DHC-6 Twin OtterMSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 162 steps
DHC-6 Twin Otter
MSFS 2024 - 0/162 STEPS
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General Aviation1960s
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter first flew on May 20, 1965, and quickly became one of the most iconic STOL utility aircraft ever built. Designed to replace the single-engine DHC-3 Otter, it combined twin-turboprop reliability with the ability to operate from grass strips, floatplane bases, ski-equipped variants, and unpaved bush runways just 1,000 ft long. Over 900 examples were built across four series, and the type remains in continuous production today under Viking Air as the Series 400, serving in commercial, military, parachute, survey, and remote community roles worldwide.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerde Havilland Canada / Viking Air
first Flight1965
roleSTOL utility transport / Regional commuter
crew1-2 pilots + up to 19 passengers
engines2x Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-27 (680 shp each, flat-rated to 620 shp)
max Speed348 km/h (188 kts)
range1,296 km (700 nmi)
ceiling26,700 ft
weight5,670 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate. Note icing levels - the Twin Otter has basic de-icing but is not certified for flight into known icing without optional equipment. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMs | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredNOTE: Twin Otter burns approx 80-120 PPH per engine (~180-220 PPH total). Usable fuel 378 kg (833 lbs). Include 45-min VFR reserve. | CALCULATED | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceCAUTION: MTOW 5,670 kg (12,500 lbs). Max landing weight 5,579 kg (12,300 lbs). Verify passenger seating (up to 19 pax) and cargo CG. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesNOTE: Sea level MTOW takeoff roll approx 2,700 ft. Excellent STOL performance - account for density altitude and surface condition. | CALCULATED | |
| 06 | Charts and Flight PlanNOTE: The Twin Otter commonly operates into short, unimproved strips. Confirm runway length, surface type, and obstacles. | PREPARED | |
| 07 | Passenger BriefingNOTE: Brief exits, seatbelts, no smoking, and brace position. Especially important for remote bush operations. | COMPLETE | |
| 08 | Flight Plan | FILED |
PHS 2 — Before Start17 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Battery Switch | ON | |
| 03 | Emergency Locator Transmitter | ARMED | |
| 04 | Avionics Master / RadiosNOTE: Keep avionics off during engine start to protect from voltage spikes. | OFF | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityNOTE: Total fuel capacity approx 378 kg (833 lbs). Verify both wing tank quantities. | CHECK - SUFFICIENT | |
| 06 | Fuel Cross-Feed Valve | NORMAL (CLOSED) | |
| 07 | Left Fuel Boost PumpCAUTION: Boost pumps must be ON before engine start to ensure fuel supply to the PT6A engines. | ON | |
| 08 | Right Fuel Boost Pump | ON | |
| 09 | Both Condition (Fuel) LeversNOTE: Condition levers control fuel flow to engines. Must be in fuel off position before engaging starters. | FUEL OFF (AFT) | |
| 10 | Both Power Levers | GROUND IDLE | |
| 11 | Both Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD (HIGH RPM) | |
| 12 | Ignition Switches (Both) | NORMAL | |
| 13 | Intake DeflectorsNOTE: Activate deflectors when operating from unpaved, gravel, or contaminated surfaces to prevent FOD ingestion. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 14 | Bleed Air / Cabin HeatNOTE: Bleed air off during start to reduce engine load. | OFF | |
| 15 | Generator Switches (Both) | OFF | |
| 16 | Lights - BeaconNOTE: Beacon on indicates engines about to start - warn ground crew. | ON | |
| 17 | Area Clear | CHECK |
PHS 3 — Engine Start16 steps
| 01 | Left Starter Switch | ENGAGE | |
| 02 | Left Ng (Gas Generator) RPM | RISING - MONITOR | |
