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MSFS 2024 · General Aviation
DHC-6 Twin Otter Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.9.0Checklist
DHC-6 Twin OtterMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 207 steps · 19 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Ice may form in visible moisture below +5 degC OAT. The aircraft may only enter known or forecast icing with all de-ice equipment serviceable. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: 2,268 lbs (1,029 kg) usable in the fuselage tanks: 181 USG forward, 197 USG aft. Optional wing tanks add 37 USG each (222 lbs total). | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: MTOW 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg). Vref and go-around speeds are weight dependent - carry the table for your planned landing weight. | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesCALCULATEDNOTE: Flaps 20 landing distance is roughly 1.3 times the flaps 37.5 distance. | |
| 06 | Charts and Flight PlanPREPAREDNOTE: The Twin Otter commonly works short, unimproved strips. Confirm runway length, surface and obstacles. | |
| 07 | Passenger BriefingCOMPLETE | |
| 08 | Flight PlanFILED |
PHS 2 — Exterior Inspection26 steps
| 01 | Cockpit DoorsUNLOCKED (BOTH SIDES) | |
| 02 | Pitot Heads and Static VentsCOVERS REMOVED | |
| 03 | Ram Air IntakeCHECK UNOBSTRUCTED | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Compartment DoorsSECURED | |
| 05 | Crew Oxygen PressureCHECK | |
| 06 | Nose Baggage Compartment DoorSECURED | |
| 07 | Nose WheelTYRE, STRUT, TORQUE LINK CHECKEDNOTE: Check shock strut extension and that there are no leaks. | |
| 08 | RadomeCHECK CONDITION | |
| 09 | Main Gear (Both Sides)TYRES, BRAKE LINES, FAIRINGS CHECKED | |
| 10 | Wing StrutsCHECK UNDAMAGED | |
| 11 | Emergency ExitsSECURE | |
| 12 | Fuel DrainsDRAIN - CHECK FOR WATERCAUTION: Do NOT turn the boost pumps on before draining the fuselage tanks. The nacelle drains DO require boost pumps on. | |
| 13 | Propeller Blades and SpinnersCHECK FOR DAMAGE, MOUNTING SECURE | |
| 14 | Air Inlet and Exit DuctsCHECK UNOBSTRUCTED | |
| 15 | Exhaust Stubs and CowlingsCHECK SECURITY | |
| 16 | Fire Extinguisher DiscsCHECK FOR DISCHARGE | |
| 17 | Wing Leading Edges and UndersurfacesCHECK CLEAN AND UNDAMAGED | |
| 18 | Stall Strip, Fence and Warning VanesCHECKNOTE: On floatplanes the stall strip is installed on the right wing. | |
| 19 | Landing Lights and Navigation LightsCHECK LENSES SECURE | |
| 20 | Static Wicks and Bonding StrapsALL PRESENT AND SECURE | |
| 21 | EmpennageSTABILISERS, TRIM TABS, VORTEX GENERATORS CHECKED | |
| 22 | Jury StrutINSTALLED OR STOWED AS REQUIRED | |
| 23 | Baggage CompartmentCONTENTS SECURE, DOOR SECURE | |
| 24 | External Power ReceptacleSECURE OR GROUND POWER CONNECTED | |
| 25 | Fuel CapsFORWARD AND AFT SECURE | |
| 26 | Frost, Ice or SnowREMOVED FROM ALL SURFACESWARNING: All accumulations must be removed from wings, tail, control surfaces, propellers, spinners and engine air inlets in cold weather. |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation26 steps
