MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Boeing 737 MAX 8 (iFly) Startup Checklist
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Boeing 737 MAX 8 (iFly) Startup Notes
The iFly MAX follows the classic Boeing flow but rewards doing it in order: battery, ground or APU power, then IRS switches to NAV early, because alignment takes several minutes and needs a position entered through the FMC. FMC setup runs POS INIT, ROUTE, PERF INIT, then N1 LIMIT and TAKEOFF ref. For engine start you want APU bleed on, packs off, and the isolation valve open, then start switch to GRD and the fuel lever to idle at 25 percent N2. The LEAP-1B spools slowly, so starts feel long.
The classic MAX mistakes are all bleed related: starting with the packs on, forgetting APU bleed, or flipping the start switch before duct pressure is up, all of which produce a weak or hung start. On the FMC side, pilots skip PERF INIT and then wonder why there are no V-speeds or N1 limits at the runway. And be patient with the LEAP-1B: fuel goes in at 25 percent N2, not the moment the motor starts turning.
Common mistakes
- Starting engines with the packs still on
- Forgetting APU bleed before engaging the start switch
- Introducing fuel before N2 reaches 25 percent
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.4.0Checklist
Boeing 737 MAX 8 (iFly)MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 192 steps · 17 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. Note TAFs for full flight duration. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions. | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADEDNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Block fuel = trip + taxi + contingency (5%) + alternate + final reserve (30 min) + extra. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within structural and performance limits. Check CG% for trim. | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Note transition levels and altitudes. | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: Use iFly EFB or external tool for V1, VR, V2 based on TOW, runway, conditions, and flex temp. |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up7 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchON (Guard Closed) | |
| 02 | Standby Power SwitchAUTO | |
| 03 | APU SwitchSTART, then RELEASE to ONNOTE: Momentary switch - releasing to ON runs an automatic start sequence. May take up to 120 seconds. | |
| 04 | APU Generator Bus SwitchesON (Both L and R)NOTE: The APU GEN OFF BUS lights illuminate when the APU is ready to accept load, then extinguish once the generators are on the buses. Allow 1-2 min before using APU bleed. | |
| 05 | IRS Mode Selectors (L and R)NAVCAUTION: Do not move aircraft during IRS alignment - takes approximately 10 minutes. | |
| 06 | EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)POWERED ONNOTE: iFly 737 MAX includes an EFB tablet - power on and load performance data for departure. | |
| 07 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power. |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation14 steps
| 01 | Overhead Panel - LightingSET as required | |
| 02 | Fuel QuantityCHECK (matches loadsheet) | |
| 03 | Fuel PumpsMAIN TANK PUMPS ON (L FWD, L AFT, R FWD, R AFT)WARNING: The two center tank pumps go ON only if center tank quantity exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Dry running a center tank pump with its low pressure light illuminated is prohibited.NOTE: AFT pumps first, then FORWARD. | |
| 04 | Flight Control Panel - Yaw DamperONNOTE: Aft overhead panel. Verify the amber YAW DAMPER light is extinguished. Engagement depends on the B FLT CONTROL switch being ON, not on hydraulic pressure, so it goes ON here rather than waiting for engine start. Leave it ON through shutdown - Boeing has no yaw damper item in the Secure procedure. | |
| 05 | Flight Control Panel - SpoilersVERIFY SPOILERS light extinguishedNOTE: MAX-only check - the NG has no SPOILERS light. | |
| 06 | Hydraulic PanelALL ENG PUMP switches - ON | |
| 07 | Air Conditioning PacksOFF (both) for engine startNOTE: Packs are OFF so APU bleed goes to the starter. They return to AUTO after start. | |
| 08 | Elevator Jam Landing Assist SwitchGUARD CLOSEDNOTE: MAX-only system - not fitted to the NG. | |
| 09 | Bleed Air PanelAPU BLEED - ON, Engine Bleeds - OFF | |
| 10 | PressurizationAUTO - Set Landing Elevation | |
| 11 | Anti-IceOFF (unless conditions require) | |
| 12 | Ignition SelectIGN L or IGN R - alternate each flightNOTE: Positions are IGN L, BOTH, IGN R - there is no AUTO. Select IGN R for the first flight of the day, then alternate. BOTH is not a normal selection; it is used when retrying an aborted start. | |
| 13 | Electrical PanelCHECK NORMAL - no advisory lights | |