| 03 | Left Condition Lever (at 12-15% Ng)CAUTION: Do not introduce fuel before 12% Ng - engine may not light reliably. Watch for hot start (ITT exceeding limits). | FUEL ON (MOVE FORWARD) | |
| 04 | Left ITT (Inter-Turbine Temp)WARNING: Max ITT during start: 1,090 deg C. If ITT exceeds limits or rises too fast, immediately move condition lever to Fuel Off and abort start. | RISING - MONITOR | |
| 05 | Left Ng RPM - Self-SustainingNOTE: Release starter when Ng reaches self-sustaining speed (typically above 50-55%). Engine will accelerate to idle. | CONFIRM - RELEASE STARTER | |
| 06 | Left Ng at Idle | ~68-70% Ng | |
| 07 | Left Oil PressureWARNING: If oil pressure does not register within 30 seconds, shut down engine immediately. | IN THE GREEN | |
| 08 | Left Generator Switch | ON | |
| 09 | Right Starter Switch | ENGAGE | |
| 10 | Right Ng RPM | RISING - MONITOR | |
| 11 | Right Condition Lever (at 12-15% Ng)CAUTION: Monitor ITT closely during fuel introduction. Same limits as left engine apply. | FUEL ON (MOVE FORWARD) | |
| 12 | Right ITTWARNING: Max start ITT: 1,090 deg C. Abort start if limits exceeded. | RISING - MONITOR | |
| 13 | Right Ng - Self-Sustaining | CONFIRM - RELEASE STARTER | |
| 14 | Right Oil Pressure | IN THE GREEN | |
| 15 | Right Generator Switch | ON | |
| 16 | Both Engines - Idle StabilizedNOTE: Allow engines 2-3 minutes warm-up before applying power. Monitor ITT, Ng, and Np (prop RPM). | CHECK |
PHS 4 — After Start14 steps
| 01 | Avionics Master | ON | |
| 02 | Radios and NavNOTE: Set ATIS, departure frequency, transponder code, and nav aids as required. | SET | |
| 03 | Altimeter | SET - QNH | |
| 04 | Directional Gyro / Heading Indicator | ALIGNED WITH COMPASS | |
| 05 | Flight Instruments | CHECK - OPERATIONAL | |
| 06 | Bleed Air / Cabin Heat | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both) | ON - VERIFY | |
| 08 | Both Condition Levers | FUEL ON - CONFIRM | |
| 09 | Both Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD | |
| 10 | Pitot HeatNOTE: Turn on pitot heat any time temperature is below +5 deg C or visible moisture is present. | ON | |
| 11 | Lights - Navigation | ON | |
| 12 | Flaps | UP (0 deg) - CHECK RETRACTED | |
| 13 | Doors and Windows | CLOSED AND SECURED | |
| 14 | Seat Belts and Shoulder Harness | FASTENED |
PHS 5 — Taxi7 steps
| 01 | Clearance | RECEIVED | |
| 02 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 03 | BrakesNOTE: Apply briefly after rolling to confirm brake function. | TEST - NORMAL | |
| 04 | Taxi SpeedNOTE: Keep taxi speed low, especially on unpaved surfaces. Twin Otter has no nose-wheel steering - uses differential power and rudder pedals for steering. | APPROPRIATE - SLOW | |
| 05 | Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD | |
| 06 | InstrumentsNOTE: Verify AI attitude, turn coordinator, and heading indicator respond correctly during turns. | CHECK DURING TAXI | |
| 07 | Propeller Ground ClearanceCAUTION: Low-wing propeller tips are close to the ground. Avoid rough ground, holes, or high grass. | CONFIRM ADEQUATE |
PHS 6 — Run-Up12 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Both Power Levers | ADVANCE TO 70% Ng | |
| 03 | Left Propeller Lever - CycleNOTE: Pull prop lever to reduce RPM by 300-400 RPM, then return full forward. Circulates warm oil through prop governor. | PULL BACK THEN FORWARD | |
| 04 | Right Propeller Lever - Cycle | PULL BACK THEN FORWARD | |
| 05 | Left Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Check ITT, Ng, Np, oil pressure, and oil temperature all within green range. | IN LIMITS | |
| 06 | Right Engine Instruments | IN LIMITS | |
| 07 | Power Levers | RETURN TO GROUND IDLE | |
| 08 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Full movement of ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Verify correct direction of movement. | FREE AND CORRECT | |