| 01 | DocumentsAVAILABLE IN AIRCRAFT | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeON | |
| 03 | Control LocksREMOVE AND STOW | |
| 04 | RAM AIR LeverAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | PITOT STATIC SelectorNORM | |
| 06 | Electrical LoadsOFFNOTE: Lighting, de-ice and unnecessary avionics off before applying power. | |
| 07 | Circuit BreakersINWARNING: Ensure the HYD PUMP circuit breaker is in before turning on aircraft power. It is only pulled for hydraulic abnormalities. | |
| 08 | EXTERNAL / BATTERY SwitchAS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | DC MASTER SwitchMASTER (LOWER ON POSITION) | |
| 10 | LIGHTING EMER SwitchARM - TEST - ARMNOTE: Emergency lights should come on and go out again when set back to ARM. | |
| 11 | IGNITION SwitchNORMAL AND GUARDED | |
| 12 | ENG IGNITER SwitchesBOTH | |
| 13 | GENERATOR SwitchesOFF - L AND R CAUTION LIGHTS ON | |
| 14 | BUS TIENORMAL | |
| 15 | CAUTION LT TEST SwitchTESTNOTE: All 18 lights either side of the compass, the three beta systems, stall warning, battery temperature, beta back-up microswitch and autofeather SEL/ARM lights should illuminate and the stall horn sound. | |
| 16 | NO SMOKING / FASTEN BELT SwitchesON | |
| 17 | Bleed Air SwitchesOFF | |
| 18 | Power LeversIDLE | |
| 19 | PROP LeversFEATHERCAUTION: The propeller levers stay in FEATHER for cockpit preparation and the start. They go to MAX RPM only after both engines are running. | |
| 20 | FUEL LeversOFF | |
| 21 | FIRE DETECTION SwitchTESTNOTE: Both ends of the two FIRE PULL handles should illuminate and the fire bell ring. The FIRE BELL MUTE switch stays down with the guard lowered. | |
| 22 | FUEL CUT OFF Emergency Switches 1 and 2NORMAL | |
| 23 | PROP AUTOFEATHER SwitchOFF | |
| 24 | FUEL SELECTOR KnobNORMAL (CENTRE POSITION) | |
| 25 | INVERTER SwitchNO. 1 OR NO. 2 | |
| 26 | Boost Pump System TestPERFORM (EVERY 24 HOURS)NOTE: Cycle the STDBY BOOST PUMP EMER AFT/FWD switches and the AFT/FWD BOOST pump switches through TEST and ON, confirming the BOOST PUMP PRESS caution lights extinguish and illuminate as expected. |
PHS 4 — Before Starting Engines8 steps
| 01 | Cabin PreparationCOMPLETENOTE: Fire extinguishers charged, first aid kit sealed, all six exit doors unobstructed and secure, rear cabin door locking pins secure, safety cards present. | |
| 02 | Weight and Balance ChecksCOMPLETED | |
| 03 | Passenger BriefingCOMPLETED | |
| 04 | HYD OIL PUMP Circuit BreakerCONFIRM NOT PULLED OR TRIPPED | |
| 05 | Hydraulic PressuresBOTH ABOVE 1,300 PSINOTE: 1,500 PSI is a typical value. | |
| 06 | Fuel QuantitySUFFICIENT FOR PLANNED FLIGHTNOTE: The short checklist calls for greater than 25%. The forward tank feeds the left engine and the aft tank feeds the right. | |
| 07 | AFT BOOST and FWD BOOST SwitchesON - ALL FOUR CAUTION LIGHTS OUT | |
| 08 | Red Anti-Collision BeaconON |
PHS 5 — Engine Start (Battery)14 steps
| 01 | EXTERNAL / BATTERY SwitchBATTERY | |
| 02 | VoltmeterCONFIRM 24 VOLTS | |
| 03 | START SwitchRIGHTCAUTION: The RIGHT engine is started first to keep the wind blast away from the ground crew. | |