| 14 | Navigation LightsON (Steady) |
PHS 4 — FMC / CDU Setup8 steps
| 01 | CDU - IDENT PageVERIFY software version | |
| 02 | CDU - POS INIT PageSET present position (confirm IRS coordinates) | |
| 03 | CDU - ROUTE PageENTER origin, destination, and route | |
| 04 | CDU - DEPARTURES PageSELECT SID and runway | |
| 05 | CDU - PERF INIT PageENTER ZFW, fuel, CRZ altitude, CRZ CGNOTE: Cross-reference with EFB or SimBrief OFP. | |
| 06 | CDU - TAKEOFF REF PageENTER flap setting, V1, VR, V2, assumed tempNOTE: V1/VR/V2 from EFB performance calculation. | |
| 07 | CDU - LEGS PageVERIFY route and waypointsNOTE: Check for any discontinuities and correct. | |
| 08 | CDU - Activate and Execute RouteACTIVATE then EXECNOTE: Route must be activated and executed before flight. |
PHS 5 — Before Start14 steps
| 01 | DoorsALL CLOSED AND ARMEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators are closed before pushback. | |
| 02 | Flight ControlsCHECK (full travel - aileron, elevator, rudder)NOTE: Verify no jams or abnormal resistance. | |
| 03 | TrimSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Stabilizer trim set per CDU TAKEOFF REF page. Verify on trim indicator. | |
| 04 | MCP - Mode Control PanelSET (HDG, ALT, IAS)NOTE: Set initial departure altitude and speed. Arm flight directors. | |
| 05 | Flight DirectorsON (Both) | |
| 06 | TransponderSET assigned squawk code - STBY | |
| 07 | RadiosSET departure frequencies | |
| 08 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 09 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Signals ground crew that engine start is imminent. | |
| 10 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | |
| 11 | GSX - Catering ServiceCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | |
| 12 | GSX - Passenger BoardingCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | |
| 13 | GSX - All DoorsCLOSEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED and ARMED before requesting pushback. | |
| 14 | GSX - Pushback RequestINITIATEDNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. |
PHS 6 — Engine Start18 steps
| 01 | ATC ClearanceRECEIVED (push and start) | |
| 02 | Engine Start SelectorGNDNOTE: Rotates to GND for ground start. | |
| 03 | Engine 2 - Bowed Rotor Motoring (MOTORING)WAIT for the white MOTORING indication to BLANKWARNING: Do not open the start lever while MOTORING is displayed on the N2 indicator.NOTE: Start engine 2 (right engine) first - standard Boeing procedure. LEAP-1B only: the EEC holds N2 at 18-24% for 6-90 seconds on ground starts to straighten a thermally bowed rotor. This does not happen on the NG. | |
| 04 | Engine 2 - Monitor N2 rotationN1 rotation seen and N2 at 25%NOTE: If 25% N2 is not attainable, use maximum motoring with a minimum of 20% N2. | |
| 05 | Engine 2 Start LeverIDLE (move from CUTOFF to IDLE at 25% N2)CAUTION: Monitor EGT - abort start if EGT exceeds limits during light-off. | |
| 06 | Engine 2 - TCMA / EOS TestEXPECT fuel flow zero and blue ENG VALVE CLOSED light until test completesNOTE: MAX-only. The EEC self-tests Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation and the Electronic Overspeed System by cycling the fuel valve. Normal - do not interrupt the start. | |
| 07 | Engine 2 - LEAP-1B Light-OffEGT RISING - VERIFY smoothWARNING: If no light-off within 30 seconds or EGT spikes - move lever to CUTOFF immediately. | |
| 08 | Engine 2STABLE IDLE - Check N1, N2, EGT, oil pressureNOTE: N1 ~22%, N2 ~60%, EGT ~430C, oil pressure rising. | |
| 09 | Engine 1 - Bowed Rotor Motoring (MOTORING)WAIT for the white MOTORING indication to BLANKWARNING: Do not open the start lever while MOTORING is displayed. | |
| 10 | Engine 1 - Monitor N2 rotationN1 rotation seen and N2 at 25% | |
| 11 | Engine 1 Start LeverIDLE (move from CUTOFF to IDLE at 25% N2) | |
| 12 | Engine 1STABLE IDLE - Check N1, N2, EGT, oil pressure | |
| 13 | Engine Start SwitchesVERIFY BOTH RELEASED TO OFF at 63% N2NOTE: MAX starter cutout is 63% N2 - the NG cuts out at 56%. The switch releases itself; select OFF manually only if it does not. | |
| 14 | Engine Warm-UpMIN 3 MIN at idle before takeoff (5 MIN if grounded over 5 hours)NOTE: Longer than the NG, which requires a 2 min minimum. | |
| 15 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 16 | Engine BleedsON (Both 1 and 2) | |
| 17 | Pack SwitchesAUTO (both)NOTE: Restore the packs after start. | |
| 18 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)DISCONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi11 steps
| 01 | Generators 1 and 2VERIFY ON - GEN OFF BUS lights out | |
| 02 | APU GeneratorOFF (if using engine gen power) | |
| 03 | APUOFF (after engines stable)NOTE: Allow 2 min cooling before shutdown. | |
