DHC-2 BeaverMSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 156 steps
DHC-2 Beaver
MSFS 2024 - 0/156 STEPS
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General Aviation1940s
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver made its first flight on August 16, 1947, and went on to become one of the most iconic bush planes ever built, with 1,657 aircraft produced through 1967. Powered by a Pratt and Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine, it was designed from the outset as a rugged STOL utility aircraft capable of operating on wheels, floats, skis, or amphibious gear in the most remote environments. In 1987 it was named one of the top ten Canadian engineering achievements of the 20th century, and it continues to serve bush operators, aerial survey companies, and governments worldwide.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerde Havilland Aircraft of Canada
first Flight1947
roleSTOL utility / bush plane
crew1 pilot + up to 6 passengers
engines1x Pratt and Whitney R-985-AN-14B Wasp Junior (450 hp)
max Speed261 km/h (141 kts)
range1,180 km (637 nmi)
ceiling18,000 ft
weight2,313 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, and destination weather. Wind and icing conditions are important for low-altitude bush flying. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for airspace restrictions, runway closures, and any TFRs along your route. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredNOTE: Fuel burn approx 25 USG/hr at cruise. Total capacity 138 USG (3 belly tanks + 2 wing tanks). Add VFR reserves (45 min). | CALCULATED | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceCAUTION: MTOW is 5,100 lbs. Useful load 2,100 lbs. Verify payload plus fuel is within limits before loading cargo or passengers. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesNOTE: Takeoff roll approx 690 ft at sea level, over 50-ft obstacle 1,610 ft. Beaver is a genuine STOL aircraft - adjust for density altitude. | CALCULATED | |
| 06 | Charts / Flight PlanNOTE: Review departure, enroute, and destination charts. For bush operations, identify alternate landing sites along route. | REVIEWED | |
| 07 | Flight Plan | FILED | |
| 08 | Passenger / Cargo BriefingNOTE: Brief seatbelts, exits, no smoking, no touching controls. For float ops, brief water exit procedures. | COMPLETE |
PHS 2 — Before Start18 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Control Lock / Gust Lock | REMOVED | |
| 03 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Check full range of motion on ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Confirm correct movement direction. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 04 | Seats and SeatbeltsNOTE: Ensure pilot seat is locked and seatbelt fastened. | SECURE | |
| 05 | Battery Master Switch | ON | |
| 06 | Avionics Master SwitchNOTE: Keep avionics off during engine start to protect radios from voltage spikes. | OFF | |
| 07 | All Electrical Switches | OFF | |
| 08 | Fuel Selector ValveNOTE: Select main belly tank. Verify fuel quantity is adequate for flight. | ON (MAIN TANK) | |
| 09 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Total usable capacity 138 USG across all tanks. | CHECK - Adequate for flight | |
| 10 | Fuel Shutoff Valve | OPEN | |
| 11 | Throttle LeverNOTE: Set throttle to approximately 1/4 to 1/2 for start. Throttle is mounted overhead on the Beaver. | 1/4 TO 1/2 OPEN | |
| 12 | Propeller LeverNOTE: Move propeller control fully forward to high RPM for start. | FULLY INCREASE RPM (FULL FINE) | |
| 13 | Mixture LeverNOTE: Start with mixture at idle cut-off; advance to rich after engine catches. | IDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 14 | Carburettor Hot Air LeverNOTE: Ensure carb heat is off before start to allow maximum airflow. | COLD (OFF) | |
| 15 | Engine PrimerNOTE: Cold engine: 4-6 strokes. Warm engine: 1-2 strokes or none. Avoid over-priming. | PRIME AS REQUIRED | |
| 16 | Magneto Switch | BOTH | |
| 17 | Propeller AreaWARNING: Ensure all persons are clear of the propeller arc before engaging the starter. The R-985 prop is large and dangerous. | CLEAR | |
