MSFS 2024 · Airliner

McDonnell Douglas MD-82 Startup Checklist

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AIRCRAFT BRIEF

The McDonnell Douglas MD-82 is part of the MD-80 series, a stretched, re-engined derivative of the venerable DC-9 first launched as the DC-9-80 'Super 80'. Entering service in 1981, the MD-82 paired higher-thrust Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 engines with the long fuselage to deliver strong 'hot and high' performance on short-to-medium routes. McDonnell Douglas (later merged into Boeing) built roughly 1,191 MD-80s, making it one of the best-selling narrowbodies of the 1980s and a backbone of carriers like American Airlines, Delta, SAS and Alitalia.

RANGE VISUALIZER

Startup Walkthrough

SPECIFICATIONS

manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
first Flight: 1981
role: Short-to-medium-range narrowbody airliner
crew: 2 pilots
engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 (aft-mounted, ~20,000 lbf each)
max Speed: 925 km/h (Mach 0.80)
range: 3,800 km (2,052 nmi)
ceiling: 37,000 ft
weight: 67,812 kg (MTOW)

SOURCES

FLT2.0Checklist

McDonnell Douglas MD-82MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 168 steps · 16 phases

DATE PILOT TAIL

PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps

	01	Weather & AlternatesREVIEWEDNOTE: Departure, destination, en-route and alternate METAR/TAF. MD-80 is sensitive to gusty crosswinds on the T-tail.
	02	NOTAMsCHECKEDNOTE: Runway closures, navaid outages, MEL items.
	03	OFP / SimBriefGENERATEDNOTE: Operational flight plan with route, cruise FL and winds. Base MD-82 has no FMS, so loading is manual on the DFGC and radios.
	04	Block & Trip FuelCALCULATEDNOTE: JT8D-217 burns roughly 2,400-2,600 kg/hr per engine in cruise. Add taxi, reserve and alternate fuel.
	05	Weight & Balance / LoadsheetCOMPUTEDNOTE: Confirm ZFW, TOW and CG%MAC. The MD-80 is tail-heavy and CG-sensitive - a too-aft CG risks tail-tip on the ground and degraded pitch authority.
	06	Stab Trim Setting (Takeoff)FROM CG CHARTNOTE: Read green-band stabilizer trim units off the takeoff trim chart for the computed CG%MAC.
	07	Takeoff Speeds V1/VR/V2FROM CARDSNOTE: Derive from weight, flap setting, runway and temperature. Typical mid-weight: V1 ~138, VR ~143, V2 ~150 KIAS.
	08	Performance & Flap SettingSETNOTE: Choose takeoff flaps 11 or 15 per runway length and obstacles. Note flex/assumed-temp thrust if used.

PHS 2 — Electrical / Power-Up9 steps

	01	Battery SwitchONNOTE: Energises the hot battery and DC emergency bus.
	02	Battery VoltageCHECK 24V MIN
	03	External Power (if available)ON / AVAILNOTE: Connect GPU before APU start to spare the battery.
	04	AC / DC Bus Tie SwitchesAUTO
	05	Emergency Power SwitchOFF / NORMAL
	06	APU Fire TestCHECKNOTE: Confirm APU fire loop and warning horn function before start.
	07	APU SwitchSTART THEN ONNOTE: Hold START until lit, then release to ON. Allow 2 minutes to stabilise.
	08	APU GeneratorONNOTE: Place APU generator on the AC buses once external power is removed.
	09	Supplemental / Avionics CoolingAUTONOTE: Required to keep the older avionics and inverters within temperature.

PHS 3 — Cockpit Prep22 steps

	01	Overhead AnnunciatorTESTNOTE: Press annunciator/light test - confirm all caption lights illuminate.
	02	Landing Gear LeverDOWN
	03	Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Confirm brake pressure within the green band.
	04	Flaps / Slats HandleUP / RET
	05	Spoiler / Speedbrake LeverRET / FORWARD
	06	Engine Fuel LeversOFF
	07	Fuel Pumps (Tanks 1, 2, Center)ON AS REQCAUTION: Do not run center-tank pumps dry. Use center fuel first per loadsheet.
	08	Fuel CrossfeedCLOSED
	09	Hydraulic Pumps (Eng 1 & 2)HIGH / AUTO
	10	Auxiliary / Transfer Hyd PumpOFFNOTE: Used for ground hydraulic power before engine start if needed.
	11	Pressurization / Air Cond PanelSETNOTE: Set landing altitude, AUTO mode and cabin temperature.
	12	Pneumatic Crossfeed / BleedsSETNOTE: APU bleed ON for air conditioning and engine start.
	13	Anti-Ice (Engine / Airfoil)AS REQUIRED
	14	Exterior & Interior LightsSETNOTE: Beacon ON before any engine start.
	15	IRS / Compass SystemALIGNNOTE: Select NAV and allow alignment; insert present position if required.
	16	Altimeters (CAPT/FO/STBY)SET QNHNOTE: Cross-check all three within tolerance.
	17	Radios / NAV / TransponderSETNOTE: Tune departure, approach and ground frequencies; set squawk and STBY.
	18	DFGC Autoflight PanelSETNOTE: Set initial heading, altitude and speed; arm modes as required.
	19	Flight Instruments / FlagsCHECKNOTE: No warning flags on ADI/HSI; bugs set.
	20	Takeoff Stab TrimSET GREEN BANDWARNING: Set the trim units from the CG chart. An out-of-band stab trim will inhibit the takeoff warning horn check.
	21	Rudder & Aileron TrimZERO
	22	Takeoff Data / BugsSETNOTE: Set V1/VR/V2 speed bugs and EPR takeoff target.

