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MSFS 2024 · Transport
Douglas DC-3 Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.17.1Checklist
Douglas DC-3MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 125 steps · 13 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather BriefingREVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredCALCULATEDNOTE: Main tanks are used for takeoff and landing, cruise tanks in the cruise. | |
| 04 | Weight and Balance / Cargo ManifestWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Normal maximum gross 29,300 lbs. Restricted takeoff maximum 31,000 lbs. Recommended maximum landing weight 26,000 lbs. | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesCALCULATED | |
| 06 | Charts and RouteREVIEWEDNOTE: Cruise is about 185 mph TAS at 10,000 ft. Service ceiling 24,100 ft. | |
| 07 | Payload ConfigurationMATCHED TO SIM SETTINGSNOTE: The manual asks that the selected airframe configuration matches the fuel and payload entered in the sim, since the simulation reacts to those values. | |
| 08 | Passenger BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Seating capacity 28 passengers. |
PHS 2 - Before Starting Engines24 steps
| 01 | Hydraulic Pump SelectorLEFT ENGINE | |
| 02 | Gear LatchDOWN AND LOCKED | |
| 03 | Flap HandleFLAPS UP, THEN NEUTRAL | |
| 04 | Gear HandleNEUTRAL | |
| 05 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 06 | Battery Cart (GPU)ON | |
| 07 | Fuel GaugesCHECK ALL | |
| 08 | Cowl FlapsOPEN | |
| 09 | De-IcersOFF | |
| 10 | Automatic PilotOFF | |
| 11 | LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 12 | Flight ControlsFREE | |
| 13 | CrossfeedOFF | |
| 14 | Trim TabsNEUTRAL | |
| 15 | Parking BrakeON | |
| 16 | TailwheelLOCKED | |
| 17 | Carburettor AirCOLD | |
| 18 | Fuel Selector ValvesLEFT TO LEFT MAIN, RIGHT TO RIGHT MAIN | |
| 19 | PropellersFULL FORWARD, HIGH RPM | |
| 20 | ThrottlesCRACKED (5-10%) | |
| 21 | MixturesFULL RICH | |
| 22 | Pitot HeatersOFF | |
| 23 | InverterON | |
| 24 | Fuel Booster PumpsON |
PHS 3 - Starting Engines10 steps
| 01 | Propeller AreaCLEARWARNING: Confirm the propeller arcs are clear before energising. | |
| 02 | Right Engine PrimerON 5 SECONDS, THEN OFF | |
| 03 | Master Ignition SwitchON | |
| 04 | Right Engine MagnetoBOTH | |
| 05 | Right Starter (Energiser)ON - WAITNOTE: The DC-3 uses an inertia starter. The energiser spins the flywheel up first, and only then is the mesh engaged. | |
| 06 | Right Engine MeshON - WAIT | |
| 07 | Right Engine PrimerON AFTER 15 BLADES | |
| 08 | Battery SwitchON | |
| 09 | Ground Power SwitchOFF | |
| 10 | Left EngineREPEAT THE SAME PROCEDURE |
PHS 4 - Before Taxiing9 steps
| 01 | Hydraulic Pressure675-925 PSI | |
| 02 | RadiosON AND TUNED | |
| 03 | AltimetersSET | |
| 04 | ClockSET | |
| 05 | GyrosSET AND UNCAGED | |
| 06 | Flight ControlsFREE | |
| 07 | Parking BrakeOFF | |
| 08 | TailwheelUNLOCKEDNOTE: The tailwheel is unlocked to steer during taxi, and locked again for the run-up and takeoff. | |
| 09 | TaxiTO RUN-UP AREANOTE: Maintain direction in a crosswind by adding power on the upwind engine. |
PHS 5 - Engine Run-Up9 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeON | |
| 02 | TailwheelLOCKED | |
| 03 | Fuel Booster PumpsOFF | |
| 04 | MixturesAUTO RICH | |
| 05 | Cowl FlapsOPEN | |
| 06 | Fuel SelectorsMAIN TANKS | |
| 07 | PropellersTHROUGH FULL RANGE | |
| 08 | MagnetosCHECK | |
| 09 | Throttle FrictionTIGHTENEDNOTE: Tighten the friction control before takeoff so the throttles cannot slip. |
PHS 6 - Before Takeoff6 steps
| 01 | MixturesAUTO RICH | |
| 02 | Cowl FlapsTRAIL | |
| 03 | PropellersINCREASE RPM | |
| 04 | GyrosSET AND UNCAGED | |
| 05 | Fuel Booster PumpsON | |
| 06 | TailwheelLOCKED WHEN LINED UP WITH RUNWAYWARNING: Make sure the tailwheel is locked once lined up on the runway. |
PHS 7 - Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | ThrottlesADVANCE EVENLY OVER A FULL 5 SECONDSNOTE: Advance smoothly and steadily to takeoff power. The movement should take a full five seconds. | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 03 | Directional ControlRUDDER, THEN THROTTLES IF NEEDEDNOTE: Rudder control is available directly after reaching takeoff power. In a crosswind add power on the upwind engine. | |
| 04 | TailCOMES UP BY ITSELF - ASSIST WITH SLIGHT FORWARD PRESSURE | |
| 05 | Lift Off85-90 MPHNOTE: Break ground with gentle back pressure once flying speed is attained under normal conditions. | |
