MSFS 2024 · Rotary
Eurocopter EC135 T1 Startup Checklist
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Eurocopter EC135 T1 Startup Notes
The EC135 T1 is a twin, so cold-and-dark means two complete start cycles. Battery and avionics come first, then the fuel prime pumps, and you monitor the CPDS screens rather than steam gauges. Move the number 1 engine main switch to IDLE and the automated sequence handles ignition and fuel while you watch N1 and TOT on the VEMD. Once it stabilizes at idle, repeat for engine 2, then bring both to FLIGHT and let NR settle at 100 percent.
Most sim pilots rush the second engine. Let engine 1 stabilize at idle and confirm clean indications before touching engine 2; work one side at a time. Other classics: leaving the rotor brake set, skipping the prime pumps so the start hangs or flames out during light-off, and shoving both switches to FLIGHT at once. Check the caution panel is clean after each start, and only then advance the switches to FLIGHT and watch NR come up together.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the fuel prime pumps before engine start
- Advancing both engines to FLIGHT before idle stabilizes
- Starting with the rotor brake still engaged
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Eurocopter EC135 T1MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 142 steps · 16 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning9 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Define mission type, route, LZs, alternates, and crew roles. | |
| 02 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Winds)REVIEWEDCAUTION: Wind is critical for helicopter ops. Check surface winds, gusts, and wind shear at all LZs. | |
| 03 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for TFRs, restricted areas, heliport closures, and obstacles along route. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Hover Time Included)CALCULATEDNOTE: Fuel burn approx 200 kg/hr cruise. Include hover time at departure and destination plus 20-min VFR reserve. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / PayloadWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: MTOW 2,631 kg. Verify CG is within fore-aft and lateral limits with all passengers and cargo loaded. | |
| 06 | Performance Planning (Density Altitude / Hover Ceiling)CALCULATEDWARNING: Service ceiling ~20,000 ft. Verify IGE/OGE hover capability at departure and destination elevations for ambient temperature. | |
| 07 | Route / Landing Zone SurveyCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review LZ dimensions, approach/departure paths, obstacles, surface type, and slope. | |
| 08 | Radio Frequencies & Transponder CodesNOTEDNOTE: Record ATIS, tower, approach, enroute, and destination frequencies. Set transponder code. | |
| 09 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Note: GSX fuel support varies by airport and helipad. |
PHS 2 — Cockpit Preparation / Before Start16 steps
| 01 | Preflight Walk-AroundCOMPLETEDNOTE: Inspect main rotor blades, Fenestron, engine intakes/exhausts, pitot/static ports, landing gear, and fuel drains. | |
| 02 | Rotor AreaCLEARWARNING: Ensure all persons and obstacles are clear of the rotor disc and Fenestron. | |
| 03 | DoorsCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 04 | Seats and HarnessesADJUSTED AND LOCKED | |
| 05 | Circuit BreakersALL INNOTE: Check overhead and side panels. All breakers should be flush. | |
| 06 | Fuel QuantityCHECKED - SUFFICIENT FOR FLIGHTNOTE: Verify fuel quantity on gauges matches planned fuel load. | |
| 07 | CollectiveFULL DOWN AND LOCKED | |
| 08 | Throttle (Twist Grip)CLOSED (IDLE STOP) | |
| 09 | Battery Master SwitchON | |