PHS 4 — Before Start9 steps

	01	Loadsheet / Final WeightsCONFIRMEDNOTE: Verify final ZFW, TOW and CG match planning; re-check trim if changed.
	02	Doors & SlidesCLOSED / ARMED
	03	Beacon LightON
	04	Pushback / TugCONNECTED / CLEARANCENOTE: Coordinate with ground; brakes released only on tug confirmation.
	05	Fuel Quantity & DistributionCHECKNOTE: Confirm total fuel and tank balance against the OFP.
	06	APU Bleed AirONNOTE: Provides start air; air conditioning packs may be turned off during start.
	07	Air Conditioning PacksOFF FOR STARTNOTE: Off to give the APU maximum bleed for a clean light-off.
	08	Ignition SelectorAS REQUIREDNOTE: Normally automatic with the start switch.
	09	Start ClearanceOBTAINED

PHS 5 — Engine Start14 steps

	01	Start SequenceRIGHT (2) FIRSTNOTE: Right engine started first; it feeds the right hydraulic system and is clear of the jetway side.
	02	Pneumatic PressureCHECK 30+ PSINOTE: Adequate APU/ground air needed for a successful crank.
	03	Eng 2 Start SwitchENGAGE / PNEUMATIC STARTNOTE: Starter valve opens; N2 begins to rise.
	04	Eng 2 N2 Rotation20% MINCAUTION: Confirm oil pressure rising and N2 at the minimum motoring speed before introducing fuel.
	05	Eng 2 Fuel LeverON AT 20% N2NOTE: Introduces fuel and arms ignition for light-off.
	06	Eng 2 EGTRISING - MONITORWARNING: Light-off within ~10s. If no EGT rise or EGT exceeds limit, close fuel lever and abort the start (hung/hot start).
	07	Eng 2 Starter Cutout~40% N2NOTE: Start switch releases automatically; confirm starter disengaged.
	08	Eng 2 Stabilised IdleN1 ~21% / N2 ~57%NOTE: Idle EGT, oil pressure and fuel flow stable and in the green.
	09	Eng 1 Start SwitchENGAGE / PNEUMATIC STARTNOTE: Repeat the sequence for the left engine.
	10	Eng 1 N2 Rotation20% MIN
	11	Eng 1 Fuel LeverON AT 20% N2
	12	Eng 1 EGTRISING - MONITORWARNING: Abort and close the fuel lever on any hung or hot start.
	13	Eng 1 Stabilised IdleN1 ~21% / N2 ~57%
	14	Both GeneratorsONNOTE: Engine generators on the buses; check no parallel fault.

PHS 6 — After Start / Taxi14 steps

	01	APU Bleed / GeneratorOFF AS REQNOTE: Once both engine generators carry the load, APU can be shut down or kept as backup.
	02	Air Conditioning PacksON / AUTO
	03	Auxiliary Hydraulic PumpON IF REQNOTE: Provides additional hydraulic pressure for nosewheel steering and brakes during taxi.
	04	Hydraulic Pressure (L & R)CHECK GREENNOTE: Both systems ~3000 PSI.
	05	Flaps / SlatsSET TAKEOFF 11 / 15NOTE: Select planned takeoff flap; confirm slats to MID/takeoff and indicator agrees.
	06	Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full and free travel of ailerons, elevator and rudder; check spoiler movement.
	07	Stabilizer TrimGREEN BAND / SET
	08	Takeoff Warning TestCHECKNOTE: Advance throttles with config set to confirm no warning horn (config correct).
	09	Anti-SkidON / TESTED
	10	Transponder / TCASTA/RA AS REQ
	11	Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED
	12	Parking BrakeRELEASE
	13	Brake CheckPERFORMEDNOTE: Verify braking effectiveness at low taxi speed.
	14	Taxi & Nosewheel SteeringCHECKCAUTION: The long fuselage tracks wide on turns - lead the turn and watch wingtip clearance.

