MSFS 2024 · Airliner
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Startup Checklist
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FLT2.0Checklist
McDonnell Douglas MD-11MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 150 steps · 17 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning10 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / SIGMET)REVIEWEDNOTE: Departure, destination, enroute, and alternates. Trijet long-haul routes often cross oceanic airspace - check winds aloft and convective SIGMETs. | |
| 02 | Alternate AirportsSELECTEDNOTE: Pick destination and enroute alternates within fuel range. Confirm suitable runway length and approaches available. | |
| 03 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Runway closures, nav-aid outages, approach changes, and ETOPS-relevant fields. | |
| 04 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanFILEDNOTE: Generate the operational flight plan. Note route, cost index, cruise altitude, and step climbs. | |
| 05 | Block FuelCALCULATEDNOTE: Trip + taxi + contingency + alternate + final reserve. Typical cruise burn 6,500-7,500 kg/hr. Fuel capacity ~117,000 kg (incl. tail tank). | |
| 06 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: MTOW 286,000 kg. Max Landing Weight 199,580 kg. Max ZFW 181,440 kg. Confirm CG within envelope - tail tank affects aft CG. | |
| 07 | Center of Gravity (CG %MAC)VERIFIEDNOTE: Enter ZFW CG into FMS. MD-11 trims fuel to the tail tank in cruise for reduced drag - confirm CG schedule. | |
| 08 | SID / STAR / ApproachBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure, arrival, and expected approach. Note initial climb altitude and transition level. | |
| 09 | MEL / CDL CheckREVIEWEDNOTE: Confirm no deferred items affect the planned operation (ETOPS, CAT II/III, RVSM). | |
| 10 | Takeoff Performance / V-SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: Compute V1, VR, V2, flap setting (Dial-A-Flap 10-25), and assumed temperature (FLEX) reduction for the runway and weight. |
PHS 2 — Electrical / Power-Up7 steps
| 01 | Walk-Around InspectionCOMPLETENOTE: Verify chocks in place, gear pins, no leaks, three engines and probes clear. | |
| 02 | Parking BrakeSETCAUTION: Confirm chocks installed before releasing for any reason. | |
| 03 | Battery Switches (BAT 1 / BAT 2)ONNOTE: Battery buses energize. DC voltage above 24V. | |
| 04 | External PowerON / AVAILNOTE: Connect GPU if available, otherwise plan APU start. EXT PWR avail light illuminated. | |
| 05 | APU Master / StartSTARTNOTE: Start APU if no ground power. Wait for APU AVAIL, then select APU GEN ON. | |
| 06 | AC Bus Tie / GeneratorsAUTO / ONNOTE: Verify all AC and DC buses powered, no electrical caution messages on EAD. | |
| 07 | Standby PowerAUTONOTE: Confirm standby bus auto-selects available source. |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation11 steps
| 01 | Fuel Control Switches (1 / 2 / 3)OFFCAUTION: All three fuel switches OFF and covered before any test or start. | |
| 02 | Landing Gear LeverDOWNNOTE: Confirm DOWN and locked, three green plus nose. | |
| 03 | Engine / APU Fire TestTESTEDWARNING: All three fire handles illuminate, master warning sounds, Level 3 alerts display. Confirm test resets clean. | |
| 04 | Cargo Fire Detection TestTESTEDNOTE: Verify cargo smoke detection loops and arming lights. | |
| 05 | Annunciator / Lamp TestTESTEDNOTE: All warning and caution lamps illuminate during test. | |
| 06 | Hydraulic Systems (1 / 2 / 3)CHECKEDNOTE: Three independent systems. Confirm quantities and pump switches AUTO. AUX pump available for braking. | |