| 18 | Fire GuardNOTE: Have fire guard posted with extinguisher during all engine starts, especially in bush operations. | IN POSITION |
PHS 3 — Engine Start13 steps
| 01 | Starter SwitchNOTE: Engage starter. The R-985 Wasp Junior radial typically requires several blades of rotation before firing. | ENGAGE | |
| 02 | Mixture LeverCAUTION: As engine fires, immediately advance mixture to full rich. Timing is critical - too late and the engine may stop. | ADVANCE TO RICH | |
| 03 | ThrottleNOTE: Once engine is running, reduce throttle to achieve a smooth 800-1,000 RPM idle. | ADJUST TO 800-1,000 RPM | |
| 04 | Starter SwitchCAUTION: Release starter as soon as engine is running smoothly. Do not hold starter engaged against a running engine. | RELEASE | |
| 05 | Oil PressureWARNING: If oil pressure does not rise within 30 seconds of start, shut down engine immediately to prevent bearing damage. | POSITIVE WITHIN 30 SECONDS | |
| 06 | Engine Warm-UpNOTE: The R-985 has a 6-quart oil sump and requires adequate warm-up time. Do not rush - cold oil causes wear. | 6-8 MINUTES AT IDLE | |
| 07 | Oil TemperatureNOTE: Monitor oil temperature gauge - should rise steadily during warm-up. | RISING | |
| 08 | Oil Pressure | 40-90 PSI NORMAL RANGE | |
| 09 | Avionics Master Switch | ON | |
| 10 | Radios and AvionicsNOTE: Set COM/NAV frequencies, transponder code, and ATIS as needed. | ON AND SET | |
| 11 | Altimeter | SET TO LOCAL QNH | |
| 12 | Directional Gyro / Heading Indicator | ALIGNED WITH COMPASS | |
| 13 | Fuel Boost Pump (if installed)NOTE: Some Beaver variants have an electric boost pump - check aircraft configuration. | ON |
PHS 4 — After Start8 steps
| 01 | Engine GaugesNOTE: Verify oil pressure, oil temperature, cylinder head temp, and fuel flow are all within normal limits. | ALL IN GREEN | |
| 02 | Oil TemperatureNOTE: Do not advance power significantly until oil temperature reaches at least 40 deg C. | MINIMUM 40 DEG C BEFORE TAXI | |
| 03 | Ammeter / VoltmeterNOTE: Verify generator/alternator is producing charge. | CHECK - CHARGING | |
| 04 | MixtureNOTE: Keep mixture full rich at low altitudes. Lean only above 5,000 ft for fuel efficiency. | FULL RICH | |
| 05 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Briefly apply carb heat and verify slight RPM drop (indicating system working), then return to cold. | CHECK OPERATION | |
| 06 | Lights (Navigation, Beacon) | ON AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | FlapsNOTE: Cycle flaps through all positions and return to UP. Note: Beaver flaps are hydraulically operated. | CHECK OPERATION | |
| 08 | TrimNOTE: Set elevator trim to neutral or slightly nose-up for takeoff. | SET FOR TAKEOFF |
PHS 5 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | Taxi PowerNOTE: Normal taxi power is 800-1,000 RPM. The Beaver taxis easily - avoid high power settings on the ground. | 800-1,000 RPM | |
| 03 | BrakesNOTE: Test brakes immediately after beginning to taxi. Apply light differential braking for directional control. | CHECK | |
| 04 | Tailwheel SteeringNOTE: Verify tailwheel steering is responsive. The Beaver has good ground handling compared to other tailwheel aircraft. | CHECK | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Continue to monitor oil temperature and pressure as engine warms up during taxi. | MONITOR DURING TAXI | |
| 06 | TransponderNOTE: Set transponder to ALT mode for taxi at towered fields; verify squawk code with ATC. | ALT (MODE C) | |
| 07 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Ensure carb heat is off during taxi unless icing conditions are suspected. | COLD |
PHS 6 — Run-Up10 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Run-Up PositionNOTE: Run-up into wind improves engine cooling and reduces tail-low prop strike risk. | INTO WIND IF POSSIBLE | |
| 03 | Oil TemperatureCAUTION: Do not run up engine until oil temperature is at least 40 deg C. Cold oil does not lubricate properly under high power. | MINIMUM 40 DEG C | |
| 04 | Throttle | ADVANCE TO 1,800 RPM | |
