MSFS 2024 · General Aviation
Cessna 208 Caravan Startup Checklist
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Cessna 208 CaravanMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 155 steps · 14 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, and destination weather. Wind and icing conditions are critical for the Caravan. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, TFRs, airspace restrictions, and destination field conditions. | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: Fuel burn approx 55-65 USG/hr (280-300 lb/hr). Add VFR reserves (45 min). Max usable fuel 332 USG. | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Caravan is easy to overload with cargo. Verify payload + fuel is within MTOW (8,000 lbs) and CG limits. | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesCALCULATEDNOTE: Standard takeoff roll approx 1,160 ft at sea level. Adjust for density altitude and surface conditions. | |
| 06 | VFR Charts / IFR ChartsREVIEWEDNOTE: Review departure, enroute, destination, and alternate approach charts. | |
| 07 | Flight PlanFILED | |
| 08 | Passenger / Cargo BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief seats, seatbelts, exits, no smoking, and sterile cockpit for passenger ops. |
PHS 2 — Before Start13 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Control LockREMOVE | |
| 03 | Fuel SelectorBOTH | |
| 04 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate for flight | |
| 05 | Avionics SwitchOFFNOTE: Keep avionics off until engine is running to protect from voltage spikes. | |
| 06 | Circuit BreakersCHECK IN | |
| 07 | Emergency Fuel ShutoffPUSH IN (Normal) | |
| 08 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 09 | Annunciator PanelTEST / CHECK | |
| 10 | Fuel Pressure AnnunciatorVERIFY - Off after test | |
| 11 | Exterior LightsCHECK - Beacon ON, others as required | |
| 12 | Prop AreaCLEARCAUTION: Visually confirm no persons or obstacles in propeller arc before start. | |
| 13 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. |
PHS 3 — Engine Start12 steps
| 01 | Condition LeverFUEL CUTOFF (Full Aft)NOTE: Must be in CUTOFF before engaging starter to prevent hot start. | |
| 02 | Power Lever (Throttle)GROUND IDLE (Flight Idle Detent)NOTE: Set to ground/flight idle - not full forward. | |
| 03 | Prop LeverFULL FORWARD (High RPM)NOTE: Prop control to full forward (max RPM position) before start. | |
| 04 | Ignition SwitchON (Both)NOTE: Turn ignition to START. Ignitors should fire. | |
| 05 | Starter SwitchENGAGE (Starter ON)NOTE: Engage starter. Monitor Ng (gas generator) winding up. | |
| 06 | Ng - MonitorINCREASINGNOTE: Watch Ng climb toward 12-15% before introducing fuel. | |
| 07 | Condition LeverLOW IDLE (at ~13% Ng)CAUTION: Do not move condition lever to LOW IDLE before 12% Ng - risk of hot start or hung start.NOTE: Move from CUTOFF to LOW IDLE when Ng reaches 12-15%. This introduces fuel flow. | |
| 08 | ITT - MonitorRISING - WATCH CAREFULLYWARNING: ITT must not exceed 1090 deg C during start. If ITT spikes toward 1090, immediately move condition lever to CUTOFF and continue motoring to cool. | |
| 09 | Starter - ReleaseOFF (at ~50% Ng)NOTE: Starter cuts out automatically at ~50% Ng on most variants, or release manually at that point. | |
| 10 | NgSTABILIZE ~65-70% GROUND IDLENOTE: Engine should stabilize at ground idle. This may take 30-60 seconds. | |
| 11 | Oil PressureCHECK - IN GREENWARNING: If no oil pressure within 30 seconds of start, shut down immediately. | |
