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MSFS 2024 · General Aviation
DHC-2 Beaver Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.9.0Checklist
DHC-2 BeaverMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 162 steps · 19 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute and destination weather. The Beaver is a low-level VFR bush aircraft; service ceiling is 18,000 ft for the landplane and 15,750 ft for the seaplane. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check airspace restrictions, runway or water-lane closures and TFRs along the route. | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: Section I fuel capacities: front tank 29 Imp (35 US) gal, centre tank 29 Imp (35 US) gal, rear tank 21 Imp (25 US) gal - 79 Imp (95 US) gal total. Optional wing tip tanks add 36 Imp (43 US) gal for 115 Imp (138 US) gal. Appendix Cruise Power Chart (Auto Lean): 240 BHP burns 16.5 Imp (19.8 US) gal/hr, 280 BHP burns 20.8 Imp (25 US) gal/hr, 300 BHP burns 23.1 Imp (28.5 US) gal/hr. | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Section IV: all-up weight must not exceed 5,100 lb for the landplane and skiplane, 5,090 lb for the seaplane. CG datum lies 17.45 in behind the wing leading edge. Landplane extreme forward CG is station +6.6 at 3,800 lb and station -1.25 at 5,100 lb; extreme aft is station -7.7 at 5,100 lb. | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesCALCULATEDNOTE: Section IV performance at maximum gross weight, standard conditions: take-off distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle (flaps TAKE-OFF, still air, ICAO technique) 1,250 ft landplane / 1,610 ft seaplane. Landing distance over a 50 ft obstacle (flaps LANDING) 1,250 ft landplane / 1,510 ft seaplane. Initial rate of climb at take-off power, flaps up: 1,020 fpm landplane / 920 fpm seaplane. | |
| 06 | Charts and RouteREVIEWEDNOTE: Review departure, enroute and destination charts. For bush operations identify alternate landing sites along the route. | |
| 07 | Flight PlanFILED | |
| 08 | Crosswind ComponentCHECKEDCAUTION: Section IV: the lateral component of wind velocity at and below which it is safe to take off and land is not more than 10 mph at 90 degrees, for landplane, skiplane and seaplane. |
PHS 2 — Before Entering Aircraft9 steps
| 01 | Exterior InspectionCARRY OUTNOTE: Start at the pilot's cockpit and work around the aircraft as detailed in Figure 2-1. Check all surfaces for cracks, distortion, loose rivets and indication of damage; check all access doors for security; check surfaces and hinges of all flight control surfaces. | |
| 02 | Fuel Filler Caps and Access PanelCHECK SECURITY | |
| 03 | ServicingCHECKNOTE: Check that the aircraft has been serviced with the required quantities of fuel, oil and hydraulic fluid. | |
| 04 | Wheels, Landing Gear and BrakesCHECKNOTE: Check wheels are chocked. Check security of landing gear and fairings, tires for cuts, bruises and slippage, tire pressures, and wheel brake hoses and pipes for oil leaks. | |
| 05 | Carburettor and Oil Cooler IntakesCHECK CLEAR | |
| 06 | Propeller, Cowl and PanelsCHECKNOTE: Check propeller for nicks and oil leaks. Check cowl and panels for dents, scratches and security. | |
| 07 | Tailwheel TireCHECKNOTE: Check for cuts, bruises and slippage, and check tire pressure. | |
| 08 | Pitot Head CoverCHECK REMOVED | |
| 09 | Cargo and BaggageCHECK STOWAGENOTE: Check storage of cargo and baggage and determine load distribution and CG position. |
PHS 3 — On Entering Aircraft12 steps
| 01 | IgnitionOFF | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 03 | ControlsUNLOCKED | |
| 04 | ControlsFREE, CORRECT AND FULL MOVEMENT | |
| 05 | Pilot's SeatADJUST | |
