MSFS 2024 · General Aviation

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Startup Checklist

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Startup Notes

The Skyhawk is the simplest start here, but it still rewards doing things in order. Master on, beacon on, then prime. The fuel injected 172S primes with the aux fuel pump: mixture rich, pump on until fuel flow ticks up, then pump off and mixture back to idle cutoff before cranking. Advance the mixture smoothly as the engine catches. Fuel selector stays on BOTH, and the magneto check belongs in the runup at 1800 RPM, not on the ramp.

Most failed starts come from priming errors. Pilots either over-prime and crank with the mixture full rich, flooding the engine, or crank with the mixture still in cutoff and wonder why nothing fires. For a flooded engine, crank with mixture at cutoff and throttle open until it catches. Keep the avionics bus off until after start to protect the radios, and confirm the fuel selector is on BOTH; plenty of dead starts trace back to a closed fuel valve.

Common mistakes

Flooding the engine by over-priming with the aux pump
Cranking with the mixture still in idle cutoff
Turning avionics on before the engine is running

Related Aircraft

Cessna 172SP G1000

X-Plane 12 checklist

Cessna 152

MSFS 2024 checklist

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

MSFS 2024 checklist

Cirrus SR22

MSFS 2024 checklist

Pilot Tools for This Flight

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

FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist

Cessna 172 SkyhawkMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 178 steps · 13 phases

DATE PILOT TAIL

PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning7 steps

	01	Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check current conditions and forecast at departure, enroute, and destination airports.
	02	NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, TFRs, and airspace restrictions.
	03	Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: POH Section 5 Cruise Performance (Figure 5-8) at 2550 lb, recommended lean mixture: 8.2 GPH at 2400 RPM / 6000 ft, up to 10.4 GPH at 75% MCP. Usable fuel 53.0 US gal. Plan trip fuel plus a 30-minute VFR reserve (45 min at night).
	04	Weight & BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: POH Section 2: max ramp weight 2558 lb, max takeoff and landing weight 2550 lb (normal category). CG range 35.0 in aft of datum at 1950 lb or less, varying linearly to 41.0 in at 2550 lb; aft limit 47.3 in at all weights. Max baggage 120 lb combined (Area A 120 lb, Area B 50 lb).
	05	Takeoff & Landing DistancesCALCULATEDNOTE: POH performance specification at 2550 lb, sea level, standard day: takeoff ground roll 960 ft, 1630 ft over a 50 ft obstacle; landing ground roll 575 ft, 1335 ft over a 50 ft obstacle. Account for density altitude, runway surface, and slope.
	06	VFR Charts / Flight PlanPREPAREDNOTE: Mark waypoints, frequencies, and altitude on sectional chart or EFB.
	07	Passenger BriefingPLANNEDNOTE: POH Before Starting Engine item 2 calls for the passenger briefing to be complete before start. Brief seats, belts, doors, and sterile cockpit.