| 07 | IRU / IRS Mode (1 / 2 / 3)NAV / ALIGNNOTE: Select NAV to begin alignment. Aircraft must remain stationary. Align takes up to 10 minutes. | |
| 08 | Air Conditioning / PacksON / AUTONOTE: Establish pack flow from APU or ground air. Set cabin temperature controllers. | |
| 09 | PressurizationAUTONOTE: Confirm auto mode and landing altitude will set from FMS. | |
| 10 | Exterior / Interior LightingSETNOTE: Panel and flood lights as required. Nav lights ON. | |
| 11 | Altimeters (QNH)SET / CROSS-CHECKEDNOTE: Set local QNH on both pilots and standby. Cross-check field elevation. |
PHS 4 — FMS Setup9 steps
| 01 | FMS Position InitializationSETNOTE: Confirm present position matches gate coordinates to complete IRS alignment. | |
| 02 | Route / Flight Plan EntryENTEREDNOTE: Enter origin, destination, airways, SID and STAR. Verify against OFP. Activate and execute. | |
| 03 | Performance InitializationENTEREDNOTE: Enter ZFW, fuel, cost index, cruise altitude, and reserves. | |
| 04 | Takeoff Data (V-Speeds / Flaps)ENTEREDNOTE: Enter V1, VR, V2, takeoff flap (Dial-A-Flap), thrust derate, and CG/trim from loadsheet. | |
| 05 | Stabilizer Trim SettingSET / GREEN BANDCAUTION: Set takeoff stab trim per FMS for CG. Confirm within green takeoff range. | |
| 06 | Radios / Navaids (VHF / NAV)TUNEDNOTE: Set departure frequency, ATIS, and tune navaids for departure. | |
| 07 | Transponder / TCASSET / STBYNOTE: Set assigned squawk. TCAS to STBY until takeoff. | |
| 08 | AutobrakeSET (RTO / TO)NOTE: Select takeoff autobrake (RTO) for rejected takeoff protection. | |
| 09 | Flight Director / AutoflightONNOTE: FD bars displayed. Confirm NAV and PROF arming planned for departure. |
PHS 5 — Before Start8 steps
| 01 | Departure Clearance / ATCRECEIVEDNOTE: Confirm route, squawk, and initial altitude match FMS. | |
| 02 | Doors / CargoCLOSED / ARMEDNOTE: All doors closed, slides armed, no door EAD messages. | |
| 03 | Pushback / Ground CrewREADYNOTE: Confirm clearance, brakes ready to release on pushback signal. | |
| 04 | Beacon LightONWARNING: Beacon ON before pressurizing hydraulics or starting engines - warns ground crew. | |
| 05 | Hydraulic AUX PumpONNOTE: Provides brake pressure during pushback before engine-driven pumps. | |
| 06 | Engine Ignition SelectorSELECTEDNOTE: Select ignition source for start. | |
| 07 | Fuel Pumps / Boost PumpsONNOTE: All tank boost pumps ON, confirm fuel feed to all three engines. | |
| 08 | APU Bleed AirONNOTE: Bleed air available for pneumatic start. Confirm duct pressure adequate. |
PHS 6 — Engine Start (3 Engines)11 steps
| 01 | Start Sequence3 - 1 - 2NOTE: Standard MD-11 order: tail engine (No. 3) first, then No. 1, then No. 2. | |
| 02 | Engine 3 (Tail) Start SwitchPULL / STARTNOTE: Tail-mounted engine via S-duct. Confirm start valve open and N2 rotation. | |
| 03 | Engine 3 Fuel Switch (at 15% N2)ONWARNING: Introduce fuel only above ~15-20% N2. Watch for light-off and EGT rise. | |
| 04 | Engine 3 ParametersSTABILIZEDCAUTION: Start valve closes ~45% N2. Monitor EGT below limit. Idle ~N1 20%, N2 ~60%, EGT ~400C. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 Start SwitchPULL / STARTNOTE: Left underwing PW4000 / CF6. Confirm N2 rotation before fuel. | |
| 06 | Engine 1 Fuel Switch (at 15% N2)ONWARNING: Monitor light-off, oil pressure rising, EGT within limit. | |
| 07 | Engine 1 ParametersSTABILIZEDNOTE: Confirm stable idle and start valve closed. | |
| 08 | Engine 2 Start SwitchPULL / STARTNOTE: Right underwing engine. Confirm N2 rotation before fuel. | |