| 06 | TrimsAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | All SwitchesOFFNOTE: Except the generator field switch, which should be ON. | |
| 08 | Battery Master SwitchON | |
| 09 | Fuel QuantitiesCHECK | |
| 10 | Altimeter and ClockSET | |
| 11 | Communication EquipmentTESTNOTE: If external power is not available, make the test during the final period of engine warm-up. | |
| 12 | Night Flying Checks (if anticipated)COMPLETENOTE: With the help of an outside observer if possible: landing light; navigation and identification lights if fitted; panel and interior lights; flashlight on board. |
PHS 4 — Before Starting Engine8 steps
| 01 | Fire GuardIN POSITION | |
| 02 | Propeller AreaCLEAR | |
| 03 | All SwitchesOFFNOTE: Except the generator field switch. | |
| 04 | Throttle Lever1/4 TO 1/2 IN. OPEN | |
| 05 | Propeller LeverFULLY DECREASE RPM | |
| 06 | Mixture LeverIDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 07 | Carburettor Hot Air LeverCOLD | |
| 08 | PropellerTURN TO CHECK FOR HYDRAULIC LOCKCAUTION: Turn the propeller in a clockwise direction only. Turning it counter-clockwise returns excess fuel to the induction system, hampers starting, creates a fire hazard and increases the risk of hydraulicing.NOTE: Ask the ground crew, or use the starter, to turn the propeller to make sure an excessive amount of oil is not trapped in the lower cylinders forming a hydraulic lock. If a hydraulic lock is indicated, drain the excess oil from the lower cylinders by removing their spark plugs. |
PHS 5 — Starting Engine18 steps
| 01 | Propeller AreaCLEAR | |
| 02 | Battery Master SwitchON | |
| 03 | Fuel and Oil Emergency Cut-Off LeverOPEN | |
| 04 | Fuel SelectorFULLEST TANK | |
| 05 | Mixture LeverAUTO RICH | |
| 06 | Throttle Lever1/4 TO 1/2 IN. OPEN | |
| 07 | Fuel PressureBUILD UP WITH WOBBLE PUMP TO MAXIMUM 5 PSI | |
| 08 | PrimerPRIME 4 STROKES | |
| 09 | Both Ignition SwitchesON | |
| 10 | Starter Switch (Direct Cranking Starter)HOLD TO STARTER POSITION | |
| 11 | Starter Switch (Electrical Inertia Starter)HOLD TO STARTER UNTIL WHINE CEASES TO RISE IN PITCHNOTE: Then release the starter switch and simultaneously hold the clutch engagement switch to the STARTER CLUTCH position. A hot engine may be cranked directly for starting by energizing the starter and clutch together. | |
| 12 | Booster Coil SwitchHOLD TO BOOSTER COIL POSITION | |
| 13 | Starter Switch(es)RELEASE TO OFF AS SOON AS ENGINE FIRES | |
| 14 | Boost Coil SwitchRELEASE | |
| 15 | Priming PumpLOCKED OFFWARNING: If a booster pump is installed, make sure the primer pump is shut off completely after priming, or raw fuel will be injected into the cylinders when the booster pump is switched on. | |
| 16 | ThrottleBACK TO ABOUT 500 TO 800 RPM AS SOON AS ENGINE FIRESCAUTION: Do not pump the throttle to catch a dying engine. | |
| 17 | Oil PressureCHECK REGISTERS WITHIN 30 SECONDSWARNING: If oil pressure does not register on the gauge within 30 seconds, stop the engine and investigate. | |
| 18 | Propeller LeverFULL INCREASE RPM WHEN OIL PRESSURE REACHES A STEADY 50 PSI |
PHS 6 — Engine Warm-Up8 steps
| 01 | Throttle1000 RPM | |
| 02 | Propeller LeverFULLY FORWARD TO INCREASE RPMNOTE: As soon as oil pressure reaches 50 psi. | |
| 03 | Oil TemperatureCHECK REACHED 100 degF (40 degC) | |
| 04 | Engine SpeedADJUST TO SMOOTHEST BETWEEN 1000 AND 1400 RPMNOTE: After oil temperature has reached 100 degF (40 degC). | |
| 05 | Mixture LeverFULL RICH | |
| 06 | Propeller LeverCOARSER PITCH AT 1000 RPM, THEN RETURN TO INCREASE RPMCAUTION: Never rush engine warm-up.NOTE: Circulates the oil in the constant speed unit and propeller cylinder. | |
