MSFS 2024 · General Aviation
Cessna Citation Longitude Startup Checklist
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Cessna Citation Longitude Startup Notes
The Longitude is about as automated as jet starts get. Its FADECs own the entire sequence: with the throttles at idle, you press the RUN/STOP button, hit the starter, and the computers meter fuel, control ignition, and guard ITT for you, aborting on their own if something goes wrong. The airplane carries an APU, so the sensible flow is battery, APU, then engines one at a time. Most of your effort goes into the G5000 avionics setup, not the engines.
Because the start is so automated, mistakes here are mostly self-inflicted. Nudging a throttle out of idle mid-sequence interferes with the FADEC, so keep your hands off until both engines are stable. Skipping the APU and battery-starting everything works in the sim but is poor practice and leaves you thin on electrical margin. And pilots regularly start engines before finishing the avionics and flight plan setup, then burn fuel at idle doing work the APU could have powered.
Common mistakes
- Moving throttles out of idle during the FADEC start
- Battery-starting both engines instead of using the APU
- Rushing engine two before the first stabilizes at idle
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Cessna Citation LongitudeMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 157 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. Winds aloft critical for FL450 operations. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWED | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Cruise burn approx 2,000-2,400 lbs/hr total. Include alternate and 45-min reserve. Fuel capacity approx 14,500 lbs. | |
| 05 | Weight and BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify TOW within limits. CG check - aft loading affects longitudinal stability. | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFED | |
| 07 | Performance - V1 / VR / V2CALCULATEDNOTE: V-speeds from G5000 FMS performance page or Garmin FPL performance calculator. | |
| 08 | MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKED |
PHS 2 — Before Start21 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Battery SwitchONNOTE: Main battery powers avionics bus. G5000 displays begin initializing. | |
| 03 | External PowerCONNECT (if available)NOTE: Use GPU to conserve battery during avionics initialization. | |
| 04 | G5000 AvionicsINITIALIZING - ALL PFD/MFD DISPLAYS POWERING UPNOTE: Allow 90-120 seconds for full G5000 initialization. Verify all display units are active. | |
| 05 | AHRS / Air DataVALID - CHECK ATTITUDE AND ALTIMETERNOTE: Verify PFD attitude and heading are valid. Cross-check with standby instruments. | |
| 06 | G5000 - Flight PlanENTER ROUTENOTE: Load departure, route, STAR, and approach into G5000 FMS. Verify origin and destination. | |
| 07 | G5000 - PerformanceENTER WEIGHT AND CONDITIONSNOTE: Enter actual TOW and conditions to compute V-speeds, climb performance, and fuel predictions. | |
| 08 | Altimeter (PFD)SET QNH | |
| 09 | Standby AltimeterSET QNH | |
| 10 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - VERIFY QUANTITY MATCHES PLANNOTE: Confirm fuel on both G5000 fuel page and physical fuel quantity gauges. | |
| 11 | Circuit BreakersCHECK - ALL IN | |
| 12 | Flight ControlsFREE AND CORRECT | |
| 13 | TrimSET FOR TAKEOFF (as computed by FMS) | |
| 14 | Flaps2 (15 deg for normal takeoff) | |
| 15 | PressurizationSET DESTINATION ELEVATION - AUTO MODE | |
| 16 | Oxygen PressureCHECK - ADEQUATE FOR PLANNED ALTITUDENOTE: Verify crew oxygen pressure is sufficient for FL450 operations. | |
| 17 | Passenger BriefingCOMPLETE | |
| 18 | DoorsCLOSED AND LOCKEDCAUTION: Verify main cabin door and baggage doors are secure before APU and engine start. | |
| 19 | SeatbeltsFASTENED - ALL ABOARD | |
| 20 | Beacon LightON | |
| 21 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. |
PHS 3 — APU Start5 steps
