Boeing 737 MAX 8 (iFly)MSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 183 steps
Boeing 737 MAX 8 (iFly)
MSFS 2024 - 0/183 STEPS

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AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a re-engined, fourth-generation 737 that first flew on January 29, 2016 and entered service with Malindo Air in May 2017. It is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines offering a 14% fuel burn improvement over the previous 737 NG, along with advanced winglets and airframe refinements. iFly Simulations' 737 MAX 8 for MSFS 2024 is a study-level recreation featuring a fully modelled CDU, custom autopilot, EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) for performance calculations, and authentic LEAP-1B engine procedures, distinguished from the Asobo default 737 MAX by its deep systems modelling.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerBoeing (iFly Simulations)
first Flight2016
roleNarrow-body short to medium-range airliner
crew2 pilots + cabin crew
engines2x CFM LEAP-1B27 (28,000 lbf each)
max Speed839 km/h (Mach 0.79 / 453 kts)
range6,570 km (3,550 nmi)
ceiling41,000 ft
weight82,191 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. Note TAFs for full flight duration. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. | LOADED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningNOTE: Block fuel = trip + taxi + contingency (5%) + alternate + final reserve (30 min) + extra. | VERIFIED | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within structural and performance limits. Check CG% for trim. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Note transition levels and altitudes. | BRIEFED | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | CHECKED | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsNOTE: Use iFly EFB or external tool for V1, VR, V2 based on TOW, runway, conditions, and flex temp. | CALCULATED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up7 steps
| 01 | Battery Switch | ON (Guard Closed) | |
| 02 | Standby Power Switch | AUTO | |
| 03 | APU SwitchNOTE: APU EGT will rise to ~480C - wait for AVAIL light before loading. | START (hold 1-2 sec) | |
| 04 | APU Generator Bus SwitchesNOTE: Wait for APU GEN OFF BUS lights to extinguish before continuing. | ON (Both L and R) | |
| 05 | IRS Mode Selectors (L and R)CAUTION: Do not move aircraft during IRS alignment - takes approximately 10 minutes. | NAV | |
| 06 | EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)NOTE: iFly 737 MAX includes an EFB tablet - power on and load performance data for departure. | POWERED ON | |
| 07 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power. | CONNECT |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation11 steps
| 01 | Overhead Panel - Lighting | SET as required | |
| 02 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK (matches loadsheet) | |
| 03 | Fuel Pumps | ALL ON (6 pumps - L FWD, L AFT, CTR L, CTR R, R FWD, R AFT) | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Panel | ALL ENG PUMP switches - ON | |
| 05 | Air Conditioning Packs | AUTO (both) | |
| 06 | Bleed Air Panel | APU BLEED - ON, Engine Bleeds - OFF | |
| 07 | Pressurization | AUTO - Set Landing Elevation | |
| 08 | Anti-Ice | OFF (unless conditions require) | |
| 09 | Ignition Select | AUTO | |
| 10 | Electrical Panel | CHECK NORMAL - no advisory lights | |
| 11 | Navigation Lights | ON (Steady) |
PHS 4 — FMC / CDU Setup8 steps
| 01 | CDU - IDENT Page | VERIFY software version | |
| 02 | CDU - POS INIT Page | SET present position (confirm IRS coordinates) | |
| 03 | CDU - ROUTE Page | ENTER origin, destination, and route | |
| 04 | CDU - DEPARTURES Page | SELECT SID and runway | |
| 05 | CDU - PERF INIT PageNOTE: Cross-reference with EFB or SimBrief OFP. | ENTER ZFW, fuel, CRZ altitude, CRZ CG | |
| 06 | CDU - TAKEOFF REF PageNOTE: V1/VR/V2 from EFB performance calculation. | ENTER flap setting, V1, VR, V2, assumed temp | |