| 12 | ITTCHECK - WITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Ground idle ITT typically 500-650 deg C. Max continuous is 805 deg C. |
PHS 4 — After Start13 steps
| 01 | GeneratorON (Check charging) | |
| 02 | Ammeter / VoltmeterCHECK - Battery charging | |
| 03 | Avionics SwitchON | |
| 04 | RadiosSET - COM1 ATIS / Ground frequency | |
| 05 | TransponderSTBY - Set squawk code | |
| 06 | GPS / Nav SystemINITIALISE - Enter flight plan | |
| 07 | AltimeterSET - Barometric pressure | |
| 08 | Heading Indicator / HSIALIGN TO COMPASS | |
| 09 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK - Airspeed zero, altimeter set, VSI zero | |
| 10 | Condition LeverHIGH IDLE (Warm engine)NOTE: After engine has warmed to stable temps, advance condition lever to HIGH IDLE for taxi. | |
| 11 | ITT / Ng / TorqueCHECK - All within limitsNOTE: Verify all engine gauges stable before taxi. | |
| 12 | FlapsUP - Check and set | |
| 13 | TrimSET TAKEOFF (Neutral) |
PHS 5 — Taxi8 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | BrakesCHECK - Depress briefly to confirm responseNOTE: Test brakes immediately after beginning to roll. | |
| 03 | Power LeverADVANCE SMOOTHLY to break inertiaNOTE: Add power gradually. Caravan responds well to small power inputs for taxi. | |
| 04 | Taxi SpeedWALKING PACENOTE: Maintain slow speed appropriate for ramp and taxi conditions. | |
| 05 | Flight Instruments - TurnCHECK - AI and turn coordinator respondNOTE: Verify gyros respond during first turn. | |
| 06 | Nosewheel SteeringCHECK - Responsive on turns | |
| 07 | LightsTAXI LIGHT ON | |
| 08 | TransponderALT (if required by local procedures) |
PHS 6 — Before Takeoff / Run-Up17 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET (Hold Position) | |
| 02 | Condition LeverHIGH IDLE | |
| 03 | Prop LeverFULL FORWARD | |
| 04 | Power LeverADVANCE to 1750 RPM for run-upNOTE: Perform engine run-up check at 1750 RPM (approx). | |
| 05 | Magnetos (Ignition)CHECK BOTH - Max 150 RPM drop each, 50 RPM between magsCAUTION: If RPM drop exceeds limits, do not attempt takeoff. Investigate before flight. | |
| 06 | Prop GovernorCHECK - Cycle prop lever forward/backNOTE: Pull prop lever aft to cycle and check governor operation. Oil pressure should drop slightly then recover. | |
| 07 | Power LeverREDUCE to IDLE after run-up | |
| 08 | Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECT - Full travel check | |
| 09 | TrimSET TAKEOFF | |
| 10 | FlapsSET - 10 deg for normal takeoffNOTE: 10 deg is standard for normal takeoff. Flaps UP for short field, 20 deg for soft field (increases lift). | |
| 11 | InstrumentsCHECK - Altimeter, airspeed, DI, AI, VSI | |
| 12 | Fuel SelectorBOTH | |
| 13 | Doors and WindowsCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 14 | SeatbeltsFASTENED | |
| 15 | TransponderALT (Mode C) | |
| 16 | LightsSTROBE ON, Landing Light ON | |
| 17 | ATIS / ClearanceRECEIVED |
PHS 7 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | Runway AlignmentCONFIRM assigned runway | |
| 02 | Power LeverADVANCE SMOOTHLY to max torqueNOTE: Smoothly advance to takeoff torque. Max takeoff torque is 1865 ft-lbs. ITT must not exceed 805 deg C. | |
| 03 | Torque / ITTMONITOR - Max 1865 ft-lbs / 805 deg C ITTWARNING: Do not exceed torque or ITT limits during takeoff roll. | |
| 04 | Prop RPMCHECK - 1900 RPM max governedNOTE: Prop should be at governed max RPM during takeoff. | |
| 05 | RudderCONTROL - Right rudder to maintain centerlineNOTE: PT6 torque and P-factor require right rudder. Use full rudder authority as needed. | |
| 06 | Rotation Speed (Vr)70 KIAS - ROTATENOTE: Apply steady back pressure at Vr. Caravan lifts off easily, avoid abrupt rotation. | |
