MSFS 2024 · Rotary
Airbus H125 Startup Checklist
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Airbus H125 Startup Notes
The H125's Arriel 2D is FADEC governed, so the start is simpler than the AS350 family's reputation suggests. Battery on, fuel prime pump running, and the collective twist grip checked at its idle detent before anything else. Move the starting selector to the start position and the FADEC handles fuel introduction and light-off while you monitor NG and T4. There is no throttle modulation during a normal start; the governor owns the engine. Once idle is stable, advance the twist grip to the flight detent and watch NR rise.
Sim pilots most often blow this start by skipping the prime pump or leaving the twist grip out of position, either of which gets you a failed or aborted start. The other habit to break is grabbing collective too early: wait until NR is in the green and the engine is at flight RPM. Keep an eye on T4 during light-off even though the FADEC protects against hot starts, and give the hydraulics a moment before you lift.
Common mistakes
- Starting without the fuel prime pump on
- Twist grip out of the idle detent before starting
- Pulling collective before NR reaches flight RPM
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Airbus H125MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 144 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning10 steps
| 01 | Mission BriefREVIEWEDNOTE: Define mission type, objectives, landing zones, and passenger/cargo requirements. | |
| 02 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Winds Aloft)REVIEWEDNOTE: Wind is critical for helicopter ops. Check for gusts, crosswind limits, and turbulence. Max demonstrated crosswind: 25 kt. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / Airspace RestrictionsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for TFRs, restricted areas, and heliport NOTAMs along route. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Endurance & Hover TimeCALCULATEDNOTE: Fuel capacity 540 L (143 US gal). Burn rate ~210 L/hr cruise. Plan for 20-min VFR fuel reserve plus hover time at destination. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / PayloadWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Max takeoff weight 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs). CG limits are narrow - verify with loading chart for all passenger and cargo configurations. | |
| 06 | Performance Planning - Density Altitude / Hover CeilingCALCULATEDWARNING: High density altitude significantly reduces hover ceiling and power available. Check OGE/IGE hover capability for departure and destination LZs. | |
| 07 | Route / Landing Zone SurveyREVIEWEDNOTE: Identify approach/departure paths, obstacles, terrain, and alternate landing sites along route. | |
| 08 | Radio FrequenciesSETNOTE: Set tower, approach, CTAF, and destination frequencies. Note emergency frequency 121.5. | |
| 09 | Passenger / Crew BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Brief on entry/exit procedures (approach from front only), seatbelts, headset use, emergency exits, and no smoking. | |
| 10 | 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 | Rotor AreaCLEARWARNING: Ensure all persons and obstacles are clear of the rotor disc before any start. | |
| 02 | DoorsCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 03 | Seats / HarnessesADJUSTED AND LOCKED | |
| 04 | Circuit BreakersCHECK ALL IN | |
| 05 | CollectiveFULL DOWN AND LOCKED | |
| 06 | Twist Grip (Throttle)OFFNOTE: Verify twist grip is in the full OFF (closed) position. | |
| 07 | Fuel ValveON | |
| 08 | Battery Master SwitchON | |
| 09 | VEMDCHECK INITIALIZATIONNOTE: Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display powers up and completes self-test. Verify no fault codes. | |