| 01 | APU Master SwitchON | |
| 02 | APU Start SwitchSTARTNOTE: Hold momentarily to initiate APU start sequence. | |
| 03 | APU - Monitor StartRUNNING - AVAIL LIGHT ONNOTE: Allow approximately 1-2 minutes for APU to reach operating parameters. | |
| 04 | APU Bleed AirON - VERIFY 32 PSI MINCAUTION: Engine start requires minimum 32 PSI APU bleed pressure. Do not attempt engine start below this pressure. | |
| 05 | External PowerDISCONNECT (if used - APU now supplying power) |
PHS 4 — Engine Start12 steps
| 01 | Throttles (both)CUTOFF / OFF | |
| 02 | Left Engine - FADEC SwitchRUN | |
| 03 | Left Engine - Starter SwitchHOLD 2 SECONDS UNTIL IGNITIONNOTE: Hold starter switch for approximately 2 seconds until ignition is established. FADEC handles fuel scheduling automatically. | |
| 04 | Left Engine - N1/N2 RisingMONITOR - INCREASINGNOTE: Watch N1 and N2 rise. FADEC manages ignition and fuel flow throughout start. | |
| 05 | Left Engine - ITTMONITOR - MAX 955 DEG CWARNING: ITT limit during start is 955 deg C. FADEC should prevent exceedance but monitor closely. If ITT approaches limit, FADEC switch to STOP immediately. | |
| 06 | Left Engine - N1 IdleSTABILIZE AT GROUND IDLE (~22% N1)NOTE: Engine stabilizes at ground idle. Allow parameters to settle before checking. | |
| 07 | Left Engine - Oil PressureIN GREEN BAND (within 30 seconds)CAUTION: If oil pressure not in range within 30 seconds, FADEC switch to STOP. Investigate before attempting another start. | |
| 08 | Right Engine - FADEC SwitchRUN | |
| 09 | Right Engine - Starter SwitchHOLD 2 SECONDS UNTIL IGNITION | |
| 10 | Right Engine - N1/N2 and ITTMONITOR - SAME LIMITS APPLY | |
| 11 | Right Engine - Oil PressureIN GREEN BAND (within 30 seconds) | |
| 12 | Both Engines - Idle CheckN1, N2, ITT, OIL ALL WITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Verify both engines settled at idle with no cautions on G5000 engine display. |
PHS 5 — After Start9 steps
| 01 | APU Bleed AirOFF (engines now supplying bleed)NOTE: Turn off APU bleed air once both engines are running. | |
| 02 | APUOFF or LEAVE RUNNING (as required)NOTE: APU can be shut down now or left running per company SOP. | |
| 03 | Generators (L and R)ON LINE - VERIFYNOTE: Both engine generators should be online. Check electrical synoptic for bus voltages. | |
| 04 | Anti-IceSET AS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONS | |
| 05 | TransponderSET SQUAWK CODE - STBY | |
| 06 | RadiosSET ATIS AND GROUND FREQUENCIES | |
| 07 | ATISRECEIVED AND NOTED | |
| 08 | G5000 - FMS RouteVERIFY ACTIVE - CONFIRM WAYPOINTS | |
| 09 | Autopilot / AutothrottlePRE-FLIGHT MODE CHECKNOTE: Verify autopilot and autothrottle pre-engage modes. Do not engage for takeoff. |
PHS 6 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | Taxi LightON | |
| 03 | Navigation LightsON | |
| 04 | BrakesCHECK - during first movement | |
| 05 | Nosewheel SteeringRESPONSIVE | |
| 06 | Taxi SpeedNORMAL TAXI PACENOTE: Reduce speed well before turns. Longer wheelbase requires wider turns than smaller jets. | |
| 07 | TransponderALT MODE (as required by local procedures) |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff13 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET (hold short) | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsVERIFY FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 03 | TrimCONFIRM TAKEOFF SETTING | |
| 04 | Flaps2 (15 deg) CONFIRMNOTE: Verify flap setting on G5000 synoptic page. Flaps 2 (15 deg) is standard takeoff configuration. | |
| 05 | G5000 - V-SpeedsVERIFY V1 / VR / V2 DISPLAYEDNOTE: Confirm V1, Vr, and V2 bugs are set on PFD airspeed tape. | |
| 06 | TransponderALT (Mode C - active) | |
| 07 | PressurizationAUTO - DESTINATION SET - CHECK | |
| 08 | LightsSTROBE ON, LANDING LIGHT ON | |
| 09 | DoorsCLOSED AND LOCKED - CONFIRM | |
| 10 | SeatbeltsFASTENED - ALL ABOARD | |
| 11 | Engine InstrumentsCHECK BOTH ENGINES NORMAL | |
| 12 | Departure BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief SID, initial climb altitude, engine failure action, abort criteria. | |