| 07 | Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure and TemperatureCHECK | |
| 08 | Tank FeedsCHECK BY ROTATING FUEL SELECTOR TO EACH TANK |
PHS 7 — Engine Ground Tests14 steps
| 01 | AircraftHEAD INTO WINDNOTE: Section II: oil inlet temperature should be above 100 degF (40 degC) and never rise above 200 degF (90 degC). Cylinder head temperatures must not exceed 450 degF (230 degC). | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeON, CONTROL COLUMN FULLY BACK | |
| 03 | Fuel SelectorFULLEST TANKNOTE: If wing tip tanks are installed select FRONT TANK; if a belly tank is installed select CENTRE TANK. | |
| 04 | Propeller LeverFULL INCREASE RPM | |
| 05 | Throttle Lever1750 RPM | |
| 06 | Magneto CheckL - BOTH - R - BOTHCAUTION: The drop in RPM should not exceed 100 RPM; it is normally in the region of 50 to 75 RPM. If the magneto drop is more than 100 RPM, recheck at aerodrome pressure.NOTE: Return to BOTH between selections to allow engine speed to stabilize. In cold weather keep the carburettor mixture temperature at 40 degF (4 degC) for this check. | |
| 07 | Throttle Lever600 RPM | |
| 08 | Ignition SwitchMOMENTARILY OFF - ENGINE MUST STOP FIRING COMPLETELYWARNING: If the engine does not momentarily stop firing completely, stop the engine by selecting the mixture lever to IDLE CUT-OFF. Warn personnel to stay clear of the propeller and have the ignition switch and magneto ground lead checked.NOTE: Carry out this check with minimum delay in the OFF position to prevent backfiring when the switch is returned to BOTH. | |
| 09 | ThrottleOPEN UNTIL MANIFOLD PRESSURE EQUALS AERODROME PRESSURE | |
| 10 | GeneratorCHECK CUTS IN AT APPROXIMATELY 1400 RPM | |
| 11 | Static RPMCHECK 2100 PLUS OR MINUS 20 APPROXIMATELY | |
| 12 | Oil, Fuel and Vacuum Pressures, Cylinder Head and Oil TemperaturesWITHIN RANGES | |
| 13 | ThrottleRETARD TO 1600 RPM | |
| 14 | Propeller LeverCOARSE PITCH, THEN RETURN TO FULL INCREASE RPMNOTE: Note the recovery of RPM to 1600 RPM. |
PHS 8 — Taxiing6 steps
| 01 | FlapsCRUISE POSITION | |
| 02 | Propeller LeverFULL INCREASE RPM | |
| 03 | Oil and Cylinder TemperaturesWATCHNOTE: If necessary, run the engine at higher RPM to provide additional cooling during taxiing. | |
| 04 | BrakesTEST AS SOON AS AIRCRAFT STARTS MOVING | |
| 05 | SteeringRUDDER PEDALS / STEERABLE TAILWHEELNOTE: The steerable tailwheel gives 25 degrees to each side. Use brakes for larger tailwheel angles. | |
| 06 | Engine Speed When Stopped During Taxi1200 TO 1400 RPMWARNING: While on the ground, avoid prolonged engine running above 1400 RPM, particularly in hot weather, to prevent overheating of the installation.NOTE: Prevents spark plug fouling and creates a propeller blast for engine cooling. |
PHS 9 — Take-Off Check9 steps
| 01 | All Doors and WindowsCLOSED | |
| 02 | Elevator TrimSET TO MEET CG REQUIREMENTS | |
| 03 | Mixture LeverAUTO RICH | |
| 04 | Propeller LeverINCREASE RPM | |
| 05 | Fuel SelectorDESIRED TANK POSITION | |
| 06 | FlapsTAKE-OFF POSITION | |
| 07 | Directional Gyro and Artificial HorizonUNCAGED AND SET | |
| 08 | Pitot HeatON IF NECESSARYNOTE: In cold weather or when icing conditions are anticipated. | |
| 09 | Carburettor HeatCOLD |
PHS 10 — Take-Off10 steps
| 01 | Cylinder Head TemperatureCHECK BELOW 450 degF (230 degC) | |
| 02 | Throttle Lever Friction KnobADJUST | |
| 03 | Line UpON TAKE-OFF RUNWAY | |
| 04 | ThrottleOPEN SMOOTHLY TO MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE TAKE-OFF POWERCAUTION: At ambient temperatures below standard altitude temperature (15 degC / 59 degF at sea level) with carburettor air at COLD, over-boosting and detonation are possible at manifold pressure settings below the normal maximum permissible. Take-off manifold pressure must therefore be reduced by 2 percent per 11 degC (20 degF) below standard if engine life is to be preserved.NOTE: Figure 4-1: take-off power is 36.5 in.Hg and 2300 RPM, time limited to 1 minute. Power limits are based on fuel grade 80/87. | |