| 10 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - Adequate for missionNOTE: Verify fuel quantity on VEMD matches planned fuel load. | |
| 11 | Caution / Warning PanelTEST AND CHECKNOTE: Press test button. All lights should illuminate, then extinguish. | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Cut-Off SwitchON | |
| 13 | Generator SwitchOFFNOTE: Generator will be turned on after engine start. | |
| 14 | Avionics MasterOFFNOTE: Leave off until after engine start to protect avionics during power transients. | |
| 15 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Warn ground personnel of imminent start. | |
| 16 | Parking BrakeSET (if equipped) |
PHS 3 — Engine Start14 steps
| 01 | Rotor AreaVERIFY CLEARWARNING: Final visual check - all personnel clear of rotor disc and tail rotor area. | |
| 02 | Starter ButtonPRESS AND HOLDNOTE: Press starter and monitor Ng rise on VEMD. Release at 15% Ng. | |
| 03 | Ng at 15%CONFIRMNOTE: Ng should reach 15% within 10 seconds of pressing starter. | |
| 04 | Twist GripIDLENOTE: Smoothly advance twist grip from OFF to IDLE when Ng reaches 15%. | |
| 05 | TOT RiseMONITORWARNING: TOT must not exceed 850°C during start. If TOT approaches limit, abort start immediately by closing twist grip to OFF. | |
| 06 | Ng StabilizeCONFIRM ~63%NOTE: Engine stabilizes at idle with Ng approximately 63%. | |
| 07 | Oil PressureCHECK GREENWARNING: If oil pressure does not indicate within 30 seconds, shut down engine immediately. | |
| 08 | Nr (Rotor RPM)INCREASINGNOTE: Rotor RPM begins to increase as engine reaches idle. | |
| 09 | StarterCHECK DISENGAGEDNOTE: Verify starter has automatically disengaged. | |
| 10 | Idle StabilizationWAIT 1 MINUTENOTE: Allow engine to stabilize at idle before advancing to FLIGHT. | |
| 11 | Twist GripFLIGHTNOTE: Smoothly advance twist grip from IDLE to full FLIGHT position. | |
| 12 | Nr (Rotor RPM)STABILIZE AT 394 RPMWARNING: Nr must stabilize at 394 RPM (100%). If Nr does not reach normal range, do not fly. | |
| 13 | TOTCHECK WITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Continuous TOT limit: 846°C. Normal operating range displayed on VEMD. | |
| 14 | Engine ParametersALL GREEN ON VEMDNOTE: Verify Ng, TOT, oil pressure, oil temperature all in normal range. |
PHS 4 — Post-Start / Systems Check12 steps
| 01 | Generator SwitchONNOTE: Verify generator load and voltage on VEMD. | |
| 02 | Battery ChargeCHECK - Charging | |
| 03 | Avionics MasterON | |
| 04 | RadiosON AND SETNOTE: Set COM1 to tower/CTAF, COM2 to approach or secondary frequency. | |
| 05 | GPS / NavigationON AND VERIFYNOTE: Confirm GPS position and enter flight plan if required. | |
| 06 | AltimeterSET TO QNHNOTE: Verify altitude reads within 75 ft of known field elevation. | |
| 07 | Heading Indicator / HSISET AND ALIGNED | |
| 08 | Caution / Warning PanelCHECK - No warningsCAUTION: Investigate any illuminated caution or warning lights before flight. | |
| 09 | VEMD PagesREVIEW ALLNOTE: Cycle through VEMD pages to verify all engine and system parameters normal. | |
| 10 | Fuel FlowCHECK ON VEMD | |
| 11 | Clock / TimerSET | |
| 12 | Navigation LightsON |
PHS 5 — Before Taxi / Hover Check11 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsCHECK - Full and FreeNOTE: Cyclic full travel in all directions, collective full range, pedals full travel. Check for binding or restriction. | |
| 02 | Hydraulic System CheckPERFORMCAUTION: Perform hydraulic check at flat pitch to avoid uncommanded inputs.NOTE: With HYD switch OFF momentarily, verify increased control forces (feedback). Switch HYD back ON - controls should lighten. Confirm hydraulic pressure normal on VEMD. | |
| 03 | TrimCHECK AND SET NEUTRAL | |
| 04 | Engine Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Select ON if OAT is below 5°C or visible moisture is present. | |
| 05 | Landing LightON | |
| 06 | Strobe LightON | |