| 13 | ATC ClearanceRECEIVED |
PHS 8 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Runway AlignmentCONFIRM ASSIGNED RUNWAY | |
| 02 | ThrottlesADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO TOGANOTE: Advance both throttles smoothly to TOGA detent. FADEC manages thrust to rating limits automatically. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsBOTH ENGINES SYMMETRIC - N1 ON BUGS | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | 80 KnotsCALL - INSTRUMENTS CHECKEDNOTE: At 80 kts call 80 kts. Verify airspeed alive, attitude normal, engine instruments normal. | |
| 06 | V1CALL V1 - COMMIT TO TAKEOFFCAUTION: Do NOT abort after V1 unless catastrophic failure. Below V1 abort is pilot's prerogative. | |
| 07 | Rotation (Vr)ROTATE SMOOTHLY to 10-12 DEG NOSE UPNOTE: Apply steady back pressure at Vr. Rotate smoothly - avoid jerky inputs. Target 10-12 degrees pitch. | |
| 08 | Positive RateCONFIRM CLIMB RATE POSITIVE | |
| 09 | Landing GearUP (positive rate confirmed)CAUTION: Raise gear at positive rate. Gear limit speed 250 kts - ensure gear up before speed build. | |
| 10 | PitchMAINTAIN V2 + 10 UNTIL 1,000 FT AGL |
PHS 9 — After Takeoff / Climb8 steps
| 01 | FlapsRETRACT ON SCHEDULENOTE: Retract flaps progressively: Flaps 1 then Clean at appropriate speeds and altitude (400+ ft AGL, above flap retraction speeds). | |
| 02 | ThrottlesREDUCE FROM TOGA TO CLB at 1,000 ft AGLNOTE: Reduce from TOGA to climb thrust at 1,000 ft AGL or per SID. FADEC manages climb rating. | |
| 03 | AutopilotENGAGE (if desired above 400 ft AGL)NOTE: Engage autopilot in heading and VS or FLC mode. Select NAV for lateral FMS guidance. | |
| 04 | AutothrottleENGAGE - SPEED MODENOTE: Engage autothrottle in speed mode to maintain target climb speed. | |
| 05 | PressurizationCHECK - CABIN PRESSURIZING NORMALLY | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsPERIODIC CHECKS - ALL WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 07 | AltimeterSET 29.92 AT TRANSITION ALTITUDENOTE: Set standard pressure at transition altitude (18,000 ft US). Coordinate with ATC. | |
| 08 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONS |
PHS 10 — Cruise8 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeLEVEL OFF - AUTOPILOT ON ALTITUDENOTE: Typical cruise FL410-FL450. Citation Longitude certified to FL450. | |
| 02 | ThrottlesAUTOTHROTTLE MANAGES MACH 0.82-0.84 | |
| 03 | PressurizationCHECK - CABIN ALTITUDE BELOW 6,000 FTNOTE: At FL450, cabin altitude should be approximately 5,950 ft. Max differential 9.66 PSI. | |
| 04 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - BURN CONSISTENT WITH PLAN | |
| 05 | G5000 - NavigationVERIFY WAYPOINTS, ETA, FUEL PREDICTION | |
| 06 | RadiosSET ENROUTE FREQUENCIES | |
| 07 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Top of DescentCALCULATENOTE: At FL450, begin planning descent approximately 130-140 nmi out (3 nmi per 1,000 ft). |
PHS 11 — Descent9 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Destination WeatherOBTAIN | |
| 02 | G5000 - Arrival / ApproachENTER STAR AND APPROACH PROCEDURE | |
| 03 | AltimeterSET DESTINATION QNH (below transition) | |
| 04 | Descent SpeedMACH 0.82 THEN 280-300 KIAS BELOW FL280NOTE: Autothrottle manages descent speed. Target cross-checks against VNAV profile. | |
| 05 | ThrottlesIDLE / AUTOTHROTTLE MANAGED | |
| 06 | PressurizationCHECK - CABIN DESCENDING | |
| 07 | FuelCHECK REMAINING vs. DESTINATION PLUS ALTERNATE | |
| 08 | Seatbelt SignON - NOTIFY PASSENGERS | |
| 09 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONS |
PHS 12 — Approach11 steps
| 01 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief approach type, DA/MDA, missed approach procedure, runway, and emergency actions. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET QNH - CROSS-CHECK BOTH PFDs | |
| 03 | G5000 - Approach ActiveAPPROACH LOADED AND ACTIVATED | |