| 04 | Gas GeneratorALLOW TO STABILISE (16-18% Ng)WARNING: Do not move the fuel lever to ON before Ng is stabilised. The minimum stabilised Ng for fuel introduction is 12%. If 12% cannot be achieved, do not select fuel on. | |
| 05 | Oil PressureCONFIRM RISING | |
| 06 | FUEL Lever, RightON WITHOUT DELAY | |
| 07 | Light-UpACCELERATES TO IDLE (52% Ng AT ISA)WARNING: Maximum T5 during start is 1,090 degC for 2 seconds. Abort the start if it is approached. | |
| 08 | START SwitchRELEASE AT IDLE NgNOTE: The respective GENERATOR caution light should illuminate when the start switch is released. Check oil pressure within limits. | |
| 09 | Left EngineREPEAT START SEQUENCENOTE: The second engine will normally stabilise about 1% lower than the first because of battery depletion. Check battery voltage or recharge between starts if needed. | |
| 10 | PROP LeversMAX RPM | |
| 11 | Power LeversIDLE Ng + 15% IF HIGH ELECTRICAL LOAD ANTICIPATED | |
| 12 | GENERATOR SwitchesRESET, THEN ONCAUTION: Check both GENERATOR caution lights extinguish and monitor T5 against the 660 degC idle limit. | |
| 13 | Generator IND SELECT SwitchL GEN AND R GEN - LOAD BELOW 0.5 EACH | |
| 14 | Power LeversIDLE |
PHS 6 — Engine Start (External Power)10 steps
| 01 | External Power Source28V, 800-1,700 AMP CAPACITY | |
| 02 | EXTERNAL / BATTERY SwitchEXTERNAL | |
| 03 | VoltmeterCONFIRM 28 VOLTS EXTERNAL | |
| 04 | START SwitchRIGHT, THEN LEFT | |
| 05 | Start SequenceAS PER BATTERY STARTWARNING: Same 12% Ng minimum before fuel and the same 1,090 degC start limit apply. | |
| 06 | EXTERNAL / BATTERY SwitchBATTERY | |
| 07 | External Power SourceDISCONNECT | |
| 08 | PROP LeversMAX RPM | |
| 09 | GENERATOR SwitchesRESET, THEN ON | |
| 10 | Generator LoadBELOW 0.5 EACH SIDE |
PHS 7 — After Start (Pre-Taxi)11 steps
| 01 | DoorsSECURE - DOORS UNLOCKED CAUTION LIGHT OUT | |
| 02 | Hydraulic PressureBETWEEN 1,300 AND 1,600 PSI | |
| 03 | ChocksREMOVED | |
| 04 | BLEED AIR SwitchesON IF CABIN HEAT OR DE-ICE REQUIRED | |
| 05 | PROP LeversFULL INCREASE | |
| 06 | Crew Seats, Belts and HarnessesCHECK SECURE | |
| 07 | BrakesOFF - CHECK NOSEWHEEL STEERING AND BRAKESNOTE: Also confirm correct function of the electrically operated hydraulic pump motor. | |
| 08 | Compass and GyrosSET | |
| 09 | Altimeters and ClocksSET | |
| 10 | Caution LightsAPPROPRIATE | |
| 11 | Anti-Collision and Position LightsON |
PHS 8 — System Functional Checks15 steps
| 01 | De-Icing Mode SwitchOFF | |
| 02 | BLEED AIR SwitchesBOTH OFF - PNEUMATIC LOW PRESS ILLUMINATED | |
| 03 | Power LeversIDLE Ng + 15% | |
| 04 | BLEED AIR LEFTON THEN OFF - LIGHT OUT THEN ON | |
| 05 | BLEED AIR RIGHTON THEN OFF - LIGHT OUT THEN ON | |
| 06 | Battery Temperature Monitor TestPRESS AND HOLDCAUTION: Release as soon as the 150 degree warning light illuminates, and before the indicator reaches 170. | |
| 07 | Power Lever Microswitch TestPRESS UNTIL LIGHT ON, THEN RELEASE | |
| 08 | De-Ice BootsMAN - TOGGLE INNER/OUTER WING AND LEFT/RIGHT STAB | |
| 09 | Power LeversADVANCE TO 80% Ng | |
| 10 | Intake DeflectorsEXTEND - DOLLSEYES EXT, THEN RETRACTNOTE: A minimum of 80% Ng is required to extend the deflectors. Hold EXTEND 3 to 5 seconds after EXT is indicated. | |
