Cessna 152MSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 136 steps
Cessna 152
MSFS 2024 - 0/136 STEPS
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General Aviation1970s
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, fixed tricycle-gear light aircraft introduced in 1977 as the 1978 model year, developed as a modernization of the popular Cessna 150. Powered by a Lycoming O-235 engine and designed to run on 100LL avgas, it quickly became one of the most widely used flight training aircraft in the world, with 7,584 units built before production ended in 1985. Its docile handling, low operating costs, and forgiving stall characteristics made it the aircraft on which countless pilots earned their private pilot certificates.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerCessna Aircraft Company
first Flight1977
roleTwo-seat light trainer
crew1 pilot + 1 passenger
engines1x Lycoming O-235-L2C (110 hp)
max Speed196 km/h (106 kts)
range756 km (408 nmi)
ceiling14,700 ft
weight757 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning7 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)NOTE: Check current conditions and forecast at departure, enroute, and destination airports. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for runway closures, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredNOTE: Burn rate approx 6.1 GPH at cruise. Plan for trip fuel plus 30-minute VFR reserve (45 min at night). | CALCULATED | |
| 04 | Weight & BalanceCAUTION: Max gross weight 1,670 lbs. Useful load is limited - verify CG is within forward and aft limits. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Takeoff & Landing DistancesNOTE: Account for density altitude, runway surface, and slope. Sea level TO roll approx 725 ft. | CALCULATED | |
| 06 | VFR Charts / Flight PlanNOTE: Mark waypoints, frequencies, and altitudes on sectional chart or EFB. | PREPARED | |
| 07 | Passenger BriefingNOTE: Brief seat belt use, exits, fire extinguisher location, and sterile cockpit during critical phases. | COMPLETED |
PHS 2 — Before Start7 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Fuel Shutoff ValveWARNING: Ensure fuel shutoff valve is on before any engine start attempt. | ON (Push In) | |
| 03 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Visually check both tanks. Total usable 24.5 gal (some variants 24 gal). | CHECK - Adequate for flight | |
| 04 | Avionics Switch (BUS 1 & BUS 2)NOTE: Keep avionics off to protect from voltage spikes during start. | OFF | |
| 05 | Electrical Equipment | ALL OFF | |
| 06 | Circuit BreakersNOTE: Verify all circuit breakers are pushed in. | CHECK IN | |
| 07 | Doors & WindowsNOTE: Check both pilot and co-pilot door latches are secure. | CLOSED & LATCHED |
PHS 3 — Engine Start11 steps
| 01 | Master Switch (BAT) | ON | |
| 02 | Fuel Quantity Gauges | CHECK - Confirm fuel aboard | |
| 03 | Beacon LightNOTE: Warn people nearby that engine start is imminent. | ON | |
| 04 | Carburetor Heat | COLD (Push In) | |
| 05 | Mixture | RICH (Full Forward) | |
| 06 | PrimerNOTE: Pump primer, then lock. Cold weather may require more strokes. Skip if engine is warm. | 2-6 STROKES (Cold Engine) | |
| 07 | Throttle | OPEN 1/4 INCH | |
| 08 | Propeller AreaCAUTION: Call 'CLEAR PROP' and visually confirm no persons or obstacles near the propeller. | CLEAR | |
| 09 | Ignition SwitchCAUTION: Do not crank for more than 10 seconds continuously. Wait at least 30 seconds between attempts. | START (release to BOTH when engine fires) | |
| 10 | ThrottleNOTE: Reduce to idle then stabilize at 1000 RPM once engine running. | 1000 RPM | |
| 11 | Oil PressureWARNING: If oil pressure does not rise within 30 seconds, shut down immediately to prevent engine damage. | CHECK GREEN within 30 seconds |
PHS 4 — After Start9 steps
| 01 | Avionics Switch (BUS 1 & BUS 2) | ON | |
| 02 | Radios & NavigationNOTE: Set COM1 to ATIS, then tune tower/ground. Set transponder code (1200 VFR). | SET | |
| 03 | Transponder | STBY | |
| 04 | Ammeter | CHECK - Positive charge (right of zero) | |
| 05 | Suction Gauge | CHECK (4.5-5.4 in Hg) | |
| 06 | Oil TemperatureNOTE: Do not operate at high power until oil temp is in green arc. | MONITOR - Allow to warm before taxi | |
| 07 | Engine Instruments | CHECK - All in green | |
| 08 | Flight InstrumentsNOTE: Set altimeter to local QNH. Check AI is erect. Set heading indicator. | CHECK | |
| 09 | Heading Indicator | ALIGN TO COMPASS |