| 09 | FlapsNOTE: Select 10 deg for normal takeoff or 20 deg for short-field takeoff. Verify indicator agrees. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 10 | Elevator Trim | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 11 | Rudder Trim | SET | |
| 12 | Transponder | ALT (MODE C) |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingNOTE: Review takeoff power, Vr, initial climb speed, engine failure actions, and abort criteria. | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | Flaps | 10 deg (NORMAL) OR 20 deg (SHORT FIELD) - CONFIRMED | |
| 03 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both) | ON | |
| 04 | Condition Levers (Both) | FUEL ON - FULL FORWARD | |
| 05 | Propeller Levers (Both) | FULL FORWARD - HIGH RPM | |
| 06 | Flight Instruments | CHECKED AND SET | |
| 07 | Doors | CLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 08 | Seat Belts | FASTENED - ALL OCCUPANTS | |
| 09 | Lights - Strobe / Landing | ON | |
| 10 | Heading Indicator | SET TO RUNWAY HEADING |
PHS 8 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | Power LeversNOTE: Advance both levers together smoothly. Max torque approx 44-47 PSI for takeoff at sea level (temperature dependent). | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY TO TAKEOFF POWER | |
| 02 | Engine InstrumentsWARNING: If ITT, torque, or any limit is exceeded, reduce power immediately. An abort may be necessary. | SCAN - WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 03 | Directional ControlNOTE: Twin Otter tracks well on the ground. Small rudder corrections are usually sufficient. | MAINTAIN WITH RUDDER | |
| 04 | Vr (Rotation) | 70-80 KIAS - ROTATE GENTLY | |
| 05 | Positive Rate of Climb | CONFIRM | |
| 06 | Landing GearNOTE: The DHC-6 has fixed tricycle undercarriage - no gear retraction required. | N/A - FIXED GEAR | |
| 07 | Flap RetractionNOTE: Retract flaps after positive climb confirmed and clear of obstacles. Do not retract while below Vx (87 KIAS). | RETRACT ABOVE 400 FT AGL | |
| 08 | Climb Speed | ESTABLISH 100 KIAS (Vy) |
PHS 9 — Climb8 steps
| 01 | Power LeversNOTE: Reduce from takeoff power to max continuous. Typical climb torque setting 35-40 PSI. | CLIMB POWER - SET | |
| 02 | Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD - MAINTAIN | |
| 03 | Climb AirspeedNOTE: For obstacle clearance use Vx (87 KIAS) until obstacle cleared, then accelerate to Vy 100 KIAS. | 100 KIAS (Vy) | |
| 04 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR - IN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Fuel Boost Pumps | ON - VERIFY | |
| 06 | Altimeter SettingNOTE: Set standard pressure (1013 hPa / 29.92 inHg) passing transition altitude. | TRANSITION ALTITUDE - SET STD (29.92) | |
| 07 | Lights | AS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONS | |
| 08 | Heading Indicator | CHECK VS COMPASS PERIODICALLY |
PHS 10 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Cruise Altitude | LEVEL OFF | |
| 02 | Power LeversNOTE: Typical cruise: 30-38 PSI torque per engine for 150-170 KIAS. Economy cruise at 25-30 PSI. | CRUISE POWER - SET | |
| 03 | Propeller LeversNOTE: Reducing prop RPM slightly reduces noise and vibration. Do not go below 1,500 RPM in cruise. | ADJUST TO 1,600-1,700 RPM | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsNOTE: Monitor ITT, torque, Ng, Np, oil temp, and oil pressure every 15-20 minutes. | STABLE - SCAN | |
| 05 | Fuel BalanceCAUTION: Monitor fuel tank imbalance. Use crossfeed if required to balance wing tanks. Max imbalance per POH. | CHECK - BOTH WINGS BALANCED | |
| 06 | Navigation | TRACK MAINTAINED | |
| 07 | WeatherNOTE: Twin Otter has limited de-icing. If icing conditions are encountered, descend or divert to avoid. | MONITOR - REMAIN CLEAR OF IMC | |
| 08 | Altimeter - Transition Level | SET QNH BELOW TRANSITION LEVEL | |
| 09 | ATIS | OBTAIN - DESTINATION |
PHS 11 — Descent8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Weather | RECEIVED AND NOTED | |