PHS 7 — Before Takeoff12 steps

	01	Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Departure, V-speeds, thrust, stop/go and emergency plan reviewed.
	02	Flaps / SlatsCONFIRM TAKEOFF SETTINGNOTE: 11 or 15 with slats takeoff/MID; indicator and lights agree.
	03	Stabilizer TrimGREEN BAND CONFIRMED
	04	EPR Takeoff TargetSET ~1.95NOTE: Set takeoff EPR bug per chart for temperature and field elevation (typ 1.90-2.00).
	05	Engine IgnitionON / OVERRIDE AS REQNOTE: Continuous ignition for takeoff in precipitation or contamination.
	06	Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
	07	Pitot / Probe HeatON
	08	TransponderTA/RA / ON
	09	Strobe / Landing LightsON
	10	CabinSECURE / REPORTED
	11	Takeoff ClearanceRECEIVED
	12	Line UpRUNWAY HEADINGNOTE: Verify runway and heading agree with the HSI.

PHS 8 — Takeoff9 steps

	01	BrakesHOLD / RELEASE
	02	ThrottlesADVANCE 1.4 EPR THEN STABILIZENOTE: Set ~1.4 EPR, let both engines stabilise, then advance to takeoff EPR (Auto Throttle System / ATS engages SRS-style guidance).
	03	Takeoff EPRSET ~1.95WARNING: Confirm both engines reach target EPR symmetrically; monitor EGT below redline.
	04	Airspeed AliveCHECK BOTHNOTE: Both airspeed indicators reading and increasing together.
	05	80 KTSCALL / THROTTLE HOLD
	06	V1CALL - DECISION SPEEDWARNING: Past V1, takeoff is continued for any failure.
	07	VR (Rotate)ROTATE ~143 KTSNOTE: Smooth rotation to ~15 deg pitch; avoid over-rotation to protect the tail.
	08	Positive RateGEAR UPNOTE: Confirm climb on both altimeter and VSI before raising gear.
	09	V2 / Climb SpeedV2+10 TO 25NOTE: Maintain V2 to V2+25 until flap/slat retraction altitude.

PHS 9 — After Takeoff / Climb9 steps

	01	Landing GearUP / OFFNOTE: Confirm gear up and locked; place lever to OFF to depressurise.
	02	Acceleration AltitudeLOWER NOSE / ACCELERATENOTE: At ~1000-1500 ft AGL accelerate for flap/slat retraction.
	03	FlapsRETRACT ON SCHEDULENOTE: Flaps up by the flap retract speed, then slats to AUTO/RET.
	04	SlatsAUTO / RETNOTE: Retract once clean and above slat retract speed.
	05	Climb Thrust / EPRSET ~1.90NOTE: Reduce from takeoff to climb EPR; engage autothrottle CLIMB if used.
	06	Climb Speed250 KIAS BELOW 10,000NOTE: Then ~290-300 KIAS / Mach 0.74 climb above 10,000 ft.
	07	Engine IgnitionOFF / AUTO
	08	AltimetersSET STD AT TRANSITIONNOTE: Set 29.92 / 1013 passing the transition altitude.
	09	Autoflight / Heading & AltVERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm DFGC capturing assigned altitude and route.

PHS 10 — Cruise8 steps

	01	Cruise AltitudeCAPTURED / LEVEL
	02	Cruise Thrust / EPRSET ~1.85NOTE: Set cruise EPR for Mach 0.76; trim for level flight.
	03	Cruise SpeedMACH 0.76NOTE: VMO 340 KIAS / MMO 0.84 are the never-exceed limits.
	04	Fuel ManagementMONITOR / BALANCENOTE: Use center tank first, then mains; keep tanks 1 and 2 balanced. Watch burn vs OFP.
	05	Engine InstrumentsWITHIN LIMITSNOTE: EPR, EGT, N1, N2, oil pressure/temp and fuel flow stable.
	06	Pressurization / Air CondCHECK CRUISE DIFF
	07	Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine and airfoil anti-ice in icing conditions.
	08	Position / NavigationCROSS-CHECKNOTE: Verify track, waypoints and ETAs; update DFGC/radios for the route.

PHS 11 — Descent Prep7 steps

	01	ATIS / Approach WeatherOBTAINEDNOTE: Runway in use, wind, QNH, transition level.
	02	Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Approach type, minima, missed approach and go-around plan.
	03	Landing DataCOMPUTEDNOTE: Landing weight, flap 28 or 40, Vref and target threshold speed.
	04	Landing Speed BugsSETNOTE: Set Vref and approach speed bugs (Vref ~132 KIAS typical at mid landing weight, flaps 40).
	05	Radios / NAV AidsTUNED & IDENTNOTE: ILS/VOR for the approach set and identified; course set.
	06	PressurizationSET LANDING ALTNOTE: Set destination landing elevation for cabin schedule.
	07	Top of DescentCOMPUTEDNOTE: Roughly 3x altitude in thousands = track miles; plan idle descent.