PHS 2 - Preflight Inspection59 steps

	01	Pitot Tube CoverREMOVENOTE: Check for pitot blockage.
	02	Pilot's Operating HandbookACCESSIBLE TO PILOT
	03	Garmin G1000 Cockpit Reference GuideACCESSIBLE TO PILOT
	04	Airplane Weight and BalanceCHECKED
	05	Parking BrakeSET
	06	Control Wheel LockREMOVEWARNING: When the master switch is on, using an external power source, or manually rotating the propeller, treat the propeller as if the MAGNETOS switch were on. Do not stand, nor allow anyone else to stand, within the arc of the propeller.
	07	MAGNETOS SwitchOFF
	08	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1 and BUS 2)OFF
	09	MASTER Switch (ALT and BAT)ON
	10	Primary Flight Display (PFD)CHECKNOTE: Verify PFD is on.
	11	FUEL QTY (L and R)CHECK
	12	LOW FUEL L and LOW FUEL R AnnunciatorsCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciators are not shown on the PFD.
	13	OIL PRESSURE AnnunciatorCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciator IS shown (engine not running).
	14	LOW VACUUM AnnunciatorCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciator IS shown (engine not running).
	15	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1)ON
	16	Forward Avionics FanCHECKNOTE: Verify fan is heard.
	17	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1)OFF
	18	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 2)ON
	19	Aft Avionics FanCHECKNOTE: Verify fan is heard.
	20	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 2)OFF
	21	PITOT HEAT SwitchONNOTE: Carefully check that the pitot tube is warm to the touch within 30 seconds.
	22	PITOT HEAT SwitchOFF
	23	LOW VOLTS AnnunciatorCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciator is shown.
	24	MASTER Switch (ALT and BAT)OFF
	25	Elevator Trim ControlTAKEOFF POSITION
	26	FUEL SELECTOR ValveBOTH
	27	ALT STATIC AIR ValveOFF (push full in)
	28	Fire ExtinguisherCHECKNOTE: Verify gage pointer in the green arc.
	29	Empennage - Baggage DoorCHECKNOTE: Lock with key.
	30	Empennage - Autopilot Static Source (if installed)CHECKNOTE: Verify opening is clear.
	31	Empennage - Rudder Gust Lock (if installed)REMOVE
	32	Empennage - Tail TiedownDISCONNECT
	33	Empennage - Control SurfacesCHECKNOTE: Check freedom of movement and security.
	34	Empennage - Elevator Trim TabCHECK SECURITY
	35	Empennage - AntennasCHECKNOTE: Check for security of attachment and general condition.
	36	Right Wing Trailing Edge - FlapCHECKNOTE: Check for security and condition.
	37	Right Wing Trailing Edge - AileronCHECKNOTE: Check freedom of movement and security.
	38	Right Wing - Wing TiedownDISCONNECT
	39	Right Wing - Main Wheel TireCHECKNOTE: Check for proper inflation and general condition (weather checks, tread depth and wear).
	40	Right Wing - Fuel Tank Sump Quick Drain ValvesDRAINWARNING: If, after repeated sampling, evidence of contamination still exists, the airplane should not be flown. Tanks should be drained and the system purged by qualified maintenance personnel.NOTE: Drain at least a cupful from each sump location using the sampler cup to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade before each flight and after each refueling.
	41	Right Wing - Fuel QuantityCHECK VISUALLYNOTE: Check visually for desired level.
	42	Right Wing - Fuel Filler CapSECURE AND VENT CLEAR
	43	Nose - Fuel Strainer Quick Drain ValveDRAINNOTE: Located on the bottom of the fuselage. Drain at least a cupful to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade.
	44	Nose - Engine Oil Dipstick / Filler CapCHECK AND SECURECAUTION: Do not operate with less than 5 quarts. Fill to 8 quarts for extended flight.
	45	Nose - Engine Cooling Air InletsCLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS
	46	Nose - Propeller and SpinnerCHECKNOTE: Check for nicks and security.
	47	Nose - Air FilterCHECKNOTE: Check for restrictions by dust or other foreign matter.
	48	Nose - Nosewheel Strut and TireCHECKNOTE: Check proper strut inflation and general tire condition.
	49	Nose - Static Source OpeningCHECKNOTE: Verify opening is clear.
	50	Left Wing Leading Edge - Fuel Tank Vent OpeningCHECKNOTE: Check for blockage.
	51	Left Wing Leading Edge - Stall Warning OpeningCHECKNOTE: Check for blockage. To check the system, place a clean handkerchief over the vent opening and apply suction; a sound from the warning horn confirms system operation.
	52	Left Wing Leading Edge - Landing / Taxi Light(s)CHECKNOTE: Check condition and cleanliness of cover.
	53	Left Wing - Wing TiedownDISCONNECT
	54	Left Wing - Fuel QuantityCHECK VISUALLYNOTE: Check visually for desired level.
	55	Left Wing - Fuel Filler CapSECURE AND VENT CLEAR
	56	Left Wing - Fuel Tank Sump Quick Drain ValvesDRAINNOTE: Drain at least a cupful from each sump location to check for water, sediment, and proper fuel grade.
	57	Left Wing - Main Wheel TireCHECKNOTE: Check for proper inflation and general condition.
	58	Left Wing Trailing Edge - AileronCHECKNOTE: Check freedom of movement and security.
	59	Left Wing Trailing Edge - FlapCHECKNOTE: Check for security and condition.

PHS 3 - Before Starting Engine9 steps

	01	Preflight InspectionCOMPLETE
	02	Passenger BriefingCOMPLETE
	03	Seats and Seat BeltsADJUST and LOCKNOTE: Verify inertia reel locking.
	04	BrakesTEST and SET
	05	Circuit BreakersCHECK IN
	06	Electrical EquipmentOFF
	07	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1 and BUS 2)OFFCAUTION: The AVIONICS switch (BUS 1 and BUS 2) must be OFF during engine start to prevent possible damage to avionics.
	08	FUEL SELECTOR ValveBOTH
	09	FUEL SHUTOFF ValveON (push full in)