| 10 | External Power (if connected)ON / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Use GPU for extended ground ops to preserve battery. | |
| 11 | Caution / Advisory PanelCHECK AND TESTCAUTION: Press test button. All warning, caution, and advisory lights should illuminate. Verify no unexpected faults remain. | |
| 12 | Fuel Pump SwitchesONNOTE: Both left and right fuel boost pumps. | |
| 13 | Engine 1 and Engine 2 Start SwitchesOFF | |
| 14 | Rotor BrakeENGAGED | |
| 15 | Anti-Ice / De-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Set engine intake and pitot heat based on conditions. | |
| 16 | Beacon LightONWARNING: Beacon must be ON before engine start to warn ground crew. |
PHS 3 — Engine 1 Start10 steps
| 01 | Area Around HelicopterCLEARWARNING: Final visual check. Call 'CLEAR TO START' to ground crew. | |
| 02 | Engine 1 Start SwitchONNOTE: FADEC controls the automated start sequence. Hold until N1 rises. | |
| 03 | Engine 1 N1MONITOR - RISINGNOTE: N1 should begin to accelerate within a few seconds. | |
| 04 | Engine 1 TOTMONITOR - WITHIN LIMITSWARNING: TOT must not exceed start limit (927 deg C max for start). Be ready to abort if TOT rises abnormally. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 Oil PressureCHECK - RISINGWARNING: Oil pressure must register within 30 seconds. Abort start if no indication. | |
| 06 | Engine 1 N1 StabilizationIDLE - STABILIZEDNOTE: Wait for N1 to stabilize at ground idle. FADEC manages fuel scheduling. | |
| 07 | Engine 1 FLI (First Limit Indicator)CHECK - GREEN RANGENOTE: FLI replaces traditional torque/TOT gauges. Should indicate well within limits at idle. | |
| 08 | Engine 1 GeneratorON | |
| 09 | Rotor BrakeRELEASENOTE: Release rotor brake once Engine 1 is stable at idle. Nr will begin to increase. | |
| 10 | Nr (Rotor RPM)MONITOR - INCREASINGNOTE: Nr will spool up toward 100% (394-395 RPM). Do not start Engine 2 until Nr is stabilized. |
PHS 4 — Engine 2 Start11 steps
| 01 | Engine 1 ParametersSTABLE - ALL IN GREENNOTE: Confirm Engine 1 oil pressure, TOT, N1, and FLI are normal before starting Engine 2. | |
| 02 | Engine 2 Start SwitchONNOTE: FADEC controls start sequence. Hold until N1 rises. | |
| 03 | Engine 2 N1MONITOR - RISING | |
| 04 | Engine 2 TOTMONITOR - WITHIN LIMITSWARNING: Same TOT start limit applies. Abort if overtemp. | |
| 05 | Engine 2 Oil PressureCHECK - RISINGWARNING: Must register within 30 seconds. | |
| 06 | Engine 2 N1 StabilizationIDLE - STABILIZED | |
| 07 | Engine 2 FLICHECK - GREEN RANGE | |
| 08 | Engine 2 GeneratorON | |
| 09 | Both FLI NeedlesJOINED - MATCHEDNOTE: Both FLI needles should indicate nearly identical values, confirming balanced engine output. | |
| 10 | Nr / N2 Display (Three Needles)100% - ALL MATCHEDCAUTION: Nr and both N2 needles should converge at 100%. Any split greater than 2% requires investigation. | |
| 11 | External Power (if connected)DISCONNECT |
PHS 5 — Post-Start / Systems Check13 steps
| 01 | Avionics MasterON | |
| 02 | PFD / MFDCHECK - POWERED AND OPERATIONALNOTE: Verify primary flight display and multifunction display are showing correct data. | |
| 03 | Attitude IndicatorERECT AND CORRECT | |
| 04 | Heading Indicator / HSISET TO MAGNETIC HEADING | |
| 05 | AltimeterSET TO LOCAL QNHNOTE: Cross-check with known field elevation. | |
| 06 | Radio AltimeterCHECK - SET BUGS AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | AFCS (Autopilot / SAS)ON - SELF-TEST PASSEDNOTE: If equipped with autopilot or stability augmentation system, engage and verify self-test. | |
| 08 | COM RadiosSET - CHECK TX/RXNOTE: Set frequencies and perform radio check with ATC or ground. | |
| 09 | NAV / GPSSET - FLIGHT PLAN LOADED | |
| 10 | TransponderSET CODE - STANDBY | |