| 09 | Engine 2 Fuel Switch (at 15% N2)ONWARNING: Monitor light-off and EGT. Abort start if no light-off or hot/hung start. | |
| 10 | Engine 2 ParametersSTABILIZEDNOTE: All three engines at stable idle, no start EAD messages. | |
| 11 | Generators (1 / 2 / 3)ONNOTE: Engine generators online, transfer load off APU. |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | APUOFF / COOLDOWNNOTE: Once all engine generators online and bleeds transferred, shut down APU. | |
| 02 | Engine Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: ON if icing conditions (visible moisture below 10C). | |
| 03 | Pitot / Probe HeatONNOTE: Confirm all probe heaters active, no heat caution messages. | |
| 04 | Flaps / Slats (Dial-A-Flap)SET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Set takeoff flap (10-25). Slats extend. Confirm flap position on EAD. | |
| 05 | Flight Controls CheckFREE / FULLNOTE: Full deflection check ailerons, elevators, rudder. Confirm surfaces respond on synoptic. | |
| 06 | Stabilizer TrimSET / GREEN BANDNOTE: Verify takeoff trim still set for CG. | |
| 07 | LSASONNOTE: Longitudinal Stability Augmentation System active - provides pitch stability and trim. Confirm no LSAS fault. | |
| 08 | Spoilers / Ground SpoilersDISARMEDNOTE: Spoiler lever stowed for taxi. Arm before takeoff. | |
| 09 | AutobrakeRTONOTE: Confirm rejected-takeoff autobrake armed. | |
| 10 | Taxi / Nav LightsONNOTE: Taxi light ON, runway turnoff as needed. | |
| 11 | Brakes CheckCHECKEDNOTE: On initial taxi roll, verify brakes effective and pressure normal. | |
| 12 | Taxi ClearanceRECEIVEDNOTE: Follow assigned taxi route to departure runway. |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Confirm runway, V-speeds, initial heading/altitude, and engine-out procedure. | |
| 02 | Flaps / SlatsCONFIRM TAKEOFF SETTINGCAUTION: Cross-check takeoff config. No takeoff config warning. | |
| 03 | Wing Anti-IceOFF (AS REQUIRED)NOTE: Normally OFF for takeoff unless icing conditions present. | |
| 04 | Ground SpoilersARMEDNOTE: Arm spoilers for auto-deployment on landing/reject. | |
| 05 | Transponder / TCASTA/RANOTE: Transponder to TA/RA, ALT reporting on. | |
| 06 | Autoflight ArmingNAV / PROF ARMEDNOTE: Confirm NAV armed, PROF armed, autoflight ready per FMA. | |
| 07 | Landing / Strobe LightsONNOTE: Landing lights and strobes ON when entering the runway. | |
| 08 | Cabin CrewREADYNOTE: Confirm cabin secure for takeoff. | |
| 09 | Takeoff ClearanceRECEIVEDNOTE: Cleared for takeoff, line up on runway centerline. |
PHS 9 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | BrakesRELEASENOTE: Release brakes as thrust is applied. | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversTOGA / FLEXWARNING: Advance to takeoff thrust. Press TO/GA to engage auto-throttle takeoff mode. Verify ATS engaged. | |
| 03 | Engine ParametersSTABILIZED / SETNOTE: Confirm all three engines spooled to target N1 by 80 kt. No exceedances. | |
| 04 | 80 KnotsCHECKEDNOTE: Airspeed alive on both sides, cross-check. Throttle hold (THR HOLD) annunciates. | |
| 05 | V1GO / NO-GOWARNING: At V1, takeoff decision speed - committed to fly. Hands off thrust levers. | |
| 06 | VR - RotateROTATENOTE: Rotate smoothly to ~15 degrees pitch toward flight director. | |
| 07 | Positive RateGEAR UPNOTE: Confirm positive climb, then select gear up. | |
| 08 | LSAS / AutoflightACTIVENOTE: LSAS provides pitch stability. Engage autopilot when desired above acceleration height. |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps
| 01 | Landing GearUP / OFFNOTE: Confirm gear retracted, no red indications. Gear handle to OFF. | |
