MSFS 2024 · General Aviation

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Startup Checklist

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Startup Notes

The G36's IO-550 is a fuel-injected piston, so there is no primer knob and no BOTH position on the fuel selector: you pick the left or right tank and own that choice. Cold starts are straightforward if you respect the priming ritual: mixture rich, throttle cracked, fuel pump on for a few seconds until fuel flow registers, pump off, then crank. The G1000 wants battery or external power up first, so the panel comes alive before the engine does.

Flooding is the number one sin: holding the pump on too long drowns the cylinders, and the fix is the flooded-start drill of throttle open, mixture at cutoff, and crank until it fires. Hot starts are the other classic; a heat-soaked IO-550 vapor-locks, and repeating the cold-start prime just makes it worse. Prime lightly or not at all when warm. Finally, check the selector is actually on a tank with fuel, because there is no BOTH to save you.

Common mistakes

Over-priming and flooding the engine
Using the cold-start prime on a hot, vapor-locked engine
Starting on an empty or wrong fuel tank

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Pilot Tools for This Flight

Density AltitudeTrue performance altitude Crosswind CalculatorRunway wind components Weight & BalanceCG envelope check

Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

General AviationModern

AIRCRAFT BRIEF

The Beechcraft Bonanza is the longest-running production aircraft in history, continuously manufactured since 1947. The G36, introduced in 2006, is the final evolution of the beloved A36 variant and replaces the classic round-dial cockpit with the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite. Powered by the Continental IO-550-B producing 300 hp, the G36 carries six occupants with a maximum range exceeding 900 nautical miles. Its distinctive V-tail (earlier models) and conventional tail have made it an icon of American general aviation.

RANGE VISUALIZER

Startup Walkthrough

SPECIFICATIONS

manufacturer: Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)
first Flight: 1947 (original), 2006 (G36)
role: High-performance single-engine piston
crew: 1-2 pilots + 4 passengers
engines: 1x Continental IO-550-B (300 hp)
max Speed: 325 km/h (176 kts)
range: 1,704 km (920 nmi)
ceiling: 18,500 ft
weight: 1,655 kg (MTOW)

Sources: Beechcraft Bonanza - Wikipedia, Bonanza G36 Specifications - Beechcraft, Bonanza G36 - AOPA

FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist

Beechcraft Bonanza G36MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 168 steps · 16 phases

DATE PILOT TAIL

PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning7 steps

	01	Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check ceiling, visibility and wind for the route. Turbulent air penetration speed is 141 kts.
	02	NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check TFRs, runway closures and airspace restrictions.
	03	Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: POH Section 2: total capacity 80 gal, total usable 74 gal (two 40 gal tanks, 37 usable each). Maximum fuel flow 27.4 gph.
	04	Weight and BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: POH Section 2 weight limits: max ramp weight 3,663 lb, max takeoff weight 3,650 lb, max landing weight 3,650 lb. Max zero fuel weight has no structural limitation. Baggage: 200 lb between spars, 400 lb rear spar to Sta. 170, 70 lb aft compartment.
	05	Takeoff and Landing PerformanceCALCULATEDNOTE: Section 5 charts. Maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 17 kts.
	06	Flight Plan / ChartsPREPAREDNOTE: Load route into the G1000. Prepare approach plates for the destination.
	07	ATISOBTAINED

