | |
| 02 | AlternatesSELECTEDNOTE: Confirm a suitable destination alternate and any ETOPS alternates required for the route. | |
| 03 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Runway closures, navaid outages, airspace restrictions and ETOPS field availability. | |
| 04 | Operational Flight Plan / SimBriefGENERATEDNOTE: Verify route, cost index, cruise levels and step climbs. | |
| 05 | ETOPS / Diversion StrategyCONFIRMEDNOTE: 787 is commonly approved up to ETOPS 330 minutes - confirm adequate enroute alternates. | |
| 06 | Block and Trip FuelCALCULATEDNOTE: Trip + contingency + alternate + final reserve + taxi + any ETOPS critical fuel. | |
| 07 | Weight and Balance / LoadsheetZFW, TOW, CG% CONFIRMEDNOTE: ZFW must be within limits; verify CG is within the takeoff envelope. MTOW approx 254,000 kg. | |
| 08 | SID / STAR / ApproachBRIEFEDNOTE: Select expected departure, arrival and approach procedures for the FMC route. | |
| 09 | MEL / CDLCHECKEDNOTE: Confirm no open items affect dispatch or required performance. | |
| 10 | Takeoff Performance / V-SpeedsV1, VR, V2 COMPUTEDNOTE: Use OPT/EFB for runway, flap, thrust (TO/TO 1/TO 2 derate) and assumed temperature. | |
| 11 | Departure BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Cover runway, SID, MSA, stop/go strategy, engine-out procedure and initial altitude. |
PHS 2 - Electrical / Power-Up10 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchONNOTE: First action in a cold and dark flight deck. Powers the airplane so the common core system can initialise. | |
| 02 | C1 and C2 Electric Pump SelectorsOFF | |
| 03 | Demand Pump SelectorsOFFNOTE: Hydraulic demand pumps stay off until the Before Start flow sets them to AUTO. | |
| 04 | Wiper SelectorsOFF | |
| 05 | Landing Gear LeverDOWN | |
| 06 | Alternate Flaps SelectorOFF | |
| 07 | External Power (if desired)AVAIL LIGHTS ON, SWITCHES PUSHEDNOTE: Forward left and right sources at minimum. Add the aft source if available to reduce load shedding. | |
| 08 | APU Generator SwitchesONNOTE: Selected before the APU is started. Confirm the left CCR is online first, shown by the captain's inboard and lower displays presenting their default formats. | |
| 09 | APU SelectorSTART, THEN ONWARNING: Verify the APU exhaust area is clear before starting.NOTE: Spring loaded from START back to ON. The APU supplies electrical power only; the 787 has no bleed air system. | |
| 10 | External PowerOFF (after the APU is online) |
PHS 3 - Preliminary Preflight5 steps
| 01 | IRS SelectorsOFF 30 SECONDS, THEN ONNOTE: There is no NAV position on the 787. Verify the ON BAT light is extinguished. Keep the airplane stationary during alignment. | |
| 02 | STATUS DisplayCHECKEDNOTE: Verify that only expected messages are shown. | |
| 03 | Oxygen, Hydraulic and Engine Oil QuantitiesSUFFICIENT FOR FLIGHT | |
| 04 | Maintenance DocumentsCHECKED | |
| 05 | Emergency EquipmentCHECKED AND STOWEDNOTE: Fire extinguisher, crash axe, emergency escape inertia reels, and the flight deck overhead door closed and latched. |
PHS 4 - Cockpit Preparation16 steps
| 01 | Oxygen - Crew MasksTESTED, 100%NOTE: Check mask stowage, flow and microphone. | |
| 02 | Observer / EMER EXIT Lights SwitchGUARD CLOSED / ARMEDNOTE: Set emergency exit lights to ARMED for departure. | |
| 03 | Window HeatONNOTE: Select window heat for anti-fog and bird-strike resilience. | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Demand PumpsAUTONOTE: Set L, C1, C2, R demand pumps as required; primary pumps remain ON. | |