| 05 | SwingANTICIPATE TENDENCY OF AIRCRAFT TO SWING TO THE LEFT | |
| 06 | Lift-OffALLOW AIRCRAFT TO FLY ITSELF OFF AT 55 TO 65 MPH IASNOTE: Tail down attitude. Section IV notes the aircraft will fly itself off at 50 to 60 mph IAS in a tail low attitude. | |
| 07 | Initial Climb65 MPH IAS | |
| 08 | PowerREDUCE AS SOON AS SAFE HEIGHT IS ATTAINEDCAUTION: Supplement 2: if an R-985-AN-1, AN-3, -39 or -39A engine is installed, use 34.5 in.Hg and 2200 RPM when fully loaded.NOTE: 33.5 in.Hg and 2200 RPM if the aircraft is fully loaded (R-985 SB3), or 30 in.Hg and 2000 RPM for normal weight. | |
| 09 | AirspeedSLOWLY INCREASE TO 80 MPH IAS AND RE-TRIM | |
| 10 | FlapsCLIMB AT 500 FT, THEN RE-TRIM |
PHS 11 — Climb5 steps
| 01 | PowerMAXIMUM CONTINUOUS - 2200 RPM, 33.5 IN.HGCAUTION: Supplement 2: 34.5 in.Hg and 2200 RPM if an R-985-AN-1, AN-3, -39 or -39A engine is installed.NOTE: Figure 4-1 maximum continuous power is 2200 RPM / 33.5 in.Hg, FULL RICH. | |
| 02 | Best Rate of Climb Speed95 MPH IAS | |
| 03 | Best Angle of Climb Speed80 MPH IAS | |
| 04 | Reduced-Wear Climb Setting (Recommended by Engine Manufacturer)2000 RPM, 30 IN.HG, AUTO RICHNOTE: Rates of climb are then 540 fpm for the landplane and 460 fpm for the seaplane. | |
| 05 | Cylinder Head TemperatureKEEP CONSISTENT WITH FIGURE 4-1 LIMITSNOTE: Low RPM at high manifold pressure helps maintain climbing mixture strength and materially assists engine and oil cooling. |
PHS 12 — Cruise7 steps
| 01 | FlapsCRUISE | |
| 02 | ThrottleBACK TO 29.7 IN.HG OR LESS MANIFOLD PRESSURENOTE: For continuous cruise, use Maximum Weak Mixture Power or less. | |
| 03 | Propeller Lever2000 RPM OR LESS | |
| 04 | Mixture LeverAUTO LEANNOTE: Carburettor mixture temperature 40 degF (4 degC). The Appendix Cruise Power Chart notes that the stated fuel consumption is only attained with carburettor mixture temperature between 40 and 45 degF (+4 to +7 degC); if that cannot be obtained, operate below 28 degF (-2 degC). | |
| 05 | Cylinder Head and Oil Inlet TemperaturesCONSISTENT WITH FIGURE 4-1 LIMITS | |
| 06 | Fuel ManagementEMPTY REAR TANK FIRST IF FULLY LOADEDNOTE: Gives favourable CG travel by moving the CG progressively forward. With wing tip tanks, take off, climb and cruise on the FRONT tank until almost empty before transferring. | |
| 07 | Airspeed CorrectionSUBTRACT 5 MPH FROM INDICATED CRUISING SPEEDNOTE: Section 2.11.2: subtract 5 mph from all indicated cruising speeds, and 5 mph from the indicated airspeed when flaps are in the DOWN position, to obtain calibrated airspeed. |
PHS 13 — Descent3 steps
| 01 | Airspeed and PowerREDUCE AS REQUIREDCAUTION: Section IV: normal operating limit speed is 145 mph IAS and maximum permissible diving speed is 180 mph IAS. Manoeuvring speed is 125 mph IAS. | |
| 02 | Fuel SelectorFULLEST TANK | |
| 03 | InstrumentsIN CORRECT RANGES |
PHS 14 — Approach7 steps
| 01 | AirspeedREDUCE TO 90 MPH IAS | |
| 02 | Propeller LeverINCREASE RPM | |
| 03 | Mixture LeverAUTO RICH | |
| 04 | FlapsLANDING OR AS DESIREDNOTE: Maximum speed for lowering flaps is 105 mph IAS. FULL FLAP is only required for emergency landing in very restricted areas. | |
| 05 | Final Approach Airspeed80 MPH IASNOTE: Rate of descent will be approximately 1000 ft per minute. | |
| 06 | ThrottleOPEN SEVERAL TIMES DURING APPROACHNOTE: Clears the engine and prevents too rapid engine cooling. | |