| 05 | Magneto CheckCAUTION: Excessive RPM drop indicates fouled plugs or ignition fault. Do not proceed to takeoff if drop exceeds 75 RPM. | MAX DROP 75 RPM EACH MAG, MAX SPREAD 50 RPM | |
| 06 | Carburettor Heat CheckNOTE: Apply carb heat at run-up power. Expect 50-100 RPM drop initially. If RPM rises slightly, ice was present. Return to COLD. | APPLY - NOTE RPM DROP THEN RISE | |
| 07 | Propeller ExerciseNOTE: Move propeller lever forward and aft to exercise prop governor and warm oil in the governor system. | CYCLE 2-3 TIMES | |
| 08 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Oil pressure 40-90 PSI, oil temp in green, cylinder head temp rising normally. | ALL IN NORMAL RANGE | |
| 09 | Fuel Pressure | IN GREEN ARC | |
| 10 | ThrottleNOTE: After run-up checks, reduce to idle and verify smooth idle before advancing for takeoff. | REDUCE TO IDLE |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Final flight control check at the hold short. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 02 | Trim | SET FOR TAKEOFF (NEUTRAL) | |
| 03 | FlapsNOTE: Set flaps to takeoff position (first notch). De Havilland designed this wing to require proper flap use - do not skip. | TAKEOFF POSITION (7 DEG) | |
| 04 | MixtureNOTE: Full rich for sea level takeoffs. Lean slightly only at high elevation airports above 5,000 ft. | FULL RICH | |
| 05 | PropellerNOTE: Propeller to high RPM for maximum power on takeoff. | FULL INCREASE RPM (FULL FINE) | |
| 06 | Carburettor HeatCAUTION: Carb heat must be OFF for takeoff. Carb heat reduces power and can cause engine roughness at high power settings. | COLD (OFF) | |
| 07 | Fuel SelectorNOTE: Confirm fuel is selected from fullest or main tank. | MAIN TANK | |
| 08 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - SUFFICIENT FOR FLIGHT | |
| 09 | Oil Temperature and Pressure | IN NORMAL RANGE | |
| 10 | InstrumentsNOTE: Altimeter set, DI aligned with compass, VSI at zero, airspeed at zero. | SET AND CHECKED | |
| 11 | TailwheelNOTE: Lock tailwheel for takeoff roll to maintain directional control on the roll. | LOCKED | |
| 12 | Doors and Windows | CLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 13 | Seatbelts | ALL OCCUPANTS SECURED | |
| 14 | RunwayNOTE: Verify runway is clear, departure path is reviewed, and abort point is identified. | CLEAR AND DEPARTURE BRIEF COMPLETE |
PHS 8 — Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Lineup CheckNOTE: Verify no conflicting traffic on final or on the runway. | RUNWAY CLEAR | |
| 02 | ThrottleNOTE: Takeoff power: 32 in Hg manifold pressure and 2,100 RPM at sea level. Apply smoothly to avoid torque swing. | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO 32 IN HG / 2,100 RPM | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Quick scan of oil pressure and temperature as power is applied. | SCAN - ALL IN GREEN | |
| 04 | Directional ControlNOTE: Right rudder required to counteract propeller torque and P-factor. Beaver has good directional stability. | MAINTAIN CENTERLINE WITH RUDDER | |
| 05 | Rotation (Vr)NOTE: Apply gentle back pressure to raise nose at rotation speed. Avoid over-rotating. | APPROX 70 MPH (61 KTS) | |
| 06 | Positive Rate of ClimbNOTE: Verify positive VSI indication before any configuration changes. | CONFIRM | |
| 07 | AirspeedNOTE: Fly Vx for obstacle clearance, Vy for best rate of climb. | ESTABLISH Vx 80 MPH (70 KTS) OR Vy 95 MPH (83 KTS) |
PHS 9 — Climb9 steps
| 01 | FlapsNOTE: Retract flaps in stages after obstacle clearance and above 80 mph. Flap retraction causes a pitch change. | RETRACT AFTER CLEARING OBSTACLES | |
| 02 | Climb PowerNOTE: Reduce to climb power after leaving traffic pattern altitude. | 28 IN HG / 2,000 RPM | |
| 03 | AirspeedNOTE: Vy is 95 mph. For cruise climb use 110 mph for better engine cooling. | 95 MPH (83 KTS) - BEST RATE OF CLIMB | |
| 04 | FlapsNOTE: For initial climb, flaps at 7-deg improves engine cooling by raising nose slightly. Full flap retraction above 1,000 ft AGL. | 7 DEG (CLIMB POSITION) OR FULLY UP | |
| 05 | MixtureNOTE: Lean mixture gradually above 5,000 ft to maintain smooth engine operation and reduce fuel burn. | FULL RICH BELOW 5,000 FT, LEAN AS REQUIRED ABOVE | |