PHS 5 — Taxi9 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherNOTE: Obtain current altimeter, active runway, and wind information. | COPIED | |
| 02 | RadiosNOTE: Request taxi clearance or announce on CTAF at uncontrolled airports. | SET - Ground frequency | |
| 03 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 04 | BrakesNOTE: Test within first few feet of movement to confirm hydraulic brakes are working. | TEST (tap briefly) | |
| 05 | MixtureNOTE: Lean slightly to prevent spark plug fouling during extended taxi. | LEAN (for taxi at low altitude) | |
| 06 | Nosewheel Steering | CHECK - Responsive | |
| 07 | Flight ControlsCAUTION: Check full deflection on all axes. Verify controls move in the correct direction. | FREE & CORRECT | |
| 08 | Instruments During TaxiNOTE: Turn coordinator and heading indicator should respond correctly to turns. | CHECK | |
| 09 | Taxi SpeedCAUTION: No faster than a brisk walk. Use differential braking for turns, not excessive throttle. | SAFE SPEED |
PHS 6 — Run-Up11 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Seats & Belts | ADJUSTED & SECURED | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Lean only if above 3,000 ft density altitude. | RICH | |
| 04 | Throttle | 1800 RPM | |
| 05 | Magneto CheckNOTE: Max 125 RPM drop single magneto, max 50 RPM difference between magnetos. Note any roughness. | RIGHT then LEFT then BOTH | |
| 06 | Carburetor HeatNOTE: Expect slight RPM drop when applied. A larger drop then recovery confirms carb ice was present. | ON - Check RPM drop, then OFF | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Oil pressure, oil temp, ammeter all normal. | CHECK - All green | |
| 08 | Suction Gauge | CHECK (4.5-5.4 in Hg) | |
| 09 | ThrottleCAUTION: Verify engine idles smoothly without roughness or stumbling. | IDLE - check smooth idle, then 1000 RPM | |
| 10 | Flight InstrumentsNOTE: Altimeter QNH, heading indicator aligned, AI erect. | SET | |
| 11 | PrimerWARNING: An unlocked primer will cause rough running and engine roughness at high power. | IN & LOCKED |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | FlapsNOTE: 0 degrees for normal takeoff, 10 degrees for short field takeoff. | SET (0 degrees normal, 10 degrees short field) | |
| 02 | Trim | SET for takeoff (neutral) | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Lean for takeoff only at high altitude fields above 3,000 ft density altitude. | RICH | |
| 04 | Carburetor Heat | COLD | |
| 05 | Primer | IN & LOCKED | |
| 06 | Fuel Shutoff Valve | ON | |
| 07 | Seats, Belts & Harnesses | SECURED | |
| 08 | Doors & Windows | CLOSED & LATCHED | |
| 09 | Transponder | ALT | |
| 10 | Landing Light | ON | |
| 11 | Strobes | ON | |
| 12 | Radios | SET - Tower / CTAF frequency |
PHS 8 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | RunwayCAUTION: Check final approach and runway for conflicting traffic before entering. | CLEAR | |
| 02 | Brakes | HOLD | |
| 03 | ThrottleNOTE: Advance smoothly to full throttle. Check engine instruments during initial roll - RPM 2,550 min. | FULL OPEN - smoothly | |
| 04 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 05 | Rudder | MAINTAIN CENTERLINE | |
| 06 | RotationNOTE: Apply back pressure at rotation speed. Aircraft will fly off naturally. | LIFT OFF at 54-58 KIAS | |
| 07 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Vx is 67 KIAS for obstacle clearance. Use Vy 75 KIAS for best rate of climb. | 70-75 KIAS (Vy) | |
| 08 | FlapsNOTE: Retract flaps after positive climb and clear of obstacles. | RETRACT (if 10 degrees was set) |
PHS 9 — Climb7 steps
| 01 | AirspeedNOTE: 67 KIAS Vx for obstacle clearance; 75 KIAS Vy for best climb rate. | 75 KIAS (Vy) | |
| 02 | Throttle | FULL POWER (2,550 RPM) | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Lean mixture above 3,000 ft density altitude to improve performance. | RICH | |
| 04 | Carburetor HeatCAUTION: Do not use carb heat on takeoff or climb unless ice is suspected. Warm air reduces power. | CHECK - COLD unless icing conditions | |
| 05 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR | |
| 06 | Trim | ADJUST for hands-off climb | |
| 07 | Landing LightNOTE: Turn off as desired after departure from traffic pattern. | OFF (above 1,000 ft AGL) |
PHS 10 — Cruise10 steps
| 01 | Altitude | LEVEL at cruise altitude | |
| 02 | ThrottleNOTE: 75% power is approx 2,550 RPM. Reduce for fuel economy. Consult POH cruise charts. | SET 2,350-2,550 RPM | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Lean until slight RPM drop, then enrich slightly. Max 25 RPM below peak. | LEAN for best economy | |