| 07 | CDU - LEGS PageNOTE: Check for any discontinuities and correct. | VERIFY route and waypoints | |
| 08 | CDU - Activate and Execute RouteNOTE: Route must be activated and executed before flight. | ACTIVATE then EXEC |
PHS 5 — Before Start14 steps
| 01 | DoorsCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators are closed before pushback. | ALL CLOSED AND ARMED | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsNOTE: Verify no jams or abnormal resistance. | CHECK (full travel - aileron, elevator, rudder) | |
| 03 | TrimNOTE: Stabilizer trim set per CDU TAKEOFF REF page. Verify on trim indicator. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 04 | MCP - Mode Control PanelNOTE: Set initial departure altitude and speed. Arm flight directors. | SET (HDG, ALT, IAS) | |
| 05 | Flight Directors | ON (Both) | |
| 06 | Transponder | SET assigned squawk code - STBY | |
| 07 | Radios | SET departure frequencies | |
| 08 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 09 | Beacon LightNOTE: Signals ground crew that engine start is imminent. | ON | |
| 10 | GSX - Fuel TruckNOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | REFUEL COMPLETE | |
| 11 | GSX - Catering ServiceNOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | COMPLETE | |
| 12 | GSX - Passenger BoardingNOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | COMPLETE | |
| 13 | GSX - All DoorsCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED and ARMED before requesting pushback. | CLOSED | |
| 14 | GSX - Pushback RequestNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. | INITIATED |
PHS 6 — Engine Start14 steps
| 01 | ATC Clearance | RECEIVED (push and start) | |
| 02 | Engine Start SelectorNOTE: Rotates to GND for ground start. | GND | |
| 03 | Engine 2 - Monitor N2 rotationNOTE: Start engine 2 (right engine) first - standard Boeing procedure. | RISING to ~20-25% | |
| 04 | Engine 2 Start LeverCAUTION: Monitor EGT - abort start if EGT exceeds limits during light-off. | IDLE (move from CUTOFF to IDLE at ~20-25% N2) | |
| 05 | Engine 2 - LEAP-1B Light-OffWARNING: If no light-off within 30 seconds or EGT spikes - move lever to CUTOFF immediately. | EGT RISING - VERIFY smooth | |
| 06 | Engine 2NOTE: N1 ~22%, N2 ~60%, EGT ~430C, oil pressure rising. | STABLE IDLE - Check N1, N2, EGT, oil pressure | |
| 07 | Engine 1 - Monitor N2 rotation | RISING to ~20-25% | |
| 08 | Engine 1 Start Lever | IDLE (move from CUTOFF to IDLE at ~20-25% N2) | |
| 09 | Engine 1 | STABLE IDLE - Check N1, N2, EGT, oil pressure | |
| 10 | Engine Start Selector | OFF (after both engines stable) | |
| 11 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 12 | Engine Bleeds | ON (Both 1 and 2) | |
| 13 | Pack Switches | VERIFY AUTO | |
| 14 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. | DISCONNECT |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi11 steps
| 01 | Generators 1 and 2 | VERIFY ON - GEN OFF BUS lights out | |
| 02 | APU Generator | OFF (if using engine gen power) | |
| 03 | APUNOTE: Allow 2 min cooling before shutdown. | OFF (after engines stable) | |
| 04 | Hydraulic Pressure | CHECK all systems (A and B) - green | |
| 05 | Probe Heat | ON (both) | |
| 06 | Anti-IceNOTE: Wing and engine anti-ice ON if OAT below 10C and visible moisture or standing water. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | FlapsNOTE: Typical settings: 1, 5, or 15. Verify against CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 08 | Taxi Light | ON | |
| 09 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 10 | Brakes | CHECK during taxi (left, right, both) | |
| 11 | Flight Instruments | CHECK during taxi - verify HSI, ADI, compass |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff13 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingNOTE: Review engine failure action, V1, rejected takeoff point, initial climb. | COMPLETED | |
| 02 | FMC - LNAV/VNAV | ARMED on MCP | |