| 11 | Caution / Advisory PanelNO WARNINGS - CLEARNOTE: All caution and warning lights should be extinguished at this point. | |
| 12 | Hydraulic SystemPRESSURE - NORMALNOTE: Duplex hydraulic system (tandem piston). Verify both systems show normal pressure. | |
| 13 | Fuel BalanceCHECK - BALANCEDNOTE: Left and right tanks should be balanced within limits. |
PHS 6 — Before Taxi / Hover Check10 steps
| 01 | Flight Controls - CyclicFREE AND CORRECTNOTE: Full deflection in all axes. Check for smooth movement and correct response. | |
| 02 | Flight Controls - CollectiveFREE AND CORRECT | |
| 03 | Flight Controls - Anti-Torque PedalsFREE AND CORRECTNOTE: Fenestron response should be smooth through full range. | |
| 04 | TrimSET - NEUTRAL / AS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | Duplex Hydraulic System TestBOTH SYSTEMS NORMALCAUTION: Test each hydraulic system individually. Control forces increase significantly with a system OFF. Return both to ON. | |
| 06 | CollectiveRAISE SLOWLY TO LIGHT ON SKIDSNOTE: Establish a 3-5 ft hover. Note power required vs available. | |
| 07 | Hover Power CheckWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify FLI is in green arc. If power required approaches FLI limit, reassess payload or conditions. | |
| 08 | Engine Instruments in HoverALL GREENNOTE: Check both engines: FLI, N1, Nr, TOT, oil pressure and temperature. | |
| 09 | Yaw Pedals in HoverFENESTRON AUTHORITY - ADEQUATENOTE: Check adequate yaw control in both directions. Verify Fenestron effectiveness. | |
| 10 | Caution Panel in HoverCLEAR - NO WARNINGS |
PHS 7 — Taxi5 steps
| 01 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Contact ground/tower for taxi instructions if at controlled field. | |
| 02 | Landing LightON | |
| 03 | Taxi SpeedWALKING PACE - MAX 10 KTSCAUTION: Maintain slow hover-taxi. Avoid downwash effects on other aircraft or personnel. | |
| 04 | Hover Height3-5 FEET AGLNOTE: Maintain a stable hover-taxi height. Avoid exceeding skid height limits. | |
| 05 | Obstacle ClearanceCONFIRM - ROTOR AND FENESTRON CLEAR |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Takeoff ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 02 | TransponderALT (Mode C/S) | |
| 03 | Navigation Lights / StrobesON | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREEN - BOTH ENGINES | |
| 05 | Wind CheckNOTEDNOTE: Confirm wind direction and speed for departure path selection. | |
| 06 | Departure PathCLEAR OF OBSTACLESWARNING: Plan departure route to maintain safe single-engine performance if possible. | |
| 07 | Passenger BriefCOMPLETEDNOTE: Doors, belts, no smoking, emergency procedures. |
PHS 9 — Takeoff6 steps
| 01 | CollectiveINCREASE SMOOTHLYNOTE: Raise collective to accelerate into a climbing departure. Transition through ETL (16-24 kts). | |
| 02 | PedalsCOORDINATE - TRIM BALL CENTERED | |
| 03 | CyclicNOSE FORWARD - ACCELERATENOTE: Establish positive rate of climb and accelerate to Vy (best rate of climb speed). | |
| 04 | FLIWITHIN LIMITSWARNING: Do not exceed FLI continuous or transient limits during takeoff. | |
| 05 | Airspeed - Passing Through ETL16-24 KIAS - TRANSITION COMPLETENOTE: Expect vibration and increased lift as you pass through effective translational lift. | |
| 06 | Positive Rate of ClimbCONFIRMED - VSI POSITIVE |
PHS 10 — Climb6 steps
| 01 | Airspeed80-100 KIASNOTE: Maintain best rate of climb speed or as required for obstacle clearance. | |
| 02 | FLIWITHIN CONTINUOUS LIMITS | |
| 03 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREEN - BOTH ENGINES | |
| 04 | Nr100%CAUTION: Nr should remain at 100% throughout climb. Any droop requires immediate attention. | |
| 05 | AltimeterCROSSCHECK - CLIMBING TO ASSIGNED ALTITUDE | |