| 06 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Apply carb heat if engine roughness occurs in moist or cool conditions. Expect slight power reduction. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Monitor cylinder head temps - avoid exceeding limits on long climbs. Enrich mixture if CHT rises. | ALL IN NORMAL RANGE | |
| 08 | Altimeter | CHECK - CLIMBING AS EXPECTED | |
| 09 | Transponder | ALT (MODE C) - ON |
PHS 10 — Cruise10 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeNOTE: Level off and allow airspeed to build before reducing to cruise power. | LEVEL OFF - REDUCE POWER | |
| 02 | Cruise PowerNOTE: Typical cruise setting: 21 in Hg manifold pressure and 1,700 RPM. Produces approx 110 mph and 25 GPH fuel burn. | 21 IN HG / 1,700 RPM | |
| 03 | PropellerNOTE: Reduce RPM to cruise setting for reduced noise and fuel burn. | SET TO CRUISE RPM (1,700 RPM) | |
| 04 | MixtureNOTE: Lean mixture for best power or best economy as appropriate for cruise altitude. At sea level, remain full rich. | LEAN FOR ALTITUDE | |
| 05 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Apply carb heat if engine roughness suggests carb icing. Common during cruise at reduced power settings. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Check oil pressure, oil temp, CHT, and fuel flow. The R-985 is robust but monitor closely. | ALL IN NORMAL RANGE | |
| 07 | Fuel Quantity and SelectorNOTE: Monitor fuel consumption and switch tanks as required to maintain balance and ensure all fuel is used. | CHECK - SWITCH TANKS AS NEEDED | |
| 08 | Altimeter | CHECK - MAINTAINING ALTITUDE | |
| 09 | NavigationNOTE: Verify position against charts or GPS. Beaver often operates in remote areas where navigation accuracy is critical. | TRACK CONFIRMED | |
| 10 | Radio CommunicationsNOTE: Monitor appropriate ATC frequencies or CTAF. Check in with FSS for long cross-country legs. | MAINTAIN MONITORING |
PHS 11 — Descent9 steps
| 01 | Descent PlanningNOTE: Plan descent using 3:1 rule - begin descent 3 nm out per 1,000 ft of altitude to lose. Target 500 fpm descent rate. | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | ATIS / AWOSNOTE: Get current weather at destination. Note wind direction and active runway. | OBTAINED | |
| 03 | Altimeter | SET TO DESTINATION QNH | |
| 04 | Descent PowerNOTE: Maintain minimum 20 in Hg manifold pressure during descent to keep engine warm and avoid shock cooling. | 20 IN HG / 2,050 RPM | |
| 05 | MixtureNOTE: Progressively enrich mixture as you descend to lower altitudes. | ENRICH AS ALTITUDE DECREASES | |
| 06 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Carb icing risk increases in descent at reduced power. Apply carb heat if roughness is noted. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | AirspeedNOTE: Keep descent speed below Vno 145 mph (126 kts). Avoid abrupt speed changes. | DO NOT EXCEED 135 MPH (117 KTS) IN DESCENT | |
| 08 | Directional Gyro | REALIGN WITH COMPASS | |
| 09 | Fuel SelectorNOTE: Switch to fullest tank for approach and landing. | FULLEST TANK |
PHS 12 — Before Landing12 steps
| 01 | ATIS / AWOS | CURRENT - ACTIVE RUNWAY CONFIRMED | |
| 02 | Fuel Selector | FULLEST TANK | |
| 03 | MixtureNOTE: Full rich for landing in case of go-around at low altitude. | FULL RICH | |
| 04 | PropellerNOTE: Move prop control to high RPM for go-around capability. | FULL INCREASE RPM (FULL FINE) | |
| 05 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Apply carb heat on downwind to prevent icing on reduced-power approach. | ON | |
| 06 | Downwind PowerNOTE: Abeam the threshold on downwind, reduce power to 15 in Hg and slow to below Vfe. | REDUCE TO 15 IN HG | |
| 07 | Airspeed (Downwind)NOTE: Reduce to approximately 70 mph on downwind as you configure for landing. | 70 MPH (61 KTS) | |
| 08 | FlapsNOTE: Normal landing: set flaps to 35 deg on base leg. Full 50-deg flap for short field or rough water. | SET TO LANDING (35 DEG) ON BASE | |
| 09 | Airspeed (Final)NOTE: Maintain 70 mph on final approach. Over the threshold cross at 50 ft AGL. | 70 MPH (61 KTS) OVER THRESHOLD | |
| 10 | Tailwheel | UNLOCKED FOR CROSSWIND / LOCK FOR STRAIGHT APPROACHES | |