| 02 | Destination Approach BriefingNOTE: Review arrival runway, approach type, minimums, missed approach, and alternate if required. | COMPLETE | |
| 03 | Altimeter | SET QNH FOR DESTINATION | |
| 04 | Power LeversNOTE: Reduce power smoothly. Avoid prolonged flight at very low power to prevent engine cooling issues. | REDUCE FOR DESCENT | |
| 05 | Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD BELOW 10,000 FT | |
| 06 | Airspeed | MAINTAIN 130-150 KIAS DESCENT | |
| 07 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both) | ON | |
| 08 | Seat Belts SignNOTE: Brief passengers to fasten seatbelts for descent and landing. | FASTENED |
PHS 12 — Before Landing10 steps
| 01 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both) | ON | |
| 02 | Condition Levers (Both) | FULL FORWARD - FUEL ON | |
| 03 | Propeller Levers | FULL FORWARD - HIGH RPM | |
| 04 | Fuel Balance | CHECK - BOTH TANKS SELECTED | |
| 05 | Seat Belts | ALL FASTENED - BRIEF PASSENGERS | |
| 06 | FlapsNOTE: Extend flaps in stages. Initial approach at Flaps 10 deg, full flap (37.5 deg) on final. | 10 deg BELOW 108 KIAS | |
| 07 | Approach Speed (Flaps 10) | 85-94 KIAS | |
| 08 | Landing Lights | ON | |
| 09 | Pitot Heat | ON | |
| 10 | Altimeter | QNH - CONFIRMED |
PHS 13 — Landing9 steps
| 01 | FlapsNOTE: Extend to full flaps on final approach once configured and stabilized. | 37.5 deg FULL - BELOW 108 KIAS | |
| 02 | Final Approach SpeedNOTE: Vref with full flaps 74 KIAS. Add half gust correction for gusty conditions. | VREF 74-80 KIAS | |
| 03 | Approach ProfileCAUTION: If not stabilized by 500 ft AGL in VMC (1,000 ft IMC), initiate a go-around. | STABILIZED BY 500 FT AGL | |
| 04 | PowerNOTE: Twin Otter is very responsive to power changes. Use power to control descent rate, pitch to control speed. | ADJUST FOR GLIDEPATH | |
| 05 | Flare | GENTLE FLARE OVER THRESHOLD | |
| 06 | TouchdownNOTE: Main gear touches first, then nose gear. Very gentle touchdown - robust landing gear tolerates firm landings. | MAINS FIRST - THREE-POINT | |
| 07 | Beta Range (Reverse Pitch)NOTE: PT6A allows prop reverse (beta range) for aerodynamic braking - very effective for short-field stops. | ENGAGE AFTER TOUCHDOWN FOR BRAKING | |
| 08 | Brakes | APPLY AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Runway Exit | AT SAFE SPEED |
PHS 14 — After Landing9 steps
| 01 | Power Levers | GROUND IDLE | |
| 02 | Flaps | RETRACT - UP | |
| 03 | Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 04 | Strobe Lights | OFF | |
| 05 | Transponder | STANDBY | |
| 06 | Pitot Heat | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Intake Deflectors | AS REQUIRED FOR SURFACE | |
| 08 | Taxi Clearance | RECEIVED | |
| 09 | Taxi to Parking | AS INSTRUCTED |
PHS 15 — Shutdown17 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Passengers and CargoWARNING: Ensure all passengers and ground personnel are well clear of both propeller arcs before shutdown. | CLEAR OF PROPELLERS | |
| 03 | Bleed Air / Cabin Heat | OFF | |
| 04 | Avionics and Radios | OFF | |
| 05 | Power Levers (Both) | GROUND IDLE - CONFIRM | |
| 06 | Engine Cool-DownNOTE: Allow both engines to idle at ground idle for at least 2 minutes before shutdown to cool turbine components. | 2 MINUTES AT IDLE | |
| 07 | Left Condition LeverNOTE: Fuel off shuts down the engine. Propeller will windmill to a stop. | FUEL OFF (PULL AFT) | |
| 08 | Right Condition Lever | FUEL OFF (PULL AFT) | |
| 09 | Left Generator | OFF | |
| 10 | Right Generator | OFF | |
| 11 | Propellers - Full Stop | VERIFY STOPPED | |
| 12 | Fuel Boost Pumps (Both) | OFF | |
| 13 | Ignition Switches (Both) | OFF | |
| 14 | All Lights | OFF (EXCEPT BEACON UNTIL PROPS STOPPED) | |
| 15 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 16 | Control LocksNOTE: Install gust locks on flight controls to protect from wind damage during parking. | INSTALL | |
| 17 | Chocks and Tie-Downs | IN PLACE AS REQUIRED |