F/A-18E Super HornetMSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 153 steps
F/A-18E Super Hornet
MSFS 2024 - 0/153 STEPS
U.S. Navy / Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain
Fighter4th Gen
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is an enlarged, redesigned evolution of the classic Hornet that first flew on November 29, 1995 and entered U.S. Navy fleet service in 1999. It features a 20% larger airframe, 33% more internal fuel, and twin F414-GE-400 engines producing 35% more thrust than the F404 engines of the classic Hornet, dramatically improving range, payload, and carrier bringback capability. The Super Hornet replaced the F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder and remains the backbone of carrier air wings today.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerBoeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas)
first Flight1995
roleCarrier-based multirole strike fighter
crew1 pilot
engines2x GE F414-GE-400 (22,000 lbf each with AB)
max Speed1,915 km/h (Mach 1.8)
range2,346 km (1,267 nmi) combat radius
ceiling50,000+ ft
weight29,937 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Mission Brief (Objectives / ROE / Threats)NOTE: Review mission objectives, rules of engagement, threat environment, and escape routing. | COMPLETE | |
| 02 | WeatherNOTE: Carrier/field weather, enroute, recovery weather, divert base weather. Check ATIS if available. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceNOTE: Check MOAs, restricted areas, and carrier operating area. | REVIEWED | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning (Bingo / Joker)NOTE: Bingo = minimum fuel to reach divert. Joker = fuel state to begin recovery. Set mission bingo before departure. | SET | |
| 05 | Stores / LoadoutNOTE: Confirm weapons load, station assignments, pylons, and jettison sequence. | VERIFIED | |
| 06 | Waypoints / UFCPNOTE: Enter steerpoints into the Up-Front Control Panel. Verify waypoint coordinates. | PROGRAMMED | |
| 07 | Radio Frequencies / IFF CodesNOTE: Primary and secondary freqs programmed. IFF Mode 1/2/3 codes loaded. | SET | |
| 08 | Divert BasesNOTE: Know at least one divert with weather and runway data. | IDENTIFIED |
PHS 2 — Electrical9 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchNOTE: Powers essential DC bus. Check battery charge indicator. | ON | |
| 02 | OBOGS SwitchNOTE: On-Board Oxygen Generating System - powers life support. | ON | |
| 03 | Interior Lights | SET AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Avionics Power SwitchNOTE: Allow MFCD pages and sensors to initialize. | ON | |
| 05 | IDM / DatalinkNOTE: Datalink must be powered before INS alignment. | VERIFY POWER | |
| 06 | Navigation Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Anti-Collision Lights | AS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Cockpit Circuit BreakersCAUTION: Verify no circuit breakers are pulled before engine start. | CHECK - ALL IN | |
| 09 | GSX - External Power (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external power during startup. | CONNECT |
PHS 3 — APU / Engine Start13 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeWARNING: Verify chocks in place or parking brake SET before starting. | SET | |
| 02 | Throttles (both) | OFF (aft of OFF detent) | |
| 03 | APU SwitchNOTE: Wait for READY light - APU supplies pneumatic power for engine start (~30 seconds). | ON | |
| 04 | Engine Crank Switch - LeftNOTE: Ground crew signals clear. Cranks left engine. | LEFT | |
| 05 | Left ThrottleWARNING: Advance throttle to IDLE when N2 reaches approximately 20-25%. Advancing too early causes a hot start. Monitor EGT - abort if EGT exceeds 750 deg C during start. | IDLE (at 20-25% N2) | |
| 06 | Left Engine - EGTNOTE: EGT should rise smoothly then settle. Oil pressure should indicate within 30 seconds. | RISING THEN STABILIZING | |