| 04 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK all systems (A and B) - green | |
| 05 | Probe HeatON (both) | |
| 06 | Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Wing and engine anti-ice ON if OAT below 10C and visible moisture or standing water. | |
| 07 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFF (1, 5, 10, 15, or 25)NOTE: Flaps 5 is the most common. Verify against CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | |
| 08 | Taxi LightON | |
| 09 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 10 | BrakesCHECK during taxi (left, right, both) | |
| 11 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK during taxi - verify HSI, ADI, compass |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff13 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review engine failure action, V1, rejected takeoff point, initial climb. | |
| 02 | FMC - LNAV/VNAVARMED on MCP | |
| 03 | MCP - AltitudeSET initial departure altitude or first constraint | |
| 04 | FlapsVERIFY takeoff setting - CDU TAKEOFF REF confirms | |
| 05 | Stabilizer TrimVERIFY in green band for takeoff | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeDOWN DETENT (not armed) | |
| 07 | AutobrakeRTO | |
| 08 | TransponderTA/RANOTE: Activate TCAS before entering runway. | |
| 09 | Landing LightsON | |
| 10 | Strobe LightsON (entering runway) | |
| 11 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 12 | Taxi LightOFF | |
| 13 | Engine Start SwitchesCONT (continuous ignition)NOTE: Provides ignition during takeoff in case of surge or flameout. |
PHS 9 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversADVANCE to ~40% N1 - verify symmetric | |
| 03 | TO/GA SwitchPRESSCAUTION: Target N1 must be set by 60 knots.NOTE: Autothrottle advances to and maintains takeoff N1. Reduced thrust shows as D-TO (assumed temperature) or TO 1 / TO 2 / D-TO 1 / D-TO 2 (derate, -10% / -20%) on the FMA - Boeing uses assumed temperature and derate, not FLEX. | |
| 04 | FMAVERIFY TO/GA THR mode - call outCAUTION: Abort if FMA shows unexpected modes or engine parameters are abnormal. | |
| 05 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 06 | 80 KnotsCALLOUT - verify airspeed indicators agree | |
| 07 | V1CALLOUT - hands off thrust leversWARNING: Do not reject above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. | |
| 08 | VRROTATE - smooth 3 deg/sec to 15 deg pitchNOTE: Hold rotation rate - do not over-rotate. | |
| 09 | Positive Rate of ClimbCONFIRMED (VSI positive, altimeter increasing) | |
| 10 | Landing GearUP |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb12 steps
| 01 | Thrust Reduction AltitudeAUTOTHROTTLE reduces takeoff N1 to CLB thrustNOTE: Set as THR REDUCTION on the CDU. 1,000 ft AFE typical, ~1,500 ft AFE for noise abatement. | |
| 02 | Acceleration HeightACCELERATE to flap retraction speedNOTE: Set as ACCEL HT on the CDU. Often 1,000 ft AFE, 1,500-3,000 ft AFE for noise abatement. A separate altitude from thrust reduction. | |
| 03 | AutopilotON - CMD A (400 ft minimum) | |
| 04 | FlapsRETRACT on scheduleNOTE: Retract incrementally: 15 > 10 > 5 > 1 > UP as speed increases. | |
| 05 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP and doors closed | |
| 06 | Engine Start SwitchesOFFNOTE: From CONT. Positions are GRD, OFF, CONT, FLT. Select CONT again for landing or in icing/heavy rain. | |
| 07 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM DOWN | |
| 08 | Runway Turnoff / Taxi LightsOFF | |
| 09 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsOFF | |
| 10 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignOFF (if smooth conditions) | |
| 11 | Transition Altitude - AltimetersSET STD 29.92 / 1013NOTE: Both pilot and co-pilot altimeters. | |
| 12 | LNAV / VNAVENGAGED - verify on FMA |
PHS 11 — Cruise7 steps
| 01 | AltitudeVERIFY at planned cruise FL | |
| 02 | Autopilot / AutothrottleON - LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT as required | |
| 03 | Engine Parameters (N1, EGT, Oil)CHECK within normal limits | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity and BalanceCHECK - verify burn matches flight planNOTE: Check CDU PROG page for fuel predictions. | |
| 05 | Flight ProgressMONITOR on CDU LEGS / PROG page | |
| 06 | RadiosSET for next ATC sector | |
| 07 | Seat Belt SignAS REQUIRED (turbulence, climb/descent) |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / D-ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, active runway, wind, transition level, and conditions. | |
| 02 | CDU - ARRIVALS PageSELECT STAR and approach procedure | |
| 03 | CDU - APPROACH REF PageENTER landing weight - verify VREFNOTE: Verify VREF for Flaps 30 landing. | |
| 04 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums, missed approach procedure. | |