| 05 | Hydraulic Primary PumpsONNOTE: Center and engine-driven pumps provide 5,000 psi system pressure. | |
| 06 | Fuel Pump SwitchesONNOTE: Forward, aft and center tank boost pumps ON as required by fuel load. | |
| 07 | Pack / Air Conditioning SwitchesAUTONOTE: Cabin air supplied by dedicated electric compressors, not engine bleed. | |
| 08 | Cabin Temperature / PressurizationAUTONOTE: Confirm pressurization is in AUTO with landing altitude set automatically by FMC. | |
| 09 | Anti-Ice (Engine / Wing)AUTO / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Wing anti-ice is electrically heated; set per conditions. | |
| 10 | Exterior Lights - NAV / PositionON | |
| 11 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Confirm PARKING BRAKE SET annunciation on EICAS. | |
| 12 | Landing Gear LeverDOWN | |
| 13 | Flap LeverMATCHES FLAP POSITION (UP) | |
| 14 | Stabilizer TrimSET FOR TAKEOFF (GREEN BAND)NOTE: Set per FMC takeoff CG/trim - verify trim is in the green band. | |
| 15 | Autobrake SelectorRTONOTE: Arm rejected-takeoff autobrake for the takeoff roll. | |
| 16 | Engine Fire HandlesIN / STOWEDNOTE: Confirm both fire handles in and no FIRE warnings. |
PHS 5 - FMC / CDU Setup14 steps
| 01 | IDENT PageVERIFY MODEL / NAV DATANOTE: Confirm 787-9 model, engine type and current AIRAC nav database cycle. | |
| 02 | POS INITGATE / GPS POSITION SETNOTE: Set reference position to align the IRS. | |
| 03 | ROUTE (RTE)ORIGIN / DEST / RWY ENTEREDNOTE: Enter origin, destination, flight number and departure runway. | |
| 04 | Airway / Waypoint EntryROUTE COMPLETENOTE: Enter the filed route, then ACTIVATE and EXEC. | |
| 05 | DEPARTURESSID / TRANSITION SELECTED | |
| 06 | PERF INITZFW / RESERVES / COST INDEX SETNOTE: Enter zero fuel weight; gross weight is computed from fuel onboard. | |
| 07 | Cruise AltitudeSETNOTE: Enter planned cruise flight level; verify step climb points. | |
| 08 | THRUST LIM PageTO / DERATE / ASSUMED TEMP SETNOTE: Select takeoff thrust rating (TO, TO 1, TO 2) and assumed temperature for reduced thrust. | |
| 09 | TAKEOFF REF PageFLAPS / V1 / VR / V2 ENTEREDNOTE: Enter takeoff flaps (typically 5) and the computed V-speeds; verify against EFB. | |
| 10 | Takeoff CG / TrimENTERED / TRIM CONFIRMEDNOTE: Enter CG so the FMC computes the takeoff stabilizer trim setting. | |
| 11 | LEGS PageVERIFIEDNOTE: Check route discontinuities, distances and altitude/speed constraints. | |
| 12 | Route Legs / VNAVNO DISCONTINUITIESNOTE: Resolve any route discontinuities before departure. | |
| 13 | Navigation RadiosAUTOTUNE / SETNOTE: Confirm autotune of nav aids or set departure frequencies manually. | |
| 14 | TransponderCODE SET / STBYNOTE: Set assigned squawk; select TA/RA, leave on STBY until takeoff. |
PHS 6 - Before Start12 steps
| 01 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Confirm route, squawk and initial altitude match the FMC. | |
| 02 | Departure / Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETE | |
| 03 | DoorsCLOSED / ARMEDNOTE: Confirm all doors closed and slides armed for departure. | |
| 04 | Fuel QuantityCHECKED vs PLANNOTE: Cross-check total fuel against the loadsheet and OFP. | |
| 05 | MCP - Initial AltitudeSETNOTE: Set the cleared initial altitude in the MCP altitude window. | |
| 06 | MCP - Speed / HeadingSETNOTE: Set initial speed (approx 160 KIAS) and runway heading. | |
| 07 | Flight DirectorsBOTH ON | |
| 08 | Autothrottle ArmARM | |