| 07 | Left Engine - N1/N2NOTE: Starter cuts out automatically at ~55% N2. Engine accelerates to idle. | IDLE RPM (62-68%) | |
| 08 | Left Engine - Oil PressureCAUTION: If oil pressure not in range within 30 seconds, shut down immediately. | IN GREEN ARC (min 40 PSI) | |
| 09 | Engine Crank Switch - RightNOTE: Start right engine using same procedure. | RIGHT | |
| 10 | Right ThrottleWARNING: Same hot start caution applies. Monitor EGT. | IDLE (at 20-25% N2) | |
| 11 | Right Engine - N1/N2 and Oil Pressure | IDLE RPM - OIL IN GREEN | |
| 12 | APU SwitchNOTE: Both engines running - shut down APU. Generator power transfers to AC bus. | OFF | |
| 13 | GSX - External Power (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect before taxiing. | DISCONNECT |
PHS 4 — Post-Start / Avionics15 steps
| 01 | Generators (L and R)NOTE: Check AC and DC voltages on MFCD ECS/UTIL page. | ON LINE | |
| 02 | INS Alignment ModeCAUTION: Do not move the aircraft during INS alignment. GPS-aided alignment takes approximately 90 seconds. Full gyrocompass alignment takes 8-10 minutes. | NAV (GPS-aided) | |
| 03 | UFC - Navigation Data | VERIFY FROM/TO waypoints | |
| 04 | RadarNOTE: Radar to STBY during ground ops. Will be activated after takeoff. | STBY | |
| 05 | Radar Altimeter | ON | |
| 06 | TACANNOTE: Set carrier TACAN channel and confirm bearing/distance. | SET as required | |
| 07 | ILS / Approach Aid | SET as required | |
| 08 | Transponder / IFFNOTE: Mode 1, 2, 3A codes loaded per mission brief. Leave in STBY until cleared for taxi. | SET assigned codes - STBY | |
| 09 | SMS (Stores Management System)NOTE: Check MFCD SMS page - all stations should show correct stores. Jettison program selected. | VERIFY LOADOUT | |
| 10 | FLIR / Targeting PodNOTE: Allow targeting pod to cool/warm up (~5 minutes). Verify video on SA page. | POWER ON (if carried) | |
| 11 | OBOGS - Oxygen FlowNOTE: Don mask briefly and confirm O2 flow. Check quantity. | VERIFY FLOW | |
| 12 | HUD | CHECK - all symbology visible | |
| 13 | MFCD PagesNOTE: Configure left/right MFCD for departure: SA (situational awareness) and SYS/FUEL. | SET as required | |
| 14 | Clock / Timer | SET | |
| 15 | RadiosNOTE: Comm 1 to ground/tower. Comm 2 to squadron common or guard 243.0 MHz. | SET departure frequencies |
PHS 5 — Before Taxi13 steps
| 01 | Flight Control BIT (Built-In Test)CAUTION: If FCS BIT fails, do not taxi. Investigate fault before proceeding. | PASS | |
| 02 | Flight Controls (full deflection check)NOTE: Stick full forward/back/left/right, full rudder both directions. Check MFCD FCS page for surface response. | FULL AND FREE MOVEMENT | |
| 03 | TrimNOTE: Longitudinal trim set for takeoff weight. Lateral and directional trim neutral. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 04 | FlapsNOTE: FLAP switch to AUTO - system sets HALF for low-speed operation. | AUTO (verify HALF for taxi/rollout) | |
| 05 | Arresting Hook | UP and locked | |
| 06 | Landing Gear Handle | DOWN (green lights x3) | |
| 07 | Ejection Seat Safety PinWARNING: Confirm ejection seat safety pin is removed before flight. Seat must be armed. | REMOVED - seat armed | |
| 08 | CanopyNOTE: Check canopy LOCKED light is out. Canopy bow in place. | CLOSED and LOCKED | |
| 09 | Master ArmNOTE: Master arm stays SAFE until cleared weapons hot by flight lead or JTAC. | SAFE | |
| 10 | AltimeterNOTE: Set field/carrier elevation in HUD altimeter readout. | SET QNH | |
| 11 | Speedbrake | RETRACTED | |
| 12 | Anti-Ice | AS REQUIRED | |
| 13 | BrakesNOTE: Release parking brake, check brake pedal feel and pressure, re-set parking brake. | TEST - left and right |
PHS 6 — Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | Nosewheel SteeringNOTE: Press NWS button on stick to engage. Low gain steering for taxi. | ON (NWS caution light out) | |
| 03 | Taxi Lights | ON | |
| 04 | Transponder / IFF | NORMAL (as directed by ATC) | |