| 04 | AutopilotAPPROACH MODE (APP) - ARMEDNOTE: Verify autopilot is in approach mode for coupled ILS. Localizer and glideslope armed on PFD. | |
| 05 | Flaps1 (7 deg) - INITIAL APPROACHNOTE: Select flaps 1 entering approach. Verify Vfe not exceeded. | |
| 06 | Landing GearDOWN - 3 GREENNOTE: Extend gear at or below 250 kts. Verify 3 green down-and-locked lights. | |
| 07 | FlapsFULL (35 deg) - FINAL APPROACHNOTE: Select full flaps on final below 140 kts. Verify on G5000 synoptic page. | |
| 08 | Approach SpeedVREF + WIND ADDITIVE (128-135 KIAS typical) | |
| 09 | Stabilized ApproachCONFIRM BY 500 FT AGLCAUTION: If approach is not stabilized (on speed, on path, correct configuration) by 500 ft AGL, execute go-around. | |
| 10 | Landing LightON | |
| 11 | AutobrakeSET (MEDIUM for normal) |
PHS 13 — Landing8 steps
| 01 | Final Approach SpeedVAPP - MAINTAINED TO THRESHOLD | |
| 02 | AutopilotDISCONNECT AT MINIMUMS (or fly manually from final)NOTE: Disconnect autopilot at or before decision height. Hand-fly to touchdown. | |
| 03 | FlareGENTLE AT 30-40 FT AGL - REDUCE THRUSTNOTE: Begin gentle flare at approximately 30-40 ft AGL. Reduce throttles to idle as aircraft flares. | |
| 04 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST - FIRMNOTE: Let main gear touch first, then ease nosewheel to runway. Firm touchdown is preferable to long float. | |
| 05 | Thrust ReversersDEPLOY - MAXIMUMNOTE: Select thrust reversers on touchdown. Stow before 60 kts. | |
| 06 | Ground SpoilersAUTO DEPLOYNOTE: Ground spoilers deploy automatically on touchdown. Verify spoiler deployment on G5000. | |
| 07 | BrakesAUTOBRAKE or MANUAL BRAKINGNOTE: Autobrake system manages deceleration. Apply manual brakes if autobrake fails to activate. | |
| 08 | Thrust ReversersSTOW BEFORE 60 KTASCAUTION: Stow reversers before speed drops to 60 kts to avoid foreign object ingestion and thrust asymmetry. |
PHS 14 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | FlapsRETRACT TO UPNOTE: Retract flaps after clearing runway. | |
| 02 | Ground SpoilersRETRACTED - VERIFY | |
| 03 | Landing LightOFF | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Taxi LightON | |
| 06 | TransponderSTBY (or as instructed) | |
| 07 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Taxi ClearanceRECEIVE - CONTACT GROUND |
PHS 15 — Parking / Shutdown20 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | ThrottlesIDLE - ALLOW 3-MINUTE COOL-DOWNCAUTION: Do not shut down HTF7700L engines immediately after high-power operations. Heat soak can cause turbine distortion.NOTE: Allow engines to cool at idle for 3 minutes minimum after flight. Prevents thermal damage to hot section. | |
| 03 | APUSTART (if external power not available)NOTE: Start APU before engine shutdown to maintain electrical power for avionics, pressurization. | |
| 04 | LightsLANDING AND STROBE OFF - TAXI AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | PressurizationEQUALIZE - DEPRESSURIZENOTE: Verify cabin pressure equals ambient before opening door. | |
| 06 | AvionicsSHUT DOWN (avionics master off before fuel cutoff) | |
| 07 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 08 | Left Engine - FADEC SwitchSTOP (CUTOFF) | |
| 09 | Right Engine - FADEC SwitchSTOP (CUTOFF) | |
| 10 | Engine Spool-DownMONITOR N1/N2 DECREASING | |
| 11 | GeneratorsOFF (when N1 below 15%) | |
| 12 | APUOFF (when ground power connected) or LEAVE RUNNING | |
| 13 | BatteryOFF | |
| 14 | Beacon LightOFF (after engines stopped) | |
| 15 | Navigation LightsOFF | |
| 16 | Fuel ShutoffCONFIRM CLOSED | |
| 17 | Passenger DeplaningDOOR OPEN WHEN PRESSURE EQUALIZEDNOTE: Verify cabin has fully depressurized before opening main cabin door. | |
| 18 | Post-Flight LogCOMPLETENOTE: Log flight time, fuel used, landings, and any discrepancies. | |
| 19 | SecuringPITOT COVERS, CHOCKS INSTALLED | |
| 20 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECT (if available)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit. GPU availability varies by airport. |