PHS 4 - Starting Engine21 steps

	01	Throttle ControlOPEN 1/4 INCH
	02	Mixture ControlIDLE CUTOFF (pull full out)
	03	STBY BATT SwitchTEST then ARMNOTE: Hold TEST for 20 seconds and verify the green TEST lamp does not go off, then select ARM and verify the PFD comes on.
	04	Engine Indicating SystemCHECK PARAMETERSNOTE: Verify no red X's through the ENGINE page indicators.
	05	BUS E VoltsCHECKNOTE: Verify 24 VOLTS minimum shown.
	06	M BUS VoltsCHECKNOTE: Verify 1.5 VOLTS or less shown.
	07	BATT S AmpsCHECKNOTE: Verify discharge (negative) shown.
	08	STBY BATT AnnunciatorCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciator is shown.
	09	Propeller AreaCLEARCAUTION: Verify that all people and equipment are at a safe distance from the propeller.
	10	MASTER Switch (ALT and BAT)ON
	11	BEACON Light SwitchON
	12	FUEL PUMP SwitchONNOTE: If the engine is warm, omit the priming steps (FUEL PUMP ON, mixture prime, FUEL PUMP OFF).
	13	Mixture ControlFULL RICH then IDLE CUTOFFNOTE: Set FULL RICH (full forward) until stable fuel flow is indicated (approximately 3 to 5 seconds), then set to IDLE CUTOFF (full aft).
	14	FUEL PUMP SwitchOFF
	15	MAGNETOS SwitchSTART (release when engine starts)
	16	Mixture ControlADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO RICHNOTE: If the engine is primed too much (flooded), set the mixture to IDLE CUTOFF, open the throttle 1/2 to full, and engage the starter. When the engine starts, advance the mixture to FULL RICH and retard the throttle promptly.
	17	Oil PressureCHECKWARNING: Verify that oil pressure increases into the GREEN ARC range in 30 to 60 seconds.
	18	AMPS (M BATT and BATT S)CHECK CHARGE (positive)
	19	LOW VOLTS AnnunciatorCHECKNOTE: Verify annunciator is NOT shown.
	20	NAV Lights SwitchON as required
	21	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1 and BUS 2)ONNOTE: For a start with external power the POH adds a ground-power connect/disconnect sequence, an internal-power check, and a 1500 RPM battery charge period before this step.

PHS 5 - Before Takeoff35 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	Pilot and Passenger Seat BacksMOST UPRIGHT POSITION
	03	Seats and Seat BeltsCHECK SECURE
	04	Cabin DoorsCLOSED and LOCKED
	05	Flight ControlsFREE and CORRECT
	06	Flight Instruments (PFD)CHECKNOTE: Verify no red X's.
	07	AltimetersSETNOTE: PFD (BARO) set, standby altimeter set, and KAP 140 autopilot (BARO) set if installed.
	08	G1000 ALT SELSETNOTE: There is no connection between the G1000 ALT SEL feature and the KAP 140 altitude preselect or altitude hold; the two are set independently.
	09	KAP 140 Altitude Preselect (if installed)SET
	10	Standby Flight InstrumentsCHECK
	11	Fuel QuantityCHECKCAUTION: Verify level is correct. Flight is not recommended when both fuel quantity indicators are in the yellow arc range.
	12	Mixture ControlRICH
	13	FUEL SELECTOR ValveSET BOTH
	14	Elevator Trim ControlSET FOR TAKEOFF
	15	Manual Electric Trim (MET) System (if installed)CHECKNOTE: Refer to POH/AFM Supplement 3 for Manual Electric Trim check procedures.
	16	Throttle Control1800 RPM
	17	MAGNETOS SwitchCHECKNOTE: RPM drop should not exceed 150 RPM on either magneto or 50 RPM differential between magnetos.
	18	VAC IndicatorCHECKNOTE: Normal operating range 4.5 to 5.5 in.hg.
	19	Engine IndicatorsCHECK
	20	Ammeters and VoltmetersCHECK
	21	AnnunciatorsCHECKNOTE: Verify no annunciators are shown.
	22	Throttle ControlCHECK IDLE
	23	Throttle Control1000 RPM or LESS
	24	Throttle Control Friction LockADJUST
	25	COM Frequency(s)SET
	26	NAV Frequency(s)SET
	27	FMS/GPS Flight PlanAS DESIREDNOTE: Check GPS availability on the AUX-GPS STATUS page. No annunciation is provided for loss of GPS2.
	28	XPDRSET
	29	CDI SoftkeySELECT NAV SOURCECAUTION: The G1000 HSI does not provide a warning flag when a valid navigation signal is not supplied; the missing course deviation bar (D-BAR) is the warning flag.
	30	Autopilot (if installed)OFF
	31	CABIN PWR 12V Switch (if installed)OFF
	32	Wing FlapsUP to 10 deg (10 deg preferred)
	33	Cabin WindowsCLOSED and LOCKED
	34	STROBE Lights SwitchON
	35	BrakesRELEASE