| 09 | Beacon LightONWARNING: Beacon ON signals ground crew that engine start is imminent. | |
| 10 | Pushback / Engine Start ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Coordinate pushback direction and start clearance with ground crew and ATC. | |
| 11 | Parking Brake (during pushback)RELEASED / AS DIRECTED | |
| 12 | Before Start ChecklistCOMPLETENOTE: Run the electronic checklist (CHKL) - many items sense switch positions automatically. |
PHS 7 - Engine Start8 steps
| 01 | Secondary Engine IndicationsDISPLAYED | |
| 02 | Start ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Clearance to pressurize the hydraulic systems and to start the engines. | |
| 03 | Start SequenceANNOUNCEDNOTE: On APU power the engines may be started at the same time. On ground power only, start the right engine first and do not start both at once. | |
| 04 | Engine Start SelectorSTART | |
| 05 | Fuel Control SwitchRUNNOTE: Moved to RUN directly after the start selector. The 787 is an autostart aircraft, so there is no N2 threshold for the crew to wait for. | |
| 06 | AutostartMONITOREDNOTE: Autostart corrects for no EGT rise, a hot start, a hung start, no N1 rotation, a compressor stall and failure of both starters. On GE engines it also corrects for no oil pressure rise. | |
| 07 | Engine ParametersSTABLE AT IDLENOTE: On Rolls-Royce engines no crew monitoring or action is required for oil pressure during start. If ENG OIL PRESS shows on EICAS, run that checklist. | |
| 08 | Second EngineSTARTNOTE: If the engines were not started at the same time, start the other engine once the first is stable at idle. |
PHS 8 - After Start / Taxi14 steps
| 01 | APUOFF / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Once engine generators are online and stable, shut down the APU. | |
| 02 | GeneratorsON / AUTONOTE: Verify all four engine starter-generators online supplying the buses. | |
| 03 | Hydraulic PumpsALL ON / AUTONOTE: Confirm full hydraulic pressure with engine-driven pumps running. | |
| 04 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Flight ControlsCHECKED FULL AND FREENOTE: Cycle ailerons, elevator and rudder; verify on the SYS/FCTL synoptic. | |
| 06 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Select takeoff flaps (typically FLAPS 5) and confirm on EICAS. | |
| 07 | Stabilizer TrimGREEN BAND / TAKEOFF SET | |
| 08 | Ground CrewCLEAR / DISCONNECTEDNOTE: Confirm tow bar removed, ground equipment clear and salute received. | |
| 09 | Taxi / Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 10 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 11 | Parking BrakeRELEASED | |
| 12 | BrakesCHECKEDNOTE: Apply brakes early in the taxi to verify deceleration. | |
| 13 | Nosewheel Steering / TillerCHECKEDWARNING: Taxi at safe speed; the 787-9 has a long wheelbase - use wide turns. | |
| 14 | Before Takeoff Checklist (above the line)COMPLETE |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Confirm departure runway, V-speeds, thrust setting and engine-out plan. | |
| 02 | FlapsVERIFIED TAKEOFF (5)NOTE: Confirm flap setting matches the TAKEOFF REF page. | |
| 03 | Stabilizer TrimSET / GREEN BAND | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsFREE AND CORRECT | |
| 05 | V-SpeedsV1, VR, V2 SET / DISPLAYEDNOTE: Confirm bugs displayed on the speed tape. | |
| 06 | CabinSECURE / READYNOTE: Cabin crew report ready for departure. | |
| 07 | TransponderTA/RA / ON | |
| 08 | Landing / Strobe LightsON (entering runway) | |
| 09 | Takeoff ClearanceRECEIVED | |