| 05 | Fuel StateNOTE: Verify fuel quantity and distribution matches planned load. | CHECK - within limits for mission | |
| 06 | Engine Instruments During Taxi | MONITOR - N1/N2, EGT, OIL within limits |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff12 steps
| 01 | FlapsNOTE: Verify flap position indicator shows HALF before lineup. | HALF confirmed | |
| 02 | Trim | VERIFY SET for weight | |
| 03 | Radar | STBY or active as required | |
| 04 | Displays | SET - HUD to takeoff mode | |
| 05 | Chaff / Flare | LOADED and armed as briefed | |
| 06 | Fuel | VERIFY QUANTITY - boost pumps normal | |
| 07 | Landing Gear | DOWN - 3 green | |
| 08 | Hook | UP | |
| 09 | Anti-Collision Lights | ON | |
| 10 | Engine - Final CheckNOTE: N1/N2 stable, EGT in range, oil pressure in green, no cautions. | BOTH ENGINES NORMAL | |
| 11 | Nosewheel Steering | HI GAIN for takeoff roll (if available) | |
| 12 | Takeoff Clearance | RECEIVED from ATC / tower |
PHS 8 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | BrakesNOTE: On runway. Run both engines to MIL power, check instruments, then release. | HOLD - run engines up to MIL | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: For heavy loads or short runways, select afterburner (past MIL detent with finger lift). | MIL (or AB as required) | |
| 03 | Engine Instruments | CHECK - both engines symmetric power | |
| 04 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 05 | Nosewheel SteeringNOTE: Use rudder for directional control. Nosewheel lifts off naturally around 100 KIAS. | MAINTAIN directional control | |
| 06 | RotationNOTE: Pull smoothly to approximately 10-12 degrees nose up. Avoid over-rotation. | AT ~150 KIAS (weight dependent) | |
| 07 | Airborne | POSITIVE RATE of climb confirmed | |
| 08 | Landing GearNOTE: Landing gear UP before 250 KIAS. | UP (positive rate confirmed) | |
| 09 | Flaps | AUTO (will retract automatically as speed builds) | |
| 10 | AfterburnerNOTE: Cancel AB above 300 KIAS clean or after reaching safe altitude. | CANCEL when clear of obstacles / as required |
PHS 9 — After Takeoff / Climb8 steps
| 01 | RadarNOTE: Activate radar per mission brief. Check scope for contacts. | ACTIVE (when airborne and cleared) | |
| 02 | IFF / Transponder | NORMAL / as required | |
| 03 | Climb Speed | 300-350 KIAS below FL250 / M 0.8 above | |
| 04 | Fuel | MONITOR - check distribution and burn rate | |
| 05 | Engine Instruments | CHECK within limits | |
| 06 | Systems Status (MFDC)NOTE: Check MFCD FUEL, ECS, and SYS pages for any anomalies. | NO CAUTIONS or WARNINGS | |
| 07 | Comms Check | CHECK IN with flight lead / ATC | |
| 08 | Weapons SystemsNOTE: Radar modes set, targeting pod designated if needed for mission. | INITIALIZE as required |
PHS 10 — Cruise / Transit9 steps
| 01 | Altitude | CRUISE ALTITUDE established | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Typical cruise at M 0.80-0.85 at altitude. Adjust for range/time trade. | SET for cruise (~80-85% MIL) | |
| 03 | Fuel StateNOTE: Check fuel vs. waypoint. Note joker and bingo fuel states. | MONITOR - compare actual vs. planned | |
| 04 | Navigation | VERIFY waypoints and routing | |
| 05 | Radar / SensorsNOTE: APG-73 radar in appropriate mode for mission (air-to-air or air-to-ground). | ACTIVE - mission employment | |
| 06 | Communications | MAINTAIN as briefed | |
| 07 | Threat AwarenessNOTE: Check radar warning receiver for threat emissions. React per ROE. | MONITOR RWR | |
| 08 | Oxygen | OBOGS NORMAL - flow confirmed | |
| 09 | Engine Instruments | PERIODIC CHECK - all normal |
PHS 11 — Descent / Approach12 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherNOTE: Get current destination weather, altimeter setting, active runway. | RECEIVED | |
| 02 | Altimeter | SET QNH / CARRIER BARO | |
| 03 | Fuel StateNOTE: Ensure above bingo fuel for divert. If at or below bingo, divert immediately. | CHECK vs. BINGO | |