PHS 2 - Preflight Inspection34 steps

	01	Emergency Exits and WindowsCHECK - CLOSED AND LOCKEDNOTE: Verify the safety wire beneath the emergency exit cover is intact.
	02	Seats, Seat Belts and BaggagePROPERLY INSTALLED AND SECURE
	03	Landing Gear Emergency HandcrankSTOWED AND ACCESSIBLE
	04	Parking BrakeSET
	05	Control LocksREMOVE
	06	All SwitchesOFF
	07	Landing Gear HandleDOWN
	08	Trim TabsSET TO ZERO
	09	Battery SystemCHECKNOTE: Battery 1 ON, verify PFD in reversionary mode, check Bus 1 at 23 volts minimum and Bus 2 approximately 2 volts less. Battery 2 ON, Battery 1 OFF, check Bus 1 at 0 volts and Bus 2 at 20 volts minimum, then Battery 1 ON.
	10	Landing Gear Position LightsCHECK 3 GREEN
	11	Annunciator Test ButtonPRESS - GEAR IN-TRANSIT AND FLAP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED
	12	Exterior / Interior LightsCHECK, AS REQUIRED
	13	Standby Attitude IndicatorFLAG PULLED
	14	Battery 1 and Battery 2OFF
	15	Static Ports (Both Sides)CLEAR
	16	Empennage - Stabilizers, Rudder, Elevator and Trim TabCHECK MOVEMENT, SECURITY AND ALIGNMENT
	17	Static Wicks and AntennasCHECK
	18	Flaps, Ailerons and Aileron Trim TabCHECK MOVEMENT AND SECURITY
	19	Stall Warning VaneCHECK MOVEMENT
	20	Pitot TubeCLEAR
	21	Fuel Tanks (Both Wings)CHECK QUANTITY, O-RING, CAP SECUREWARNING: Do not take off if fuel quantity indication is in the yellow band or with less than 13 gallons in each tank.
	22	Fuel Sumps (Both Wings)DRAIN AND CHECK FUEL
	23	Fuel Selector Valve Sump (Under Access Door)DRAIN AND CHECK FUEL - DOOR SECURE
	24	Fuel Vent Tubes and Siphon Break PortsCLEAR
	25	Main and Nose Landing GearCHECKNOTE: Gear doors secure and flush, uplock roller free to rotate, weight-on-wheels switch linkage and scissors linkage secure, shock struts properly inflated, tires serviceable, chocks removed.
	26	Cowl Flaps (Both Sides)SECURE
	27	Brake Fluid ReservoirCHECK QUANTITY
	28	Engine Oil10 QUARTS MINIMUM - CAP SECURECAUTION: The POH preflight specifies a 10 quart minimum for the IO-550-B.
	29	Engine Baffles and Cowl DoorsSECURE - CLOSED AND SECURE
	30	Propeller and SpinnerCHECK - NICKS, LEAKS, DEICE BOOTS
	31	Cooling Air Inlet and Induction Air InletCLEAR - BAFFLES INTACT
	32	Landing and Taxi LightsCHECK
	33	Tie Downs and ChocksREMOVE
	34	Utility DoorsCLOSED AND LOCKED

PHS 3 - Before Engine Starting22 steps

	01	SeatsPOSITION FOR TAKEOFF
	02	Rudder PedalsADJUST
	03	Seat Belts and Shoulder HarnessFASTEN / ADJUST
	04	Parking BrakeCONFIRM SET
	05	Left Side Circuit BreakersIN
	06	Alternate Static Air SourceNORMAL
	07	Subpanel SwitchesOFF, BEACON ON
	08	Landing Gear HandleDN
	09	ThrottleCLOSED
	10	PropellerHIGH RPM
	11	MixtureFULL RICH
	12	Cowl FlapsOPEN
	13	FlapsUP
	14	Avionics Circuit BreakersIN
	15	ELT SwitchARM
	16	Battery System CheckCONFIRM COMPLETE
	17	Battery 1 and 2, Alternator 1 and 2ON
	18	PFDVERIFY REVERSIONARY MODE
	19	AlertsCHECK AND CONSIDEREDNOTE: If TAWS-B is installed, the white TAWS TEST annunciation illuminates during the self test and extinguishes when it is complete.
	20	Fuel RemainingSETNOTE: Select the ENGINE and SYSTEM soft keys. With full fuel press RST FUEL to reset to 74 gallons; with partial fuel use DEC FUEL or INC FUEL to adjust GAL REM.
	21	Fuel Selector ValveCHECK OPERATION, THEN SELECT FULLER TANKWARNING: Do not take off if fuel quantity indication is in the yellow band or with less than 13 gallons in each tank. Feel for the detent and confirm visually.
	22	Aux Fuel PumpSELECT LO, LISTEN FOR OPERATION, THEN OFF

PHS 4 - Engine Starting (Battery) - Cold Start7 steps

	01	ThrottleFULL OPENCAUTION: Do not engage the starter for more than 30 seconds in any 4-minute time period.
	02	PropellerHIGH RPM
	03	MixtureFULL RICH
	04	Aux Fuel PumpHI UNTIL FUEL FLOW PEAKS, THEN OFF
	05	ThrottleCLOSE, THEN OPEN APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH
	06	Magneto / Start SwitchSTART (RELEASE TO BOTH WHEN ENGINE STARTS)NOTE: The STARTER ENGD caution alert will illuminate during the start and should extinguish when the starter is released.
	07	Throttle1000 TO 1200 RPM AFTER START