| 02 | Ground SpoilersDISARMEDNOTE: Disarm spoilers after liftoff. | |
| 03 | Flaps / Slats RetractionUP ON SCHEDULENOTE: Retract flaps then slats per speed schedule as aircraft accelerates. Confirm clean configuration. | |
| 04 | Climb ThrustSET (CL)NOTE: Auto-throttle transitions to climb thrust at thrust reduction altitude. | |
| 05 | Climb Speed250 KT / .__ MNOTE: 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft, then accelerate to climb schedule (~320 KIAS / Mach 0.83). | |
| 06 | Landing / Taxi Lights (above 10,000)OFFNOTE: Turn off landing lights passing 10,000 ft. | |
| 07 | Altimeters (Transition Altitude)STANDARD (29.92 / 1013)NOTE: Set standard pressure passing transition altitude. | |
| 08 | Autoflight (NAV / PROF)ENGAGEDNOTE: Confirm LNAV (NAV) and VNAV (PROF) tracking the flight plan and profile. | |
| 09 | Pressurization / ClimbNORMALNOTE: Cabin climbing normally, no pressurization caution. |
PHS 11 — Cruise7 steps
| 01 | Cruise Altitude / MachMAINTAINEDNOTE: Level at cruise FL. Typical cruise Mach 0.82-0.85. Monitor optimum and max altitude. | |
| 02 | Fuel System / CG Trim FuelMONITOREDNOTE: MD-11 auto-transfers fuel to tail tank for aft CG and reduced drag. Confirm balance and burn on schedule. | |
| 03 | Engine Parameters (3)NORMALNOTE: Cross-check N1, EGT, oil pressure on all three engines. Note any split. | |
| 04 | FMA / AutoflightCHECKEDNOTE: Pink = FMS controlled, white = FCP value. Confirm modes match intent. | |
| 05 | Step ClimbAS PLANNEDNOTE: Execute step climbs per OFP as weight decreases to stay near optimum. | |
| 06 | Systems / PressurizationMONITOREDNOTE: Periodic scan of hydraulics, electrical, fuel, and cabin pressure. | |
| 07 | Position / Oceanic ReportingAS REQUIREDNOTE: Make position reports and confirm next waypoint and ETA. |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation7 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Approach WeatherOBTAINEDNOTE: Get destination ATIS, note runway, wind, and approach in use. | |
| 02 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief approach, minimums, missed approach, runway, and taxi-in plan. | |
| 03 | STAR / Approach in FMSENTEREDNOTE: Load arrival, approach, and any transition. Verify altitude/speed constraints. | |
| 04 | Landing Performance / VrefCALCULATEDNOTE: Compute landing weight, flap 35/50 setting, Vref, and autobrake setting. | |
| 05 | Landing Data / Speeds in FMSENTEREDNOTE: Enter Vref and approach speed. Confirm flap and gear schedule. | |
| 06 | Pressurization / Landing AltitudeSETNOTE: Confirm landing field elevation set for auto schedule. | |
| 07 | Top of DescentVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm TOD and PROF descent path. Request descent clearance approaching TOD. |
PHS 13 — Descent6 steps
| 01 | Descent ClearanceRECEIVEDNOTE: Confirm cleared altitude in FCP/MCP and PROF descent active. | |
| 02 | Auto-Throttle / SpeedMANAGEDNOTE: Idle descent on PROF. Manage speed with brakes/spoilers if high. | |
| 03 | Altimeters (Transition Level)QNH SETNOTE: Set local QNH passing transition level. Cross-check both sides. | |
| 04 | Landing Lights (below 10,000)ONNOTE: Landing lights ON, speed 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft. | |
| 05 | Seat Belts / CabinON / SECURENOTE: Cabin secured for landing, signs on. | |
| 06 | Approach Speed / EnergyMANAGEDNOTE: Be on profile and on speed. Slats/flaps extension begins on schedule. |
PHS 14 — Approach9 steps
| 01 | Approach ClearanceRECEIVEDNOTE: Cleared for the approach. Arm APPR / LOC and GS as appropriate. | |