| 07 | CollectiveSLOWLY RAISE TO LIGHT ON SKIDSNOTE: Check for any unusual vibrations or control anomalies at light-on-skids. | |
| 08 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREENCAUTION: Verify Nr remains at 394 RPM as collective is raised. Any droop indicates power issue. | |
| 09 | Hover - Lift to 3 ft AGLSTABILIZE IN HOVERNOTE: Check hover power required against performance chart. Verify adequate power margin for mission. | |
| 10 | Pedal ResponseCHECK - Both directionsNOTE: Verify positive yaw control in both directions while in hover. | |
| 11 | Instruments in HoverCHECK ALL GREENNOTE: Final check: Nr 394, TOT within limits, oil pressure/temp normal, no caution lights. |
PHS 6 — Taxi5 steps
| 01 | Hover Height5-10 FT AGLNOTE: Maintain safe hover taxi altitude to avoid ground obstacles. | |
| 02 | Taxi SpeedWALKING PACE OR LESSCAUTION: Do not exceed effective translational lift speed during hover taxi. | |
| 03 | ClearanceOBTAIN FROM ATCNOTE: Request hover taxi clearance if at a towered field. | |
| 04 | Taxi RouteCLEAR OF OBSTACLESNOTE: Scan for vehicles, personnel, and other aircraft. Maintain safe separation. | |
| 05 | Wind AwarenessNOTE DIRECTION AND SPEEDNOTE: Adjust cyclic into the wind. Be prepared for wind shifts near buildings. |
PHS 7 — Before Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Brief departure route, initial heading, altitude, abort criteria, and emergency procedures (engine failure in hover vs forward flight). | |
| 02 | Doors and WindowsCLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 03 | HarnessesSECURE | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsALL GREEN | |
| 05 | Fuel QuantityRECHECK | |
| 06 | Caution / Warning PanelCLEAR | |
| 07 | TransponderALT MODENOTE: Set transponder to altitude reporting mode and verify correct squawk code. | |
| 08 | Wind CheckNOTEDNOTE: Note wind direction and speed. Plan takeoff into the wind when possible. | |
| 09 | Departure ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 8 — Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Power CheckVERIFY ADEQUATECAUTION: Confirm sufficient power margin for departure. If marginal, consider reducing weight or waiting for cooler conditions. | |
| 02 | CollectiveINCREASE SMOOTHLYNOTE: Raise collective to begin climb. Maintain heading with pedals. | |
| 03 | Forward CyclicAPPLY GENTLYNOTE: Begin forward transition. Accelerate through effective translational lift (ETL) at ~15 kts. | |
| 04 | ETLCONFIRM - Nose pitch and vibration changeNOTE: Aircraft will experience a noticeable vibration and slight nose pitch-up through ETL. | |
| 05 | AirspeedACCELERATE TO VyNOTE: Best rate of climb speed: approximately 60 KIAS. | |
| 06 | Positive Rate of ClimbCONFIRM ON VSI | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR - TOT and NrWARNING: TOT must remain below 846°C continuous. Nr must stay at 394 RPM. |
PHS 9 — Climb8 steps
| 01 | AirspeedVy - 60 KIASNOTE: Adjust as needed for obstacle clearance or cruise climb. | |
| 02 | PowerMAX CONTINUOUS OR AS REQUIREDNOTE: Monitor TOT - do not exceed 846°C continuous. | |
| 03 | Nr394 RPMNOTE: Verify rotor RPM steady at 394. | |
| 04 | Engine InstrumentsMONITOR | |
| 05 | AltimeterMONITOR - Climbing | |
| 06 | Heading / NavigationSET FOR DEPARTURE ROUTE | |
| 07 | Traffic / AirspaceSCAN AND AVOID | |
| 08 | Radio CallsAS REQUIRED |
PHS 10 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Level OffAT PLANNED ALTITUDE | |
| 02 | AirspeedSET CRUISE - 120-130 KIASNOTE: Normal cruise speed. Adjust for fuel economy or mission requirements. | |
| 03 | Power / TOTSET AND MONITORNOTE: Set power for desired cruise speed. Monitor TOT on VEMD. | |
| 04 | TrimADJUST AS NEEDED | |
| 05 | Engine InstrumentsSCAN REGULARLYNOTE: Periodic scan of Nr, TOT, Ng, oil pressure, oil temperature on VEMD. | |