PHS 5 - Before Taxi15 steps

	01	Throttle1000 TO 1200 RPM
	02	Oil Temperature and PressureCHECKCAUTION: Engine oil temperature and oil pressure must be in the green band prior to engine run-up above 1200 RPM.
	03	Avionics MasterON
	04	Autopilot Preflight TestCOMPLETENOTE: Red AFCS message illuminates while AHRS aligns then extinguishes; white PFT message illuminates for about 5 seconds then extinguishes; autopilot disconnect tone sounds.
	05	MFD Aviation DatabaseACKNOWLEDGED
	06	PFD and MFDDISPLAYED IN NORMAL MODE
	07	AHRSALIGN
	08	ALT 1 and ALT 2CHECK - ALT 1 POSITIVE LOAD, ALT 2 ZERO LOAD
	09	Bus 1 and Bus 2 VoltagesBUS 1 27.5-29.0 V / BUS 2 25.5-27.0 V
	10	Alerts / MessagesCHECK - BUSES TIED ILLUMINATED
	11	LightsAS REQUIRED
	12	AvionicsCHECK AND SETNOTE: COM and NAV radios, altimeter, CDI nav source, transponder, altitude preselect and flight plan.
	13	Standby Attitude IndicatorPULL KNOB TO ERECTCAUTION: The indicator may be damaged if the PULL-TO-CAGE knob is released with a snap. Release it slowly.
	14	Standby AltimeterSET
	15	BrakesRELEASE AND CHECKCAUTION: Never taxi with a flat shock strut.

PHS 6 - Before Takeoff (Runup)20 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	Seat Belts and Shoulder HarnessesCONFIRM BUCKLED
	03	Engine InstrumentsCHECK WITHIN OPERATING LIMITS
	04	Flight InstrumentsCHECK
	05	Throttle1700 RPM
	06	PropellerEXERCISE - 200 TO 300 RPM DROP
	07	MagnetosCHECK INDIVIDUALLYNOTE: Maximum drop should not exceed 150 RPM. Variance between individual magnetos should not exceed 50 RPM.
	08	Alternator 2 and Bus TieCHECKNOTE: At 2000 RPM or above, BUSES TIED extinguished, Voltmeter 2 at 27.5-29.0 volts and Loadmeter 2 showing positive load. Back at 1000-1200 RPM, BUSES TIED illuminated.
	09	Standby Attitude IndicatorERECT - STBY PWR LED EXTINGUISHED, FLAG PULLED
	10	Electric Elevator TrimCHECKNOTE: Actuate left and right segments individually and verify no trim movement, then together and verify proper movement. Actuate AP DISC with trim in motion and verify trim stops.
	11	TrimSET - AILERON NEUTRAL, ELEVATOR 3 DEG NOSE UPNOTE: Set 6 degrees nose up if only the front seats are occupied.
	12	FlapsCHECK OPERATION, SET FOR TAKEOFF
	13	Flight ControlsCHECK FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND PROPER DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
	14	Doors and WindowsSECURE - CABIN DOOR LOCK INDICATOR CHECK CLOSED
	15	Fuel Selector ValveCHECK TANK SELECTED
	16	Aux Fuel PumpOFF
	17	Alerts / MessagesEXTINGUISHED OR CONSIDERED
	18	PFD Attitude and HeadingNORMAL
	19	GPS PositionVALID - LOI NOT ANNUNCIATED ON HSI
	20	Parking BrakeRELEASE

PHS 7 - Before Takeoff (Final Items)6 steps

	01	Pitot HeatAS REQUIRED
	02	LightsAS REQUIRED
	03	Air Conditioning (If Installed)OFFWARNING: The AC DOOR EXTD caution alert must be extinguished before takeoff.
	04	FlapsCONFIRM SET
	05	Transponder CodeCONFIRM SET
	06	Rotation SpeedCONFIRMNOTE: At 3,650 lb: flaps UP 73 kts, flaps APPROACH (12 deg) 67 kts. 50-ft speed is 84 kts flaps UP and 77 kts flaps APPROACH.

PHS 8 - Takeoff7 steps

	01	Take-Off PowerSETNOTE: Throttle full forward, propeller HIGH RPM, mixture set to place fuel flow at the cyan climb fuel flow marker.
	02	BUSES TIEDEXTINGUISHED
	03	BrakesRELEASE
	04	InstrumentsCHECK - MAP, RPM, FUEL FLOW, OIL TEMP / PRESS
	05	Rotation SpeedROTATE
	06	Landing Gear (Positive Rate of Climb Established)RETRACT
	07	Flaps (If Used For Takeoff)RETRACT