PHS 12 — Descent8 steps

	01	Descent ClearanceOBTAINED
	02	Altitude SelectSET / ARMNOTE: Dial cleared altitude into the DFGC and arm the descent.
	03	Thrust / EPRIDLE / AS REQNOTE: Reduce toward idle for the descent profile.
	04	SpeedbrakeAS REQUIREDCAUTION: Retract speedbrakes before flap extension and before the flare.
	05	Descent SpeedMACH 0.76 / 290 KIASNOTE: Then 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft.
	06	AltimetersSET QNH AT TRANSITIONNOTE: Set local QNH passing transition level; cross-check all three.
	07	Engine IgnitionON / AS REQNOTE: Continuous ignition for descent into precipitation/turbulence.
	08	PressurizationCHECK DESCENDINGNOTE: Cabin descending toward landing-field elevation.

PHS 13 — Approach11 steps

	01	Approach ModeARMEDNOTE: Arm APPR/LOC-GS on the DFGC; monitor capture.
	02	SlatsEXTEND (MID)NOTE: Extend slats at flap-handle dispatch speed to enable approach flaps.
	03	Flaps 11SET BELOW 280 KTSNOTE: Initial approach flap.
	04	Speed ReductionTO APPROACH SPEEDNOTE: Decelerate on the flap schedule toward Vref + additives.
	05	Flaps 15SET BELOW 240 KTS
	06	Landing GearDOWN - 3 GREENNOTE: Extend below 280 KTS; confirm three green and no unsafe indication.
	07	Flaps 28SET BELOW 195 KTSNOTE: Landing-flap range; slats to LAND.
	08	Flaps 40 (if used)SET BELOW 195 KTSNOTE: Full flap for short or wet runways; flaps 28 used for performance/long landings.
	09	Stabilize by 1000 ftON SPEED / PROFILEWARNING: Stabilized approach: on glidepath, on speed (Vref), gear down, landing flaps, checklist complete by 1000 ft AGL or go around.
	10	Auto Throttle / SpeedVREF + ADDITIVENOTE: Maintain Vref plus wind additive; spool engines (slow JT8D spool-up).
	11	Final Landing ChecklistCOMPLETE

PHS 14 — Landing9 steps

	01	Autopilot / AutothrottleDISCONNECTNOTE: Hand-fly the flare; disconnect by minima for a non-autoland approach.
	02	Threshold CrossingVREF / 50 FT
	03	Flare & ThrustTHROTTLES IDLENOTE: Smooth flare; close throttles at the threshold. Avoid a tail strike on a flat, fast touchdown.
	04	TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRST
	05	Auto Spoilers / SpeedbrakesDEPLOYEDNOTE: Confirm ground spoilers extend; deploy manually if they do not.
	06	Thrust ReversersDEPLOYWARNING: Stow reversers by ~60 KIAS to avoid FOD/re-ingestion.
	07	Wheel Brakes / Anti-SkidAS REQUIRED
	08	NosewheelLOWER GENTLYNOTE: Maintain directional control with rudder then steering.
	09	Reversers StowedBY 60 KTS

PHS 15 — After Landing7 steps

	01	Speedbrake LeverRET / FORWARD
	02	Flaps / SlatsRETRACTNOTE: Clean up flaps and slats once clear of the runway.
	03	TransponderSTBY / GROUND
	04	Landing / Strobe LightsOFFNOTE: Taxi and turnoff lights as required.
	05	Engine IgnitionOFF
	06	APUSTART AS REQNOTE: Start APU for gate power/air before shutting engines down.
	07	Auxiliary Hyd PumpON AS REQNOTE: For nosewheel steering and braking at taxi speed.

PHS 16 — Parking / Shutdown12 steps

	01	Parking BrakeSET
	02	APU / External PowerON LINENOTE: Transfer electrical and air load before stopping engines.
	03	Engine Fuel LeversOFFNOTE: Shut down both engines; note run-down time and EGT decay.
	04	Fuel PumpsOFF
	05	Anti-Collision BeaconOFFNOTE: Off once engines have spooled down.
	06	Hydraulic PumpsOFF / AS REQ
	07	DoorsDISARM / OPEN
	08	Flight Controls / TrimsPARK / NEUTRAL
	09	Exterior LightsOFF
	10	IRS / CompassOFF
	11	APUOFF IF GPU CONNECTEDNOTE: Shut down APU once ground power and air are established.
	12	Battery & Emergency PowerOFFNOTE: Final item with the aircraft secured on external power or fully cold.