| 06 | Fuel Quantity / EnduranceMONITORNOTE: Compare fuel remaining against planned consumption. Update endurance estimate. | |
| 07 | NavigationVERIFY ON TRACK | |
| 08 | RadioMONITOR AND UPDATENOTE: Update ATC as required. Monitor guard frequency. | |
| 09 | VEMD ChecksPERIODIC SCAN |
PHS 11 — Descent / Approach7 steps
| 01 | ATIS / WeatherOBTAINNOTE: Get current weather at destination. Note wind, altimeter setting, and active runway/helipad. | |
| 02 | AltimeterSET TO LOCAL QNH | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Brief approach path, LZ layout, obstacles, wind direction, abort plan. | |
| 04 | DescentINITIATE - 500-700 FPMNOTE: Reduce collective smoothly. Maintain airspeed as needed for approach type. | |
| 05 | AirspeedREDUCE GRADUALLYNOTE: Begin slowing from cruise to approach speed as appropriate. | |
| 06 | Engine InstrumentsMONITORNOTE: Watch for any abnormal indications during power changes. | |
| 07 | Landing LightON |
PHS 12 — Before Landing6 steps
| 01 | LZ / HelipadIDENTIFY AND ASSESSNOTE: Confirm landing zone is clear of obstacles, personnel, and debris. Note slope and surface condition. | |
| 02 | WindCONFIRM DIRECTIONNOTE: Land into the wind when possible. Check for wind indicators or ground references. | |
| 03 | Approach PathCLEAR OF OBSTACLES | |
| 04 | HarnessesSECURE | |
| 05 | AirspeedREDUCING TO ZERONOTE: Decelerate to a hover. Anticipate effective translational lift loss below 15 kts. | |
| 06 | PowerMONITOR MARGINCAUTION: Verify adequate power available for hover at destination. Check TOT against limits. |
PHS 13 — Landing6 steps
| 01 | Hover Over Landing SpotSTABILIZE AT 5-10 FTNOTE: Establish a stable hover over intended landing point. | |
| 02 | Drift CheckZERO DRIFT CONFIRMED | |
| 03 | CollectiveLOWER SLOWLYNOTE: Reduce collective smoothly to descend. Maintain position with cyclic, heading with pedals. | |
| 04 | TouchdownSMOOTH AND LEVELNOTE: Both skids should contact surface simultaneously on level ground. | |
| 05 | CollectiveFULL DOWNNOTE: After touchdown, lower collective fully to seat the aircraft. | |
| 06 | CyclicNEUTRAL |
PHS 14 — After Landing7 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET (if equipped) | |
| 02 | Strobe LightOFF | |
| 03 | Landing LightOFF | |
| 04 | TransponderSTANDBY | |
| 05 | RadioADVISE ATC - On the ground | |
| 06 | Engine Anti-IceOFF (if used) | |
| 07 | PassengersDEPLANE WHEN SAFEWARNING: Passengers must exit toward the front of the aircraft only. Never allow anyone near the tail rotor. |
PHS 15 — Shutdown / Securing17 steps
| 01 | Avionics MasterOFF | |
| 02 | Generator SwitchOFF | |
| 03 | Twist GripIDLECAUTION: Do not skip cooldown period - thermal shock can damage the Arriel 2D turbine.NOTE: Reduce twist grip from FLIGHT to IDLE. Allow engine to cool at idle for 2 minutes. | |
| 04 | Idle CooldownWAIT 2 MINUTESNOTE: Monitor TOT decreasing during cooldown period. | |
| 05 | Twist GripOFFNOTE: Rotate twist grip to full OFF. Engine will spool down. | |
| 06 | TOT / NgMONITOR TO ZERONOTE: Observe engine instruments decreasing to zero on VEMD. | |
| 07 | Nr (Rotor RPM)MONITOR - DecreasingWARNING: Remain at the controls until rotor comes to a complete stop. Do not leave the cockpit with blades turning. | |
| 08 | Fuel ValveOFF | |
| 09 | Battery Master SwitchOFF | |
| 10 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 11 | Navigation LightsOFF | |
| 12 | All SwitchesOFFNOTE: Verify all switches and circuit breakers are in the OFF position. | |
| 13 | Rotor BrakeAPPLY (if equipped)NOTE: Apply rotor brake only when Nr is below 170 RPM. | |
| 14 | Rotor Fully StoppedCONFIRM | |
| 15 | Tie-Down Rotor BladesSECURENOTE: Secure main rotor blades with tie-downs if aircraft will be parked. | |
| 16 | Pitot Cover / Intake CoversINSTALL | |
| 17 | Flight Log / HobbsRECORDNOTE: Log flight time, fuel used, and any maintenance discrepancies. |