| 03 | MCP - Altitude | SET initial departure altitude or first constraint | |
| 04 | Flaps | VERIFY takeoff setting - CDU TAKEOFF REF confirms | |
| 05 | Stabilizer Trim | VERIFY in green band for takeoff | |
| 06 | Speed Brake | DOWN DETENT (not armed) | |
| 07 | Autobrake | RTO | |
| 08 | TransponderNOTE: Activate TCAS before entering runway. | TA/RA | |
| 09 | Landing Lights | ON | |
| 10 | Strobe Lights | ON (entering runway) | |
| 11 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 12 | Taxi Light | OFF | |
| 13 | Engine Start SwitchesNOTE: Provides ignition during takeoff in case of surge or flameout. | CONT (continuous ignition) |
PHS 9 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Brakes | HOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust Levers | ADVANCE to ~40% N1 - verify symmetric | |
| 03 | Thrust LeversNOTE: Autothrottle will maintain takeoff N1. | TO/GA or FLEX (press A/T switch or advance manually) | |
| 04 | FMACAUTION: Abort if FMA shows unexpected modes or engine parameters are abnormal. | VERIFY TO/GA THR mode - call out | |
| 05 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 06 | 80 Knots | CALLOUT - verify airspeed indicators agree | |
| 07 | V1WARNING: Do not reject above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. | CALLOUT - hands off thrust levers | |
| 08 | VRNOTE: Hold rotation rate - do not over-rotate. | ROTATE - smooth 3 deg/sec to 15 deg pitch | |
| 09 | Positive Rate of Climb | CONFIRMED (VSI positive, altimeter increasing) | |
| 10 | Landing Gear | UP |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb11 steps
| 01 | Thrust Reduction / AccelerationNOTE: Reduce to CLB thrust and accelerate to flap retraction speed. | AT acceleration altitude (typically 1,000-1,500 ft AGL) | |
| 02 | Autopilot | ON - CMD A (400 ft minimum) | |
| 03 | FlapsNOTE: Retract incrementally: 15 > 10 > 5 > 1 > UP as speed increases. | RETRACT on schedule | |
| 04 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM UP and doors closed | |
| 05 | Engine Start Switches | AUTO | |
| 06 | Speed Brake | CONFIRM DOWN | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff / Taxi Lights | OFF | |
| 08 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 09 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt Sign | OFF (if smooth conditions) | |
| 10 | Transition Altitude - AltimetersNOTE: Both pilot and co-pilot altimeters. | SET STD 29.92 / 1013 | |
| 11 | LNAV / VNAV | ENGAGED - verify on FMA |
PHS 11 — Cruise7 steps
| 01 | Altitude | VERIFY at planned cruise FL | |
| 02 | Autopilot / Autothrottle | ON - LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT as required | |
| 03 | Engine Parameters (N1, EGT, Oil) | CHECK within normal limits | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity and BalanceNOTE: Check CDU PROG page for fuel predictions. | CHECK - verify burn matches flight plan | |
| 05 | Flight Progress | MONITOR on CDU LEGS / PROG page | |
| 06 | Radios | SET for next ATC sector | |
| 07 | Seat Belt Sign | AS REQUIRED (turbulence, climb/descent) |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / D-ATISNOTE: Note QNH, active runway, wind, transition level, and conditions. | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | CDU - ARRIVALS Page | SELECT STAR and approach procedure | |
| 03 | CDU - APPROACH REF PageNOTE: Verify VREF for Flaps 30 landing. | ENTER landing weight - verify VREF | |
| 04 | Approach BriefingNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums, missed approach procedure. | COMPLETED | |
| 05 | MCP Altitude | SET first descent constraint or initial approach altitude | |
| 06 | Autobrake | SET (1, 2, or 3 depending on runway length) | |
| 07 | ILS FrequencyNOTE: Verify course and ident on both nav displays. | SET and IDENTIFIED (both nav radios) | |
| 08 | Landing Altitude | SET on pressurization panel |
PHS 13 — Descent7 steps
| 01 | ATC Clearance to Descend | RECEIVED | |