| 06 | Short Field TechniqueHOLD BRAKES TO 25-30 IN HGNOTE: Hold on the brakes until manifold pressure reaches 25 to 30 inches, then release and raise the tail as soon as possible. | |
| 07 | Safe Single Engine Speed110-120 MPH IASCAUTION: Hold a minimum climb until safe single engine speed is reached. The exact figure varies with gross weight. |
PHS 8 - After Takeoff (Climb)8 steps
| 01 | Landing GearUPNOTE: Safety latch full up, gear lever UP, then return the lever to NEUTRAL once up and locked. The red warning light will burn. | |
| 02 | WheelsSTOP ROTATION WITH BRAKES | |
| 03 | Power ReductionsFIRST REDUCTION AT 120 MPHNOTE: Once 120 mph is attained it is safe to make the first power reduction. | |
| 04 | Climb Power42 IN HG | |
| 05 | Fuel Booster PumpsOFF | |
| 06 | Cowl FlapsTRAIL OR CLOSEDNOTE: Cowl flaps buffet if left open. Trail is normal, closed at higher altitude or in cold conditions. | |
| 07 | MixturesAUTO LEAN | |
| 08 | Cylinder Head TemperatureMAY EXCEED 232 degC IN CLIMBWARNING: CHT may exceed 232 degC for takeoff and climb only, and must never exceed 260 degC. |
PHS 9 - Cruise6 steps
| 01 | Fuel Selector ValvesCRUISE TANKS | |
| 02 | Power AdjustmentsAS ADVISEDNOTE: Grade 91 fuel, low blower: 2,000-2,250 RPM at 28-32 in Hg Auto-Lean, or 2,250-2,350 RPM at 32-36 in Hg Auto-Rich. | |
| 03 | High Blower SettingsPER TABLE IF SELECTEDNOTE: High blower runs 27-30 in Hg at 2,000-2,250 RPM and is Auto-Rich at every RPM band. | |
| 04 | Cylinder Head TemperatureAT OR BELOW 232 degCCAUTION: For all level flight conditions, regardless of altitude or power, keep CHT at or below 232 degC. | |
| 05 | Automatic PilotAS REQUIREDNOTE: The Sperry Gyro Pilot is for ordinary conditions only, never for extremely turbulent air. | |
| 06 | AirspeedWITHIN LEVEL FLIGHT LIMITCAUTION: Maximum level flight IAS is 204 mph at 26,000 lbs, 187 mph at 29,000 lbs and 170 mph at 31,000 lbs. |
PHS 10 - Before Landing16 steps
| 01 | Automatic PilotOFF | |
| 02 | AltimetersSET | |
| 03 | Fuel Selector ValvesLEFT TO LEFT MAIN, RIGHT TO RIGHT MAINNOTE: Set mains before entering the pattern. Landing on auxiliary tanks is permissible if they are fuller. | |
| 04 | MixturesAUTO RICH | |
| 05 | Carburettor AirCOLD | |
| 06 | Fuel Booster PumpsON | |
| 07 | IgnitionCHECK | |
| 08 | PropellersSET - 2,250 RPM ON DOWNWIND | |
| 09 | Landing GearDOWN AND LATCHED, HANDLE NEUTRAL, GREEN LIGHT, WHEELS CHECKEDCAUTION: Maximum speed for extending the landing gear is 160 mph IAS at any weight. | |
| 10 | TailwheelLOCKED | |
| 11 | De-IcersOFF | |
| 12 | Parking BrakeOFF | |
| 13 | FlapsAS DESIREDCAUTION: Maximum speed for extending the wing flaps is 112 mph IAS at any weight. Use less flap in strong crosswinds, and none at all in a strong 90 degree or gusty crosswind. | |
| 14 | Descent Rate300-400 FPM WITH GEAR EXTENDED | |
| 15 | Base Leg Speed120 MPH | |
| 16 | Approach Speed85-95 MPHNOTE: Make a further power reduction on the approach leg to settle at approach speed. |
PHS 11 - Landing6 steps
| 01 | Landing TypeTAIL-LOW (NORMAL)WARNING: A three-point landing is possible but NOT ADVISED. The weight of the aircraft puts undue stress on the airframe and gear. | |
| 02 | Manifold PressureREDUCE TO MINIMUM DURING ROUND-OUT | |
| 03 | TouchdownMAIN WHEELS, TAIL LOWERS ITSELFNOTE: Aid the tail down with slight back pressure once roll speed is slow. | |
| 04 | Wheel Landing AlternativeCONTACT 10-15 MPH FASTERNOTE: Hold roundout to a minimum, settle on the mains from level flight and hold them down with slight forward pressure. | |
| 05 | Crosswind TechniqueCRAB PLUS LOWER UPWIND WINGNOTE: The combination method keeps bank and crab to a minimum. Wheel landings are preferred in a crosswind. | |
| 06 | Directional ControlRUDDER, UPWIND ENGINE POWER, BRAKESCAUTION: You have not finished flying the aircraft until it has come to a complete stop, especially in a crosswind. |
PHS 12 - After Landing6 steps
| 01 | FlapsUP | |
| 02 | Cowl FlapsOPEN | |
| 03 | Fuel Booster PumpsOFF | |
| 04 | Elevator TrimNEUTRAL | |
| 05 | PropellersFULL FORWARD, HIGH RPM | |
| 06 | TailwheelUNLOCKED |
PHS 13 - Parking and Shutdown10 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeON | |
| 02 | Cowl FlapsAS DESIRED | |
| 03 | TailwheelLOCKED | |
| 04 | MixturesIDLE CUT-OFF | |
| 05 | Fuel SelectorsOFF | |
| 06 | IgnitionOFF | |
| 07 | RadiosOFF | |
| 08 | Battery SwitchOFF | |
| 09 | Landing Gear HandleDOWN | |
| 10 | Flap HandleUP |