| 10 | Before Takeoff Checklist (below the line)COMPLETE |
PHS 10 - Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | BrakesRELEASE / HOLD AS REQUIRED | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversADVANCE TO 55% N1 THEN TO/GANOTE: Stabilize thrust, then press TO/GA to set computed takeoff thrust via autothrottle. | |
| 03 | Takeoff ThrustSET / THR REFNOTE: Verify THR REF annunciated and symmetric N1 on both engines. | |
| 04 | Airspeed AliveCHECKEDNOTE: Both airspeed indicators increasing and agree by 80 knots. | |
| 05 | V1CALLED / HANDS OFF THRUSTWARNING: At V1, takeoff is continued - do not reject after V1. | |
| 06 | Rotate (VR)ROTATE TO 15 DEGNOTE: Smooth rotation toward initial pitch of approx 15 degrees. | |
| 07 | Positive RateGEAR UPNOTE: Confirm positive climb on altimeter and VSI before raising the gear. | |
| 08 | V2 / Climb SpeedV2+15 to V2+25NOTE: Follow the flight director; target a safe climb speed above V2. |
PHS 11 - After Takeoff / Climb7 steps
| 01 | Landing GearUP / OFFNOTE: Select gear lever OFF after retraction to depressurize the system. | |
| 02 | AutopilotENGAGE AS DESIREDNOTE: Engage above minimum altitude with LNAV/VNAV as appropriate. | |
| 03 | Flap RetractionON SCHEDULE / UPNOTE: Retract flaps per the maneuvering speed schedule as the airplane accelerates. | |
| 04 | Climb ThrustCLB SET / VNAVNOTE: Verify climb thrust and VNAV path capture. | |
| 05 | Landing / Strobe LightsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Turn off landing lights passing 10,000 ft if desired. | |
| 06 | AltimetersSTD AT TRANSITION ALTNOTE: Set standard 29.92 inHg / 1013 hPa passing the transition altitude. | |
| 07 | After Takeoff ChecklistCOMPLETE |
PHS 12 - Cruise6 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeCAPTUREDNOTE: Verify level-off at the FMC cruise flight level. | |
| 02 | Cruise SpeedMACH 0.85NOTE: Confirm VNAV holds the cost-index cruise Mach. | |
| 03 | Fuel MonitoringCHECKED vs PLANNOTE: Cross-check FMC PROGRESS fuel predictions against the OFP at each waypoint. | |
| 04 | Engine / SystemsNORMALNOTE: Scan EICAS - no advisory or caution messages. | |
| 05 | PressurizationNORMAL / CABIN STABLENOTE: 787 cabin altitude is lower than legacy jets (approx 6,000 ft at cruise). | |
| 06 | Step ClimbAS PLANNEDNOTE: Execute optimum step climbs as weight decreases. |
PHS 13 - Descent Prep8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Destination WeatherOBTAINEDNOTE: Note active runway, winds, QNH and conditions. | |
| 02 | Approach Type / RunwaySELECTED IN FMCNOTE: Enter arrival, approach and transition on the ARRIVALS page. | |
| 03 | Landing Performance / VREFCOMPUTEDNOTE: Compute landing distance, flap setting and VREF for the conditions. | |
| 04 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief approach, minimums, missed approach and go-around plan. | |
| 05 | FMC DESCENT / FORECASTWIND / TARGETS SETNOTE: Enter descent winds and any speed restrictions for an accurate VNAV path. | |
| 06 | AutobrakeSET FOR LANDINGNOTE: Select autobrake level appropriate for runway length and conditions. | |
| 07 | MinimumsSETNOTE: Set DA/MDA on the PFD for the selected approach. | |
| 08 | Descent ChecklistCOMPLETE |
PHS 14 - Descent6 steps
| 01 | Top of DescentVNAV PTH / DESCENT INITIATEDNOTE: Begin descent at the FMC T/D or as cleared by ATC. | |
| 02 | MCP AltitudeSET TO CLEARED ALTNOTE: Set each new cleared altitude as received. | |
| 03 | Speed ManagementPER VNAV / ATCNOTE: Comply with 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft unless otherwise cleared. | |