| 11 | Power LeversIDLE | |
| 12 | GeneratorsOFF (BOTH) | |
| 13 | Propeller De-IceON - CHECK BATTERY LOAD INCREASE, THEN OFF | |
| 14 | Windshield HeatON - CHECK BATTERY LOAD INCREASE, THEN OFF | |
| 15 | GeneratorsON (BOTH) |
PHS 9 — Taxi3 steps
| 01 | BrakesCHECK | |
| 02 | Gyros and Turn NeedlesCHECKED | |
| 03 | Cockpit LightingAS REQUIRED |
PHS 10 — Run-Up and Before Takeoff16 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | AutofeatherARM | |
| 03 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | AutopilotCHECKED | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityCHECKED (GREATER THAN 25%) | |
| 06 | Fuel PumpsON | |
| 07 | Trim TabsSET AND ALIGNEDNOTE: Rudder and aileron trim must be aligned with their respective markings. | |
| 08 | Flaps10 DEGREESNOTE: The short checklist allows 10 to 20 degrees. Flaps 20 is the max performance STOL takeoff setting. | |
| 09 | Flight InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 10 | NAV / COM RadiosSET | |
| 11 | Propeller LeversFULL FORWARD | |
| 12 | AutofeatherON - SELECT LIGHT ON | |
| 13 | Engine InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 14 | Bleed Air Left and RightAS REQUIRED | |
| 15 | Pitot HeatON | |
| 16 | De-IceAS REQUIRED |
PHS 11 — Line-Up and Takeoff11 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsFREE | |
| 02 | TransponderSET AND ON | |
| 03 | Landing LightsON | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsON | |
| 05 | Caution LightsAS APPROPRIATE | |
| 06 | Runway and HeadingCHECKED | |
| 07 | Power LeversADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO TAKEOFF POWERWARNING: Takeoff limits are 50 PSI torque, T5 725 degC, Ng 101.6%, Np 96%. Check the autofeather ARM light illuminates. | |
| 08 | Hot and High TechniqueSTABILISE AT 85% Ng FIRSTNOTE: Above ISA, hold 85% Ng and let the engine air inlet condition stabilise before advancing to takeoff power. | |
| 09 | Engine InstrumentsWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Torque rises as airspeed increases at a constant power lever setting. Adjust to avoid exceeding torque and T5 limits. | |
| 10 | RotateSEE AOM ROTATION SPEED TABLENOTE: Rotation speed is weight dependent. | |
| 11 | Landing GearFIXED - NO ACTION |
PHS 12 — After Takeoff (400 ft AGL)9 steps
| 01 | FlapsUP | |
| 02 | AutofeatherOFF | |
| 03 | Climb PowerSETNOTE: Max climb limits are 50 PSI torque, T5 695 degC, Np 96%. | |
| 04 | Nosewheel SteeringCENTERED | |
| 05 | Yaw DamperON | |
| 06 | Passenger SignsAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 08 | Climb Speed100 KIAS (Vy)CAUTION: Sources disagree: the AOM limitations table gives Vy as 100 KIAS (103 CAS) flaps up, while the short checklist card prints 85 kts. The AOM value is used here. | |
| 09 | Propeller75-96% Np AS DESIRED FOR CLIMB |
PHS 13 — Cruise5 steps
| 01 | Cruise PowerSETNOTE: Max cruise limits are 50 PSI torque, T5 695 degC, Np 96%. | |
| 02 | AirspeedBELOW VMOCAUTION: VMO is 166 KIAS to 6,700 ft, 156 at 10,000 ft, 141 at 15,000 ft, 126 at 20,000 ft, 112 at 25,000 ft. Floatplanes are limited to 160 CAS. | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity and SelectorMONITORNOTE: Low level warnings trigger below 75 lbs forward and 110 lbs aft. | |