| 07 | Initial ClimbESTABLISH Vx 73 KIAS or Vy 103 KIASNOTE: Vx (73 KIAS) for obstacle clearance. Vy (103 KIAS) for best rate of climb. | |
| 08 | FlapsRETRACT when clear of obstaclesNOTE: Retract flaps once positive rate established and obstacles cleared. Do not retract below 200 ft AGL. |
PHS 8 — Climb9 steps
| 01 | Climb Speed103 KIAS (Vy) or as desiredNOTE: Vy 103 KIAS gives best rate. 110-120 KIAS reduces engine temps for longer climbs. | |
| 02 | PowerMAX CONTINUOUS - 1865 ft-lbs / 805 deg C ITT maxNOTE: Maintain max continuous torque as performance allows. Reduce as needed to keep ITT in limits. | |
| 03 | Condition LeverHIGH IDLE (Verify)NOTE: Condition lever should remain HIGH IDLE throughout flight. | |
| 04 | Prop RPM1900 RPM (governed)NOTE: Prop governor maintains 1900 RPM in normal operation. | |
| 05 | FlapsUP (Verify retracted) | |
| 06 | AltimeterSET 29.92 at Transition AltitudeNOTE: Set standard pressure when passing transition altitude (18,000 ft in US). | |
| 07 | LightsLanding light OFF above 10,000 ft (optional) | |
| 08 | Engine GaugesMONITOR every 5 minutesNOTE: Monitor ITT, torque, Ng, oil temp, oil pressure regularly during climb. | |
| 09 | Ice / Anti-IceCHECK conditions - Activate if requiredNOTE: Activate engine anti-ice and prop de-ice if visible moisture below +5 deg C. |
PHS 9 — Cruise12 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeLEVEL OFF - Set cruise power | |
| 02 | Power LeverSET - Reduce to cruise torqueNOTE: Typical cruise: 1400-1600 ft-lbs torque at 8,000-12,000 ft for 155-170 KTAS. | |
| 03 | Prop RPM1900 RPM or reduce per POH power chartNOTE: Some cruise profiles allow slightly reduced RPM for noise and vibration reduction. | |
| 04 | ITTMONITOR - Max 805 deg C continuousNOTE: Typical cruise ITT 650-750 deg C. Adjust power as needed. | |
| 05 | AltimeterVERIFY - Set correctly for altitude | |
| 06 | FuelCHECK quantity and burn rateNOTE: Typical cruise burn 55-65 USG/hr. Check both tanks balanced. | |
| 07 | Fuel SelectorBOTH (Verify) | |
| 08 | RadiosSET - Enroute frequencies | |
| 09 | TransponderALT - Verify squawk correct | |
| 10 | NavigationCHECK - GPS course, waypoints, ETA | |
| 11 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED for conditions | |
| 12 | Cruise ChecklistCOMPLETE - All checks done |
PHS 10 — Descent11 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Destination WeatherOBTAINNOTE: Get latest weather and altimeter setting for destination at top of descent. | |
| 02 | Approach PlatesREVIEW - Identify IAF, altitudes, frequencies | |
| 03 | RadiosSET - Approach frequencies, nav aids | |
| 04 | GPS / NavSET - Destination and approach loaded | |
| 05 | AltimeterSET - Local QNH from ATIS | |
| 06 | Power LeverREDUCE - Begin descentNOTE: Reduce power smoothly for desired descent rate. Typical 300-500 ft/min enroute, increase on approach. | |
| 07 | ITT / TorqueMONITOR - Stay within limits during power changes | |
| 08 | AirspeedMAINTAIN 140-160 KIAS during descent | |
| 09 | FuelCHECK quantity and crossfeed if required | |
| 10 | Engine Anti-IceON if visible moisture below +5 deg C | |
| 11 | LightsAdjust as appropriate - Landing light ON below 10,000 ft |
PHS 11 — Before Landing10 steps
| 01 | Fuel SelectorBOTH | |
| 02 | SeatbeltsFASTENED | |
| 03 | AltimeterSET - Confirmed QNH | |
| 04 | RadiosSET - Tower / CTAF frequency | |
| 05 | TransponderALT (Mode C ON) | |
| 06 | LightsLanding Light ON, Strobe ON | |
| 07 | Condition LeverHIGH IDLE (Verify) | |