| 04 | Trim | ADJUST for level flight | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: CHT, oil temp, oil pressure, RPM all normal. | MONITOR | |
| 06 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Monitor fuel burn. At 6.1 GPH, 24.5 usable gal gives approximately 4 hours endurance. | CHECK | |
| 07 | Heading IndicatorNOTE: Re-align heading indicator to compass every 15 minutes. | ALIGN TO COMPASS | |
| 08 | Altimeter | CHECK QNH setting | |
| 09 | Transponder | ALT - Squawk assigned code | |
| 10 | Carburetor HeatCAUTION: Apply carb heat if RPM drop or roughness is noted - indicates carburetor ice. | ON periodically in icing conditions |
PHS 11 — Descent9 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherNOTE: Obtain destination weather, active runway, and altimeter setting. | COPIED | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET local QNH | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Enrich mixture gradually as altitude decreases. | ENRICHEN as required | |
| 04 | Carburetor HeatCAUTION: Apply carb heat before reducing power significantly to prevent carburetor ice formation. | ON (as needed) | |
| 05 | Throttle | REDUCE as desired | |
| 06 | Airspeed | MAINTAIN below Vno (107 KIAS) | |
| 07 | Trim | ADJUST for descent | |
| 08 | Radios | SET approach / tower frequency | |
| 09 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR |
PHS 12 — Before Landing9 steps
| 01 | Fuel Shutoff Valve | ON | |
| 02 | MixtureCAUTION: Ensure mixture is full rich before landing, especially at high altitude fields. | RICH | |
| 03 | Carburetor HeatNOTE: Apply carb heat on downwind to prevent ice in reduced-power descent. | ON (full hot) | |
| 04 | Seats, Belts & Harnesses | ADJUSTED & SECURED | |
| 05 | Primer | IN & LOCKED | |
| 06 | Landing Light | ON | |
| 07 | Doors | CLOSED & LATCHED | |
| 08 | FlapsNOTE: Apply 10 degrees on downwind, full (30 deg) on final for normal landing. | AS REQUIRED (10 deg on downwind) | |
| 09 | Airspeed | 65-70 KIAS on downwind |
PHS 13 — Landing8 steps
| 01 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: 54-58 KIAS over threshold. Add half gust value above steady wind component. | 60-65 KIAS | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Use 20-30 degrees. Reduce flap setting in strong crosswinds or gusty conditions. | FULL (30 degrees) for normal landing | |
| 03 | Carburetor HeatNOTE: Return carb heat to cold on short final to restore full power if go-around required. | COLD (on short final, power confirmed available) | |
| 04 | RunwayCAUTION: Confirm runway clear of traffic and obstacles before crossing threshold. | CLEAR | |
| 05 | TouchdownNOTE: Hold nose slightly high, flare over threshold, allow aircraft to settle. | MAIN WHEELS FIRST | |
| 06 | Nosewheel | LOWER GENTLY after main wheel touchdown | |
| 07 | BrakingNOTE: Progressive braking as needed. Avoid heavy braking on nose wheel. | MINIMUM REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Carburetor Heat | COLD (after landing assured) |
PHS 14 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Carburetor Heat | COLD | |
| 02 | Flaps | RETRACT | |
| 03 | Landing Light | OFF (or as required) | |
| 04 | Mixture | LEAN for taxi | |
| 05 | Transponder | STBY | |
| 06 | StrobesNOTE: Some operators keep strobes on until parked. | OFF (if desired) | |
| 07 | Trim | SET neutral | |
| 08 | Taxi to Parking | SAFE SPEED |
PHS 15 — Shutdown / Securing11 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Throttle | IDLE (1000 RPM) | |
| 03 | Avionics SwitchNOTE: Turn off before master switch to protect avionics from voltage transients. | OFF | |
| 04 | MixtureNOTE: This stops the engine by cutting off fuel supply. Engine will stop within seconds. | CUTOFF (pull full aft) | |
| 05 | Ignition Switch | OFF (after engine stops) | |
| 06 | Master Switch (ALT & BAT) | OFF | |
| 07 | Fuel Shutoff ValveNOTE: Prevents fuel siphon or vapour accumulation when parked. Some operators leave ON BOTH - follow local practice. | OFF | |
| 08 | Beacon Light | OFF | |
| 09 | Flight Controls | GUST LOCK / CONTROL LOCK if available | |
| 10 | Fuel Caps & OilNOTE: Check fuel caps are seated correctly to prevent water contamination. | CHECK SECURE | |
| 11 | AircraftNOTE: Install wheel chocks and tie-down ropes. Secure aircraft against wind. | CHOCKED & TIED DOWN |