| 05 | MCP AltitudeSET first descent constraint or initial approach altitude | |
| 06 | AutobrakeSET (1, 2, or 3 depending on runway length) | |
| 07 | ILS FrequencySET and IDENTIFIED (both nav radios)NOTE: Verify course and ident on both nav displays. | |
| 08 | Landing AltitudeSET on pressurization panel |
PHS 13 — Descent7 steps
| 01 | ATC Clearance to DescendRECEIVED | |
| 02 | MCP AltitudeSET cleared altitude | |
| 03 | VNAV DescentENGAGED or V/S setNOTE: VNAV follows CDU descent profile. Use V/S for ATC-directed descents. | |
| 04 | Transition Level - AltimetersSET local QNHNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters against each other. | |
| 05 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsON | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignON | |
| 07 | Speed250 KIAS below 10,000 ft |
PHS 14 — Approach13 steps
| 01 | Speed BrakeARMNOTE: Arm for auto-deployment at touchdown. | |
| 02 | Flaps 1SET at flap maneuvering speed | |
| 03 | APP ModePRESS when cleared for ILS approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture on MCP. | |
| 04 | Flaps 5SET | |
| 05 | Landing GearDOWN (gear lever - DOWN) | |
| 06 | Flaps 15SET | |
| 07 | Flaps 30 (or 40)SET for landingNOTE: Flaps 30 is standard. Flaps 40 for shortest landing. | |
| 08 | SpeedVREF + wind additive (min VREF, max VREF+20) | |
| 09 | Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 3 green lights | |
| 10 | AutobrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 11 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 12 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 13 | Taxi LightON |
PHS 15 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft AGL - Stabilized Approach CheckVERIFYWARNING: Initiate go-around if not stabilized (on speed, on glide, on track) by 1,000 ft AGL. | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotDISCONNECT for manual landingNOTE: Leave coupled for CAT II / CAT III autoland. | |
| 03 | VREFMAINTAIN (adjust for gust correction) | |
| 04 | Flare (~30 ft)REDUCE descent rate - smooth backstickNOTE: Aim for 1,000 ft markers. Sink rate target ~2-3 ft/sec. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE at touchdown | |
| 06 | SpeedbrakeVERIFY DEPLOYED (handle up) | |
| 07 | Reverse ThrustSELECT (max reverse for wet/short runways) | |
| 08 | AutobrakeVERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 09 | 60 KnotsSTART movement to reverse idle - at the detent before taxi speedNOTE: PM calls '60 knots'. Reverse thrust as needed until 60 kt, then reduce. | |
| 10 | Reverse Thrust LeversDOWN once engines reach idle - manual braking as required |
PHS 16 — After Landing13 steps
| 01 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED - clear of runway hold-short | |
| 02 | FlapsUP | |
| 03 | Speed BrakeDOWN | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 06 | Taxi LightON | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff LightsON (until at gate) | |
| 08 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 09 | AutobrakeOFF | |
| 10 | APUSTARTNOTE: Start APU for bleed air and power at gate. | |
| 11 | Weather RadarOFF | |
| 12 | Probe HeatOFF | |
| 13 | Engine Anti-IceOFF |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown19 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Taxi / Runway Turnoff LightsOFF | |
| 03 | APU Generator BusesON (transfer power from engines) | |
| 04 | Engine Start LeversCUTOFF (Both 1 and 2) | |
| 05 | Seat Belt SignOFF | |
| 06 | Beacon LightOFF (after engines fully stopped) | |
| 07 | Fuel PumpsALL OFF | |
| 08 | Hydraulic PumpsALL OFF | |
| 09 | Pack SwitchesOFF | |
| 10 | Engine BleedsOFF (Both) | |
| 11 | IRS Mode SelectorsOFF (Both L and R) | |
| 12 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 13 | APUOFF (allow 2 min cooling)NOTE: Do not shut down immediately - let EGT cool to below 150C. | |
| 14 | SECURE - Emergency Exit LightsOFF | |
| 15 | SECURE - Window HeatOFF | |
| 16 | Battery SwitchOFF (only for full power down)CAUTION: Wait ~2 min after the APU GEN OFF BUS light extinguishes before switching the battery off. The standby power switch stays guarded in AUTO - it is not a normal shutdown item.NOTE: Not part of the Secure checklist, which is just IRS, emergency exit lights, window heat, and packs. Battery OFF belongs to the separate Electrical Power Down supplementary procedure. Leave the battery ON for a normal turnaround. | |
| 17 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect for gate turnaround. | |
| 18 | GSX - Jetway / StairsCONNECTEDNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | |
| 19 | GSX - Deboard PassengersCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Wait for all passengers to exit. |