| 05 | De-IceAS REQUIRED |
PHS 14 — Descent and Approach9 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Destination WeatherOBTAINED | |
| 02 | Fuel Quantity and SelectorCHECK / SET | |
| 03 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK | |
| 04 | Caution LightsCHECK | |
| 05 | De-IceAS REQUIREDWARNING: After any icing encounter, flaps must reach the final setting before descending below 500 ft AGL, and the icing speed table must be flown. | |
| 06 | AltimetersSET | |
| 07 | Passenger SignsON | |
| 08 | Landing LightsON | |
| 09 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETE |
PHS 15 — Before Landing6 steps
| 01 | Nosewheel SteeringCENTERED | |
| 02 | Yaw DamperOFF | |
| 03 | FlapsSET 20 OR 37.5 DEGREESNOTE: Flaps 20 is the usually recommended landing setting. Flaps 37.5 is chosen only for runway length limitations. | |
| 04 | Flap Limit Speeds103 KIAS TO FLAPS 10, 93 KIAS BEYONDCAUTION: Vfe is 103 KIAS for flaps 10 and 93 KIAS from 10 to 37.5 degrees. | |
| 05 | Propeller LeversFULL FORWARD (96% Np)CAUTION: Propeller levers must be at MAX RPM no later than 500 ft above ground on a visual approach, or 500 ft above DH/MDA on an instrument approach. | |
| 06 | Approach SpeedPER VREF TABLENOTE: At 12,300 lbs: 80 kts at flaps 20, 74 kts at flaps 37.5. At 9,500 lbs: 70 and 64 kts. |
PHS 16 — Landing6 steps
| 01 | Power LeversIDLE CROSSING THRESHOLD AT 50 FT AGL | |
| 02 | TouchdownON MAIN WHEELS | |
| 03 | BrakesAPPLY AS REQUIRED AFTER NOSEWHEEL CONTACTNOTE: Most effective braking comes from intermittent full applications of about one second with the briefest possible intervals. | |
| 04 | Zero Thrust / Reverse PowerAS REQUIREDWARNING: Reverse power cannot be applied unless the propeller levers are at full increase. Reverse is limited to 91% Np. | |
| 05 | Directional ControlDIFFERENTIAL REVERSE AND BRAKING | |
| 06 | Power LeversIDLE AFTER FULL STOPNOTE: Bring the aircraft to a complete stop before advancing the power levers to IDLE out of reverse. |
PHS 17 — Go-Around5 steps
| 01 | Power LeversADVANCE TO TAKEOFF POWER SETTING | |
| 02 | Propeller LeversCONFIRM FULL INCREASE | |
| 03 | Flaps10 DEGREES | |
| 04 | Minimum AirspeedPER FLAPS 10 TABLEWARNING: With flaps at 37.5 degrees, any go-around pitch attitude greater than level flight may cause a rapid speed decay and a possible stall. | |
| 05 | Flaps0 DEGREES WHEN CLEAR OF OBSTACLES WITH POSITIVE RATE |
PHS 18 — After Landing7 steps
| 01 | FlapsUP | |
| 02 | Bleed Air Left and RightOFF | |
| 03 | De-IceOFF | |
| 04 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 06 | TransponderOFF | |
| 07 | Trim TabsRESET FOR TAKEOFF |
PHS 19 — Shutdown12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | RadiosOFF | |
| 03 | Power LeversIDLE | |
| 04 | Propeller LeversFEATHERCAUTION: The propellers are feathered before the fuel levers are cut. | |
| 05 | GeneratorsOFF | |
| 06 | Fuel LeversOFF | |
| 07 | Boost PumpsOFF | |
| 08 | LightsALL OFF | |
| 09 | EXTERNAL / BATTERY SwitchOFF | |
| 10 | DC MASTER SwitchOFF | |
| 11 | Control LocksATTACHED | |
| 12 | AircraftSECURE |