| 11 | Doors and Windows | CLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 12 | Seatbelts | ALL OCCUPANTS SECURED |
PHS 13 — Landing7 steps
| 01 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: Maintain stable 70 mph on final. Vso (stall flaps full) is 45 mph - do not fly too slowly. | 70 MPH (61 KTS) | |
| 02 | Descent RateNOTE: Target approximately 400 fpm descent on final. Avoid excessive sink rate near the ground. | 400 FT/MIN | |
| 03 | Threshold CrossingNOTE: Cross the threshold at approximately 50 ft AGL and begin a gradual flare to reduce descent rate. | 50 FT AGL - BEGIN FLARE | |
| 04 | ThrottleNOTE: Smoothly reduce throttle to idle as aircraft settles into the ground effect. | REDUCE TO IDLE IN FLARE | |
| 05 | TouchdownNOTE: Three-point landing (all wheels simultaneously) or wheel landing with mains first. Avoid nose-low contact. | MAIN WHEELS FIRST - TAILWHEEL DOWN | |
| 06 | Roll-OutNOTE: Use rudder pedals for directional control. Apply differential braking as needed after tailwheel is on the ground. | MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH RUDDER AND BRAKES | |
| 07 | BrakesNOTE: Apply brakes after establishing full ground contact. Avoid aggressive braking that could nose-over the taildragger. | APPLY SMOOTHLY TO REACH TAXI SPEED |
PHS 14 — After Landing6 steps
| 01 | Carburettor HeatNOTE: Return carb heat to cold after clearing runway. | COLD (OFF) | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Retract flaps after clearing the runway. | RETRACT | |
| 03 | Transponder | STANDBY OR AS DIRECTED BY ATC | |
| 04 | Taxi to RampNOTE: Taxi at 800-1,000 RPM. Allow engine to cool while taxiing before shutdown. | FOLLOW MARKINGS / ATC INSTRUCTIONS | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Oil temperature and pressure should return to normal taxi values after landing power reduction. | MONITOR DURING TAXI-IN | |
| 06 | Lights | AS REQUIRED FOR TAXI CONDITIONS |
PHS 15 — Shutdown9 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Engine CoolingNOTE: Run engine at 800-1,000 RPM for 2-3 minutes to allow cylinder heads and oil to cool before shutdown. | ALLOW 2-3 MIN AT IDLE | |
| 03 | Throttle | IDLE | |
| 04 | Avionics Master SwitchNOTE: Turn off avionics before cutting the mixture to avoid voltage spike from engine stopping. | OFF | |
| 05 | All Electrical Switches | OFF | |
| 06 | Mixture LeverNOTE: Pull mixture to idle cut-off to stop the engine by starving it of fuel. This prevents diesel knock. | IDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 07 | Magneto SwitchCAUTION: Turn magnetos off only after the engine has fully stopped rotating. If you turn off mags before engine stops, prop may kick against residual compression. | OFF - AFTER ENGINE STOPS | |
| 08 | Battery Master Switch | OFF | |
| 09 | Fuel Selector ValveNOTE: Turn off fuel selector to prevent fuel leak risk while aircraft is parked. | OFF |
PHS 16 — Securing9 steps
| 01 | Control Lock / Gust LockNOTE: Install gust lock to protect control surfaces from wind damage while parked. | INSTALLED | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Leave flaps retracted to prevent hydraulic fluid seepage and surface damage when parked. | RETRACTED (UP) | |
| 03 | Wheel ChocksNOTE: Place chocks fore and aft of main wheels. | INSTALLED | |
| 04 | Tie-DownsNOTE: Secure all three tie-down points (both wings and tail) especially important for outdoor parking in wind. | SECURED | |
| 05 | Pitot Tube CoverNOTE: Install pitot cover to prevent insects from nesting in the tube. | INSTALLED | |
| 06 | Oil LevelNOTE: Check oil level after engine has cooled. The R-985 holds 6 quarts. Log any abnormal consumption. | CHECK AND LOG | |
| 07 | Fuel CapsNOTE: Verify all fuel caps are tight to prevent evaporation and contamination. | SECURE | |
| 08 | Aircraft ExteriorNOTE: Post-flight walk-around to check for damage, fluid leaks, and any issues that need maintenance attention. | WALK-AROUND AND LOG DEFECTS | |
| 09 | Flight LogNOTE: Log flight time, fuel, oil, and any squawks in the aircraft maintenance log. | COMPLETE AND SIGNED |