| 07 | Carburettor HeatCOLD LATE ON FINAL APPROACHCAUTION: If carburettor heat has been used during the approach, select COLD late on final to insure that full power will be available in case of a baulked landing. |
PHS 15 — Landing8 steps
| 01 | TrimAS REQUIRED | |
| 02 | PowerINCREASE TO DECREASE RATE OF DESCENTNOTE: With flaps at LANDING, the power-off approach produces a marked nose down attitude. | |
| 03 | Control ColumnPULL BACK GENTLY FOR THREE-POINT TOUCH-DOWNNOTE: In a normal stalled landing the tailwheel will touch first when landing without flap. | |
| 04 | Touch-DownNO TENDENCY TO SWING EXCEPT IN CROSSWINDS | |
| 05 | Control ColumnHOLD FULLY BACK AFTER TOUCH-DOWN | |
| 06 | Rudder and Steerable TailwheelMAINTAIN STRAIGHT PATH | |
| 07 | Wheel BrakesAPPLY AS NECESSARY TO CONTROL LANDING RUN | |
| 08 | Minimum Run Landing (if required)FULL FLAP, 65 TO 68 MPH ON FINALCAUTION: Minimum run landings may be necessary under extraordinary circumstances and should only be performed by pilots familiar with the aircraft and experienced in short landing technique.NOTE: Reduce the airspeed on final approach to 65-68 mph and maintain that speed to the point of flare-out. |
PHS 16 — Go-Around and Baulked Landing5 steps
| 01 | DecisionDECIDE EARLY IN APPROACH TO GO AROUND | |
| 02 | Throttle LeverOPEN SLOWLY TO FULL TAKE-OFF POWER | |
| 03 | AttitudeKEEP NOSE DOWN, RE-TRIM IF NECESSARYNOTE: Maintain normal flap-down airspeeds: 65 mph for TAKE-OFF flap, 75 to 90 mph for CLIMB or CRUISE flap settings. | |
| 04 | FlapsRETRACT SLOWLY WHEN SAFE ALTITUDE IS REACHED | |
| 05 | TrimRE-TRIM AS REQUIRED |
PHS 17 — After the Landing2 steps
| 01 | FlapsCRUISE WHEN LANDING RUN IS COMPLETED | |
| 02 | Elevator TrimNEUTRAL |
PHS 18 — Post Flight Checks12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakesSETNOTE: Section 2.17: these checks are for the last flight of the day only. | |
| 02 | Carburettor HeatCOLD | |
| 03 | Ignition Safety Check - EngineIDLING SPEED | |
| 04 | Ignition Safety Check - Ignition SwitchMOMENTARILY OFF - ENGINE MUST STOP FIRING COMPLETELY | |
| 05 | Ignition Safety Check - IgnitionON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BACKFIRING | |
| 06 | Control ColumnFULLY BACK | |
| 07 | Throttle LeverADVANCE TO AERODROME BAROMETRIC PRESSURE | |
| 08 | RPMCHECK 2100 PLUS OR MINUS 20 | |
| 09 | Magneto CheckL MOMENTARILY, BOTH, THEN R MOMENTARILYCAUTION: When running on one magneto, the drop in RPM should not exceed 100 RPM. | |
| 10 | Idle Speed Check - Throttle LeverRETARD TO IDLING POSITION | |
| 11 | Idle Speed Check - Engine RPM450 TO 550 RPM | |
| 12 | Idle Speed Check - Oil and Fuel PressureREMAIN WITHIN OPERATING LIMITS |
PHS 19 — Stopping the Engine11 steps
| 01 | EngineIDLE FOR A SHORT PERIODNOTE: Assists the engine in gradually cooling down. | |
| 02 | ThrottleOPEN TO GIVE 1000 TO 1200 RPM | |
| 03 | Propeller LeverFULL DECREASE RPM | |
| 04 | RPMMAINTAIN AT 800 RPM WITH THE THROTTLENOTE: RPM will drop off as the propeller changes pitch. | |
| 05 | Oil DilutionAS REQUIREDNOTE: When a cold weather start is anticipated, the engine oil may be diluted before stopping the engine. For dilution percentages and times see Section V. | |
| 06 | Mixture LeverIDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 07 | IgnitionOFF AFTER PROPELLER HAS STOPPED TURNING | |
| 08 | Wing Tip Tank SelectorOFFNOTE: If tanks are fitted. | |
| 09 | Main Fuel Tank SelectorOFF | |
| 10 | All SwitchesOFFNOTE: Except the generator field switch. | |
| 11 | If Engine Fails to StopSTARVE OF FUELNOTE: Check magnetos again, close throttle to idling, turn the fuel selector OFF, maintain 800 RPM, wait until the engine has stopped through fuel starvation, switch ignition OFF, then close the throttle lever fully. |