| 04 | Radar / SensorsNOTE: Radar to STBY for carrier approach. Active as required for instrument approaches. | STBY or OFF (shore approach) | |
| 05 | TACANNOTE: Confirm bearing and DME to carrier or field. | SET carrier / field channel | |
| 06 | IFF | NORMAL - squawk as directed | |
| 07 | Master ArmCAUTION: Master arm SAFE before entering the break/pattern. Weapons SAFE. | SAFE | |
| 08 | Descent Speed | 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft AGL | |
| 09 | Chaff / Flare | SAFE (program OFF) | |
| 10 | Checklist Review | CONFIRM approach briefing complete | |
| 11 | Pattern Entry Speed | 350 KIAS at break (carrier) / 250 KIAS (shore) | |
| 12 | Engine Instruments | CHECK - both engines normal |
PHS 12 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | Landing GearNOTE: Extend gear at or below 250 KIAS. Verify 3 green on DDI gear page. | DOWN - 3 green lights | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Select FULL for carrier approach or short-field. AUTO will select HALF on rollout. | FULL | |
| 03 | HookNOTE: For carrier arrested landing, extend hook on downwind. Verify hook light. | DOWN (carrier) | |
| 04 | Speedbrake | CHECK - retracted | |
| 05 | On-Speed AoANOTE: Maintain on-speed AoA (green circle/doughnut on AoA indexer). Power controls glidepath. | 8.1 DEGREES on AoA indexer (carrier) | |
| 06 | Approach SpeedNOTE: For shore landing: approach at Vref + 5 kts. Flare to reduce sink rate before touchdown. | ~145-155 KIAS (weight dependent) | |
| 07 | Lineup | ALIGNED with runway / carrier centreline | |
| 08 | Carrier ApproachNOTE: Carrier landing - fly the ball to touchdown. Throttle to MIL on touchdown in case of bolter/wave-off. | FLY THROUGH to touchdown - NO FLARE | |
| 09 | TouchdownNOTE: Shore: throttle IDLE on touchdown. Carrier: keep MIL until wire engages. | FIRM - throttles to IDLE (shore) / MIL (carrier) | |
| 10 | Braking / DecelNOTE: Shore: maximum braking as required. Carrier: arrested by wire - confirm deceleration. | APPLY BRAKES (shore) or WIRE (carrier) |
PHS 13 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | HookNOTE: Carrier: confirm hook clear of wire before taxiing. Shore: hook stays up. | UP (after wire clear) | |
| 02 | Flaps | AUTO (system resets to HALF) | |
| 03 | Speedbrake | RETRACTED | |
| 04 | Radar | STBY | |
| 05 | Master Arm | SAFE - confirmed | |
| 06 | Transponder / IFF | STBY or as directed | |
| 07 | Taxi Lights | ON | |
| 08 | Engine Instruments | MONITOR during taxi |
PHS 14 — Shutdown20 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | ThrottlesNOTE: Allow engines to cool at idle before shutdown. Reduces thermal stress on turbine. | IDLE - allow cool-down (2-3 minutes) | |
| 03 | Radar / Sensors | OFF | |
| 04 | IFF / Transponder | STBY then OFF | |
| 05 | Avionics | OFF (MFCD pages off) | |
| 06 | SMS / StoresWARNING: Confirm all weapons are safe and de-armed before shutdown and ground crew approach. | SAFE - all stations safe | |
| 07 | Ejection Seat Safety PinWARNING: Install ejection seat safety pin before opening canopy. | INSTALLED | |
| 08 | Canopy | OPEN | |
| 09 | Oxygen Mask | DISCONNECT | |
| 10 | OBOGS Switch | OFF | |
| 11 | Left Throttle | OFF (aft of OFF detent) | |
| 12 | Right ThrottleNOTE: Shut down right engine first, then left - or simultaneously per squadron SOP. | OFF (aft of OFF detent) | |
| 13 | Engine Shutdown Confirmed | N1/N2 SPOOLING DOWN - EGT dropping | |
| 14 | Generators | OFF - verify on MFCD | |
| 15 | Navigation Lights | OFF | |
| 16 | Anti-Collision Lights | OFF | |
| 17 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 18 | Post-Flight InspectionNOTE: Walk-around with plane captain. Check for fuel/hydraulic leaks, battle damage, ordnance status. | COMPLETE | |
| 19 | DebriefNOTE: Record fuel states, system anomalies, weapons expended. Complete post-mission debrief. | SCHEDULED | |
| 20 | GSX - External Power (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power after shutdown. | CONNECT |