PHS 9 - Climb6 steps

	01	PowerSETNOTE: Throttle full forward. Propeller 2700 RPM for maximum continuous power climb, 2500 RPM for cruise climb. The fuel flow marker will not revert to the cruise climb schedule until RPM is initially reduced to 2490 or below.
	02	MixtureMAINTAIN FUEL FLOW AT CYAN CLIMB FUEL FLOW MARKERNOTE: Cyan climb fuel flow marker at 2700 RPM: 25.7 GPH at sea level, 25.1 at 4,000 ft, 24.0 at 6,000 ft, 22.4 at 8,000 ft, 20.9 at 10,000 ft. Subtract 2 GPH when cruise climbing at 2500 RPM.
	03	Cowl FlapsAS REQUIRED
	04	Airspeed100 KTS MCP CLIMB / 110 KTS CRUISE CLIMBNOTE: Best rate of climb (Vy) is 100 kts and best angle of climb (Vx) is 84 kts.
	05	Engine TemperaturesMONITORCAUTION: Maximum cylinder head temperature is 238 degC (460 degF).
	06	Aux Fuel PumpAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine roughness, fuel flow fluctuation or low fuel flow can occur when climbing on hot days. These can be eliminated by switching the auxiliary fuel pump from OFF to LO and leaning to the cyan climb fuel flow marker.

PHS 10 - Cruise5 steps

	01	Cowl FlapsCLOSE
	02	PowerSETNOTE: See the cruise tables in Section 5 Performance.
	03	Aux Fuel Pump (If Selected On For Climb)OFFCAUTION: Return the mixture control to full rich before turning the aux fuel pump off.
	04	MixtureLEAN USING EGTNOTE: The cyan climb fuel flow marker will extinguish as fuel flow is leaned. See Leaning Using EGT Indication in Other Normal Procedures.
	05	Fuel BalanceMONITORCAUTION: Maximum fuel imbalance with the autopilot engaged is 15 gal (approximately 90 lb). Maximum slip duration is 30 seconds.

PHS 11 - Descent7 steps

	01	Altimeters (PFD and Standby)SET
	02	Cowl FlapsCONFIRM CLOSED
	03	PowerAS REQUIREDCAUTION: Avoid prolonged idle settings. Cylinder head temperature should not fall below the green band.
	04	MixtureAS REQUIREDNOTE: The mixture must be manually enriched as the airplane descends. Optionally retard the throttle during the descent to maintain constant manifold pressure, then adjust mixture to keep EGT within limits.
	05	Engine TemperaturesMONITOR
	06	FlapsAS REQUIRED
	07	Windshield DefrosterAS REQUIREDNOTE: On before descent into warm, moist air.

PHS 12 - Before Landing8 steps

	01	Seat Belts and Shoulder HarnessesFASTENED
	02	Seat BacksPOSITION FOR LANDING
	03	Fuel Selector ValveSELECT FULLER TANK
	04	Cowl FlapsAS REQUIRED
	05	MixtureFULL RICHNOTE: Or as required by field elevation.
	06	Landing Gear (154 kts or Below)DOWN AND CHECKCAUTION: VLO / VLE is 154 KIAS. Do not extend, retract or operate with gear extended above this speed except in an emergency.
	07	Landing LightsAS REQUIRED
	08	PropellerHIGH RPM

PHS 13 - Normal Landing3 steps

	01	Flaps (124 kts or Below)DOWNCAUTION: VFE is 154 KIAS with APPROACH flaps (12 deg) and 124 KIAS with flaps FULL DOWN (30 deg).
	02	AirspeedESTABLISH NORMAL APPROACH SPEEDNOTE: Landing approach: 79 kts flaps DOWN (30 deg), 90 kts flaps UP.
	03	Yaw DampOFF

PHS 14 - Balked Landing5 steps

	01	Throttle and PropellerFULL FORWARD
	02	Airspeed80 KTSNOTE: Hold 80 kts until clear of obstacles, then trim to 110 kts.
	03	FlapsUP
	04	Landing GearRETRACT
	05	Cowl FlapsOPEN

PHS 15 - After Landing5 steps

	01	Cowl FlapsOPEN
	02	FlapsUP
	03	Landing, Taxi and Strobe LightsAS REQUIRED
	04	Trim TabsRESET AS REQUIRED
	05	BUSES TIEDILLUMINATED

PHS 16 - Shutdown and Securing11 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	AvionicsOFFNOTE: MFD extinguished, PFD verified in reversionary mode.
	03	Electrical EquipmentOFF
	04	Air Conditioner (If Installed)OFF
	05	Throttle1000 RPM
	06	MixtureCUT OFF
	07	MagnetosOFF (AFTER ENGINE STOPS)
	08	Battery 1 and 2, Alternator 1 and 2OFF
	09	Control LocksINSTALL
	10	Wheel ChocksINSTALL
	11	Parking BrakeRELEASE