| 06 | Fuel BalanceMONITORING |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Level Off at Cruise AltitudeSET ATTITUDE AND POWER | |
| 02 | Airspeed130-137 KIASWARNING: Vne is 140 KIAS. Never exceed.NOTE: Normal cruise approximately 137 KIAS. Adjust for conditions. | |
| 03 | FLICRUISE POWER - GREEN ARC | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREEN - SCAN REGULARLY | |
| 05 | Nr / N2100% - MATCHED | |
| 06 | Fuel Quantity and BalanceMONITOR - LOG PERIODICALLY | |
| 07 | NavigationON TRACK - CROSSCHECK GPS AND MAP | |
| 08 | AFCS (if engaged)MONITOR - VERIFY FUNCTION | |
| 09 | Caution / Advisory PanelCLEAR |
PHS 12 — Descent / Approach7 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Weather at DestinationOBTAINEDNOTE: Get current weather and active approach information. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET TO DESTINATION QNH | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Brief approach type, LZ layout, obstacles, go-around plan, and wind. | |
| 04 | AirspeedREDUCING - 80-100 KIASNOTE: Begin deceleration for approach. | |
| 05 | Descent Rate500-700 FPM - AS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Radio AltimeterMONITOR - CALLOUTS AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Landing LightON |
PHS 13 — Before Landing5 steps
| 01 | Landing ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 02 | Landing Zone / HelipadCLEAR - CONFIRMEDCAUTION: Verify LZ is clear of debris, vehicles, and personnel. | |
| 03 | Wind Direction and SpeedNOTEDNOTE: Land into the wind when possible. | |
| 04 | Approach AngleNORMAL - CLEAR OF OBSTACLESWARNING: Maintain safe approach angle. Avoid steep approaches unless required by terrain. | |
| 05 | Airspeed - DeceleratingBELOW 40 KIAS - TRANSITIONING TO HOVER |
PHS 14 — Landing5 steps
| 01 | Establish Hover3-5 FEET AGL - STABILIZED | |
| 02 | Wind Drift / PositionCORRECTED - OVER INTENDED SPOT | |
| 03 | FLI Check in HoverWITHIN LIMITS | |
| 04 | CollectiveLOWER SMOOTHLY - TOUCH DOWN GENTLYNOTE: Maintain heading with pedals throughout. | |
| 05 | Confirm on GroundSTABLE - ALL SKIDS FIRMLY ON SURFACE |
PHS 15 — After Landing6 steps
| 01 | CollectiveFULL DOWN | |
| 02 | TransponderSTANDBY | |
| 03 | Landing / Strobe LightsOFF - AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Navigation LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 05 | AFCS / AutopilotOFF | |
| 06 | ATC / GroundCONTACT - ADVISE ON THE GROUND |
PHS 16 — Shutdown / Securing17 steps
| 01 | Throttle (Twist Grip)IDLE | |
| 02 | Engine 2 Start SwitchOFFNOTE: Shut down Engine 2 first. Monitor Engine 1 assumes full load. | |
| 03 | Engine 2 TOT and N1DECREASING - SPOOLING DOWN | |
| 04 | Engine 1 Parameters (Single-Engine)STABLE - WITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Monitor Engine 1 as it assumes full Nr governance. FLI should remain in green. | |
| 05 | Wait for Engine 2 Complete ShutdownN1 - ZERO / TOT - DECREASINGNOTE: Allow 30-60 seconds for full spool-down. | |
| 06 | Engine 1 Start SwitchOFF | |
| 07 | Engine 1 TOT and N1DECREASING - SPOOLING DOWN | |
| 08 | Nr (Rotor RPM)DECREASINGCAUTION: Do not apply rotor brake until Nr drops below 50%. | |
| 09 | Rotor BrakeAPPLY - BELOW 50% NrWARNING: Applying rotor brake above 50% Nr can damage the braking system. | |
| 10 | NrZERO - ROTOR STOPPED | |
| 11 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 12 | All Electrical EquipmentOFF | |
| 13 | Fuel Boost PumpsOFF | |
| 14 | Generator SwitchesOFF | |
| 15 | Battery Master SwitchOFF | |
| 16 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 17 | Secure CockpitCOMPLETEDNOTE: Apply gust lock if required. Install blade tie-downs in windy conditions. Close and lock all doors. |