| 02 | MCP Altitude | SET cleared altitude | |
| 03 | VNAV DescentNOTE: VNAV follows CDU descent profile. Use V/S for ATC-directed descents. | ENGAGED or V/S set | |
| 04 | Transition Level - AltimetersNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters against each other. | SET local QNH | |
| 05 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | ON | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt Sign | ON | |
| 07 | Speed | 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft |
PHS 14 — Approach13 steps
| 01 | Speed BrakeNOTE: Arm for auto-deployment at touchdown. | ARM | |
| 02 | Flaps 1 | SET at flap maneuvering speed | |
| 03 | APP ModeNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture on MCP. | PRESS when cleared for ILS approach | |
| 04 | Flaps 5 | SET | |
| 05 | Landing Gear | DOWN (gear lever - DOWN) | |
| 06 | Flaps 15 | SET | |
| 07 | Flaps 30 (or 40)NOTE: Flaps 30 is standard. Flaps 40 for shortest landing. | SET for landing | |
| 08 | Speed | VREF + wind additive (min VREF, max VREF+20) | |
| 09 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM DOWN - 3 green lights | |
| 10 | Autobrake | CONFIRM ARMED | |
| 11 | Speed Brake | CONFIRM ARMED | |
| 12 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 13 | Taxi Light | ON |
PHS 15 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft AGL - Stabilized Approach CheckWARNING: Initiate go-around if not stabilized (on speed, on glide, on track) by 1,000 ft AGL. | VERIFY | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotNOTE: Leave coupled for CAT II / CAT III autoland. | DISCONNECT for manual landing | |
| 03 | VREF | MAINTAIN (adjust for gust correction) | |
| 04 | Flare (~30 ft)NOTE: Aim for 1,000 ft markers. Sink rate target ~2-3 ft/sec. | REDUCE descent rate - smooth backstick | |
| 05 | Thrust Levers | IDLE at touchdown | |
| 06 | Speedbrake | VERIFY DEPLOYED (handle up) | |
| 07 | Reverse Thrust | SELECT (max reverse for wet/short runways) | |
| 08 | Autobrake | VERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 09 | 80 KnotsCAUTION: Do not use reverse thrust below 60 kts on dry runways - FOD risk. | REVERSE IDLE - begin stowing reversers | |
| 10 | 60 Knots | REVERSERS STOWED - manual braking as required |
PHS 16 — After Landing13 steps
| 01 | Runway Vacated | CONFIRMED - clear of runway hold-short | |
| 02 | Flaps | UP | |
| 03 | Speed Brake | DOWN | |
| 04 | Strobe Lights | OFF | |
| 05 | Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 06 | Taxi Light | ON | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON (until at gate) | |
| 08 | Transponder | STBY | |
| 09 | Autobrake | OFF | |
| 10 | APUNOTE: Start APU for bleed air and power at gate. | START | |
| 11 | Weather Radar | OFF | |
| 12 | Probe Heat | OFF | |
| 13 | Engine Anti-Ice | OFF |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown18 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Taxi / Runway Turnoff Lights | OFF | |
| 03 | APU Generator Buses | ON (transfer power from engines) | |
| 04 | Engine Start Levers | CUTOFF (Both 1 and 2) | |
| 05 | Seat Belt Sign | OFF | |
| 06 | Beacon Light | OFF (after engines fully stopped) | |
| 07 | Fuel Pumps | ALL OFF | |
| 08 | Hydraulic Pumps | ALL OFF | |
| 09 | Pack Switches | OFF | |
| 10 | Engine Bleeds | OFF (Both) | |
| 11 | IRS Mode Selectors | OFF (Both L and R) | |
| 12 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 13 | APUNOTE: Do not shut down immediately - let EGT cool to below 150C. | OFF (allow 2 min cooling) | |
| 14 | Standby Power | OFF | |
| 15 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 16 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect for gate turnaround. | CONNECT | |
| 17 | GSX - Jetway / StairsNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | CONNECTED | |
| 18 | GSX - Deboard PassengersNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Wait for all passengers to exit. | COMPLETE |