| 04 | AltimetersQNH AT TRANSITION LEVELNOTE: Set local QNH passing the transition level. | |
| 05 | Landing / Logo LightsON below 10,000 ft | |
| 06 | Seatbelt SignsON |
PHS 15 - Approach11 steps
| 01 | SpeedbrakeARMEDNOTE: Arm the speedbrake for automatic ground deployment on touchdown. | |
| 02 | Flaps 1SETNOTE: Begin flap extension on schedule; max Flaps 1 speed approx 260 KIAS. | |
| 03 | Flaps 5SETNOTE: Max Flaps 5 speed approx 240 KIAS. | |
| 04 | Approach Mode (APP / LOC-G/S)ARMEDNOTE: Arm the approach once cleared and established on intercept. | |
| 05 | Localizer / Final CourseCAPTURED | |
| 06 | Landing GearDOWN / 3 GREENNOTE: Extend gear and confirm three green indications. | |
| 07 | Flaps 20SETNOTE: Max Flaps 20 speed approx 215 KIAS. | |
| 08 | GlideslopeCAPTURED | |
| 09 | Landing FlapsFLAPS 25 / 30 SETNOTE: Select landing flaps; max Flaps 30 speed approx 180 KIAS. | |
| 10 | Final Approach Speed (VREF + correction)SET / BUGGEDNOTE: Set VAPP = VREF plus wind additive on the MCP/speed bug. | |
| 11 | Landing ChecklistCOMPLETENOTE: Confirm gear down, flaps set, speedbrake armed and cleared to land. |
PHS 16 - Landing9 steps
| 01 | Cleared to LandCONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Stabilized ApproachCHECKED BY 1000 FTWARNING: Go around if not stabilized by 1,000 ft AGL. | |
| 03 | Autothrottle / AutopilotAS REQUIREDNOTE: Disconnect for a manual landing or retain for autoland as briefed. | |
| 04 | FlareAT 30-20 FTNOTE: Begin flare and smoothly reduce thrust to idle at touchdown. | |
| 05 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRSTNOTE: Touch down in the zone; lower the nose smoothly. | |
| 06 | SpeedbrakeUP / DEPLOYEDNOTE: Verify automatic deployment of ground spoilers. | |
| 07 | Reverse ThrustDEPLOYED AS REQUIREDWARNING: Stow reversers by 60 knots to remain within reverser limits. | |
| 08 | Autobrake / Manual BrakingAS REQUIREDNOTE: Monitor autobrake; take manual braking to exit the runway safely. | |
| 09 | Rollout / Nosewheel SteeringCENTERLINE MAINTAINED |
PHS 17 - After Landing6 steps
| 01 | Speedbrake LeverDOWN / STOWED | |
| 02 | FlapsUPNOTE: Retract flaps after clearing the runway. | |
| 03 | Reverse ThrustSTOWED / IDLE | |
| 04 | AutobrakeOFF | |
| 05 | APUSTART / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Start the APU for electrical power if planning an engine shutdown at the gate. | |
| 06 | After Landing ChecklistCOMPLETE |
PHS 18 - Parking / Shutdown14 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Set parking brake once stopped at the gate. | |
| 02 | Engine Fuel Control SwitchesCUTOFFNOTE: Move both fuel control switches to CUTOFF to shut down the engines. | |
| 03 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 04 | Seatbelt SignsOFFNOTE: Turn off seatbelt signs when safe at the gate. | |
| 05 | External PowerCONNECTED / ON (if available)NOTE: Connect ground power, then the APU may be shut down. | |
| 06 | APUOFF (after power transfer) | |
| 07 | Hydraulic PumpsOFF | |
| 08 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 09 | Beacon LightOFFNOTE: Beacon OFF signals engines are shut down. | |
| 10 | DoorsDISARMED / OPENWARNING: Confirm slides disarmed before doors are opened. | |
| 11 | IRS / ADIRUOFF | |
| 12 | Emergency LightsOFF | |
| 13 | Battery SwitchOFF (after secure)NOTE: Leave battery ON until ground power established, then OFF when parking the airplane. | |
| 14 | Shutdown / Secure ChecklistCOMPLETE |