| 08 | Prop LeverFULL FORWARD (High RPM)NOTE: Advance prop lever to full forward prior to approach. Ensures max RPM available for go-around. | |
| 09 | Landing SpeedREVIEW - Vref 85 KIAS (Flaps 30)NOTE: Vref with full flaps approximately 85 KIAS. Add half gust factor to final approach speed. | |
| 10 | BriefingCOMPLETE - Emergency procedure, go-around plan |
PHS 12 — Landing12 steps
| 01 | Pattern Altitude1,000 ft AGLNOTE: Join pattern at 1,000 ft AGL and 110 KIAS downwind. | |
| 02 | Flaps - Downwind10 deg (Abeam threshold)NOTE: Select 10 deg flaps abeam landing threshold. Speed 110 KIAS or below. | |
| 03 | Speed - Downwind100-110 KIAS | |
| 04 | Flaps - Base Leg20 degNOTE: Select 20 deg flaps turning base. Max 110 KIAS for flap extension. | |
| 05 | Speed - Base95 KIAS | |
| 06 | Flaps - Final30 deg (Full) for normal landingNOTE: Full flaps (30 deg) for normal landing below 100 KIAS. | |
| 07 | Speed - Final85 KIAS (Vref)NOTE: Maintain 85 KIAS stable approach speed. Adjust for crosswind gust factor. | |
| 08 | PowerAS REQUIRED for glide pathNOTE: The Caravan is a draggy aircraft with flaps - maintain power on approach. Do not chop to idle on final. | |
| 09 | ApproachSTABLE - Speed, sink rate, alignment confirmed by 500 ft AGLCAUTION: If not stable at 500 ft AGL, execute go-around. Do not attempt to salvage an unstable approach. | |
| 10 | FlareGENTLE - Power to idle, round outNOTE: Begin flare at 20-30 ft AGL. Reduce power smoothly. Aim for mains first touchdown. | |
| 11 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - On centrelineNOTE: Let mains touch first, then ease nosewheel down. Avoid hard nosewheel arrivals. | |
| 12 | BrakesAPPLY - Firm, steady pressureNOTE: Avoid locking brakes. Use steady pressure and allow prop to assist braking if equipped. |
PHS 13 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Power LeverREDUCE to GROUND IDLE after clearing runwayNOTE: Do not retract flaps or adjust anything until clear of active runway. | |
| 02 | FlapsRETRACT (UP)NOTE: Retract flaps after clearing runway. | |
| 03 | LightsLanding Light OFF or as required for taxi | |
| 04 | TransponderSTBY or as instructed by ATC | |
| 05 | AvionicsADJUST as needed for taxi | |
| 06 | Condition LeverHIGH IDLE for taxiNOTE: Keep HIGH IDLE for normal taxi. Engine needs time to cool before shutdown. | |
| 07 | BrakesCHECK - Verify cool and effective | |
| 08 | Taxi ClearCONFIRM runway vacated - contact Ground |
PHS 14 — Shutdown / Securing14 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | LightsOFF (except Beacon) | |
| 03 | AvionicsOFFNOTE: Switch off avionics before cutting main power. | |
| 04 | Engine CoolingIDLE 3-5 MINUTESCAUTION: Do not shut down a hot PT6A immediately after high-power operations. Heat soak can damage turbine components.NOTE: Allow engine to cool at LOW IDLE for at least 3-5 minutes before shutdown. Prevents hot-section damage. | |
| 05 | Condition LeverFUEL CUTOFF (Full Aft)NOTE: Move condition lever to CUTOFF to shut down engine. Do not use ignition switch to stop engine. | |
| 06 | Ng / ITTMONITOR - Watch wind down to zero | |
| 07 | PropOBSERVE - Full stop before approaching | |
| 08 | GeneratorOFF | |
| 09 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 10 | Beacon LightOFF (after prop stops) | |
| 11 | Fuel SelectorOFF (if long-term parking) | |
| 12 | Control LockINSTALLNOTE: Install control lock before leaving aircraft. | |
| 13 | Chocks / Tie-DownSETNOTE: Chock wheels and tie down if required by conditions. | |
| 14 | GSX - Ground ServicesAS REQUIREDNOTE: GSX menu: Request fuel truck or ground power if returning to base. |