| 02 | Slats / Flaps (Initial)EXTEND ON SCHEDULENOTE: Extend slats then flaps 15/22/25/28 as speed reduces below each VFE. | |
| 03 | Landing GearDOWN (3 GREEN)NOTE: Gear down on glideslope intercept or per profile. Confirm three green plus nose. | |
| 04 | Flaps Landing (35 / 50)SETNOTE: Select landing flaps 35 or 50 per performance. Confirm on EAD. | |
| 05 | Ground SpoilersARMEDNOTE: Arm spoilers for auto-deploy on touchdown. | |
| 06 | AutobrakeSET (LOW / MED / MAX)NOTE: Set landing autobrake per runway length and conditions. | |
| 07 | Go-Around AltitudeSETNOTE: Set missed-approach altitude in FCP. Brief go-around track. | |
| 08 | Final Configuration / SpeedSTABILIZEDWARNING: Stabilized by 1,000 ft: on speed (Vref + correction), on path, gear down, landing flaps, checklist complete. | |
| 09 | Landing ClearanceRECEIVEDNOTE: Confirm cleared to land before threshold. |
PHS 15 — Landing7 steps
| 01 | Autopilot / AutolandAS REQUIREDNOTE: Disconnect for manual landing, or confirm LAND annunciation for autoland. | |
| 02 | Flare / ThrustIDLE AT FLARENOTE: Flare ~30 ft, thrust to idle. MD-11 has long gear - avoid over-flare and tail strike. | |
| 03 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRSTCAUTION: Fly the nose down promptly. Do not hold off - aft CG and long fuselage are tailstrike-prone. | |
| 04 | Ground SpoilersDEPLOYEDNOTE: Confirm auto deployment on touchdown for weight on wheels. | |
| 05 | Thrust ReversersDEPLOY (2 / 3)NOTE: Deploy reversers (wing engines 1 and 2; tail engine no reverser). Stow by 60 kt. | |
| 06 | Autobrake / BrakingACTIVENOTE: Confirm autobrake decelerating, transition to manual braking as needed. | |
| 07 | Reversers StowSTOWED BY 60 KTNOTE: Stow reversers approaching taxi speed. |
PHS 16 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Flaps / SlatsUP / RETRACTNOTE: Retract flaps and slats clear of the runway. | |
| 02 | Ground SpoilersDISARMED / STOWEDNOTE: Stow spoiler lever after clearing. | |
| 03 | AutobrakeOFFNOTE: Disarm autobrake, taxi on manual braking. | |
| 04 | Stabilizer TrimSET 3 UPNOTE: Reset stab trim toward takeoff range for next departure. | |
| 05 | Transponder / TCASSTBYNOTE: Transponder to STBY clear of the runway. | |
| 06 | Strobe / Landing LightsOFFNOTE: Strobes and landing lights off, taxi light on for taxi-in. | |
| 07 | APUSTART (AS REQUIRED)NOTE: Start APU for gate power if no ground power available. | |
| 08 | Taxi to GateCLEARANCE RECEIVEDNOTE: Follow taxi clearance to assigned gate or stand. |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Set parking brake at the stand, await marshaller or chocks. | |
| 02 | External Power / APUONNOTE: Connect GPU or confirm APU supplying buses before engine shutdown. | |
| 03 | Fuel Control Switches (1 / 2 / 3)OFFWARNING: Shut down all three engines. Confirm N1/N2 spooling down and EGT decreasing. | |
| 04 | Beacon LightOFFNOTE: Beacon OFF once engines spooled down - signals safe to approach. | |
| 05 | Seat Belt SignsOFFNOTE: Signs off, doors may be opened, slides disarmed. | |
| 06 | Fuel Pumps / Boost PumpsOFFNOTE: Switch off all fuel boost pumps. | |
| 07 | Exterior LightsOFF (NAV AS REQ)NOTE: Taxi, nav, and remaining lights off as appropriate. | |
| 08 | Hydraulic PumpsOFF / AUTONOTE: Set hydraulic pump switches as required for parking. | |
| 09 | IRU / IRSOFFNOTE: Switch off inertial reference units after parking confirmed. | |
| 10 | Air Conditioning / PacksOFF / AS REQNOTE: Set packs per ground requirement. | |
| 11 | APUOFF (IF GPU)NOTE: Shut down APU once ground power established. | |
| 12 | Battery SwitchesOFFNOTE: Final item for full cold and dark. Aircraft secured. |