PHS 6 - Takeoff6 steps

	01	Wing FlapsUP to 10 deg (10 deg preferred)NOTE: Short field takeoff uses 10 deg flaps with brakes applied before full throttle.
	02	Throttle ControlFULL (push full in)NOTE: Static RPM range at full throttle is 2300 to 2400 RPM.
	03	Mixture ControlRICHNOTE: Above 3000 feet pressure altitude, lean for maximum RPM.
	04	Elevator ControlLIFT NOSEWHEEL AT 55 KIASNOTE: Short field technique: hold the elevator slightly tail low after brake release.
	05	Climb Speed70 - 80 KIASNOTE: Short field: climb at 56 KIAS until all obstacles are cleared.
	06	Wing FlapsRETRACT AT SAFE ALTITUDENOTE: Short field: retract slowly when airspeed is more than 60 KIAS.

PHS 7 - Enroute Climb3 steps

	01	Airspeed70 - 85 KIASNOTE: POH Section 4 Airspeeds for Normal Operation: normal enroute climb 75-85 KIAS at sea level, 70-80 KIAS at 10,000 ft. Best rate-of-climb 74 KIAS at sea level, 72 KIAS at 10,000 ft. Best angle-of-climb 62 KIAS at sea level, 67 KIAS at 10,000 ft.
	02	Throttle ControlFULL (push full in)
	03	Mixture ControlRICHNOTE: Above 3000 feet pressure altitude, lean for maximum RPM.

PHS 8 - Cruise4 steps

	01	Power2100 - 2700 RPMCAUTION: No more than 75% power is recommended. Operations above 75% MCP must use full rich mixture.
	02	Elevator Trim ControlADJUST
	03	Mixture ControlLEAN for desired performance or economy
	04	FMS/GPSREVIEW and BRIEFNOTE: Review and brief OBS/SUSP softkey operation for holding pattern procedure (IFR).

PHS 9 - Descent9 steps

	01	PowerAS DESIRED
	02	MixtureADJUSTNOTE: Adjust if necessary to make the engine run smoothly.
	03	AltimetersSETNOTE: PFD (BARO) set, standby altimeter set, and KAP 140 autopilot (BARO) set if installed.
	04	G1000 ALT SELSET
	05	KAP 140 Altitude Preselect (if installed)SET
	06	CDI SoftkeySELECT NAV SOURCE
	07	FMS/GPSREVIEW and BRIEFNOTE: Review and brief OBS/SUSP softkey operation for holding pattern procedure (IFR).
	08	FUEL SELECTOR ValveBOTH
	09	Wing FlapsAS DESIREDCAUTION: UP to 10 deg below 110 KIAS; 10 deg to FULL below 85 KIAS.

PHS 10 - Before Landing7 steps

	01	Pilot and Passenger Seat BacksMOST UPRIGHT POSITION
	02	Seats and Seat BeltsSECURED and LOCKED
	03	FUEL SELECTOR ValveBOTH
	04	Mixture ControlRICH
	05	LANDING and TAXI Light SwitchesON
	06	Autopilot (if installed)OFF
	07	CABIN PWR 12V Switch (if installed)OFF

PHS 11 - Landing7 steps

	01	Airspeed65 - 75 KIAS (Flaps UP)
	02	Wing FlapsAS DESIREDCAUTION: UP to 10 deg below 110 KIAS; 10 deg to FULL below 85 KIAS.
	03	Airspeed60 - 70 KIAS (Flaps FULL)NOTE: Short field landing: FULL flaps and 61 KIAS until the flare, then reduce power to idle after clearing the obstacle.
	04	Elevator Trim ControlADJUST
	05	TouchdownMAIN WHEELS FIRST
	06	Landing RollLOWER NOSEWHEEL GENTLY
	07	BrakingMINIMUM REQUIREDNOTE: Short field landing: apply brakes heavily, then raise the wing flaps.

PHS 12 - After Landing1 steps

Wing FlapsUP

PHS 13 - Securing Airplane10 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	Throttle ControlIDLE (pull full out)
	03	Electrical EquipmentOFF
	04	AVIONICS Switch (BUS 1 and BUS 2)OFF
	05	Mixture ControlIDLE CUTOFF (pull full out)
	06	MAGNETOS SwitchOFF
	07	MASTER Switch (ALT and BAT)OFF
	08	STBY BATT SwitchOFF
	09	Control LockINSTALL
	10	FUEL SELECTOR ValveLEFT or RIGHTNOTE: Select LEFT or RIGHT to prevent crossfeeding between tanks.