MSFS 2024 · Airliner

PMDG 737-800 Startup Checklist

PMDG 737-800 Startup Notes

IRS alignment sets the pace of a PMDG cold and dark start. Get battery and external power or APU established, then set both IRS selectors to NAV early; full alignment takes several minutes and you can do the FMC POS INIT, route, and performance entries while it runs. Before engine start the classic Boeing gotchas apply: fuel pumps on for tanks with fuel, packs off, isolation valve open, APU bleed on. Start switch to GRD, then start lever to idle at 25 percent N2.

The most common mistake is lifting the start lever the moment N2 moves instead of waiting for 25 percent, which risks a hot start. Second is leaving the packs on, which robs duct pressure and gives a slow or failed spool. Third is rushing the IRS: taxi out before alignment finishes and you have no usable position or map. Set the IRS to NAV as one of your first actions and the wait disappears into the flow.

Common mistakes

Lifting the start lever before 25 percent N2
Leaving packs on during engine start
Taxiing before IRS alignment has completed

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Pilot Tools for This Flight

Fuel CalculatorTrip fuel and reserves Descent CalculatorTop of descent and rate SimBrief OFP PreviewReadable flight plan brief

FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist

PMDG 737-800MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 194 steps · 18 phases

DATE PILOT TAIL

PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning13 steps

	01	Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / SIGMET)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather.
	02	NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions.
	03	Operational Flight PlanREVIEWEDNOTE: Route, fuel, winds, and alternates. On the line this is the dispatch release plus the performance/weight and balance (PWB) message the Before Push and Departure Plan checklists call for.
	04	Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Taxi, trip, contingency, alternate, and final reserve. The Before Takeoff checklist requires minimum takeoff fuel to be verified against the release.
	05	Weight and Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Zero fuel weight and gross weight are set and crosschecked on the Before Push checklist.
	06	SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review the departure and the expected arrival and approach, including transition altitude and transition level.
	07	MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items and their operational restrictions.
	08	Takeoff PerformanceCALCULATEDNOTE: Runway, flap setting, N1s (reduced or MAX), V speeds, stab trim, and minimum cleanup altitude. All of these are set and read back on the Before Push / Departure Plan checklist. Takeoff flap settings authorized by the operator are 1, 5, 10, 15 and 25; flaps 2 is not authorized for takeoff (Southwest B737 AOM Table 3.18).
	09	Airplane LimitationsREVIEWEDNOTE: 737-800 AFM limitations: maximum operating altitude 41,000 ft; maximum takeoff and landing pressure altitude 8,400 ft; turbulent air penetration 280 knots / M0.76, whichever is lower; maximum takeoff and landing tailwind component 15 knots, with specific performance data required over 10 knots; maximum demonstrated takeoff and landing crosswind 33 knots.
	10	Minimum Dispatch Oil QuantityCHECKEDNOTE: Departure from a non-maintenance station requires 60 percent; from a maintenance base, 70 percent. Arrange oil servicing when terminating at a non-maintenance station below 65 percent.
	11	Fuel and Payload (PMDG)LOADED VIA CDU MENU, FS ACTIONSNOTE: The PMDG 737 does not load fuel or payload through the MSFS fuel and payload dialogue. Use CDU MENU, then FS ACTIONS at LSK 5R, which loads to real 737NG weight and balance practice.
	12	Ground Services (PMDG)SET VIA CDU MENU, FS ACTIONS, GROUND SERVICESNOTE: Chocks, ground power, ground crew connection and pushback are all called from the CDU rather than the MSFS toolbar.
	13	Optional Equipment (PMDG)CONFIGURED VIA CDU MENU, PMDG SETUPNOTE: Airframe options live under PMDG SETUP, AIRCRAFT, EQUIPMENT. The head-up guidance system is off by default and is enabled on page 11, INSTRUMENTS.

PHS 2 - Electrical Power-Up14 steps

	01	Battery SwitchON, GUARD CLOSEDCAUTION: Do not move the airplane until the Integrated Standby Flight Display alignment is complete.NOTE: First action in a cold and dark flight deck. Powers the DC standby buses and the standby instruments.
	02	Standby Power SwitchAUTO, GUARD CLOSED
	03	Alternate Flaps Master SwitchOFF, GUARD CLOSED
	04	Windshield Wiper SelectorsPARK
	05	Electric Hydraulic PumpsOFF
	06	Landing Gear LeverDOWNNOTE: Verify the green landing gear indicator lights are illuminated and the red lights are extinguished.
	07	Ground Power (if external power is needed)AVAILABLE LIGHT ON, SWITCH ONNOTE: Verify the SOURCE OFF, TRANSFER BUS OFF and STANDBY PWR OFF lights are extinguished.
	08	Engine No. 1, APU and Engine No. 2 Fire SwitchesINNOTE: Checked before APU power is selected.
	09	Overheat Detector SwitchesNORMAL
	10	Fire and Overheat TestFAULT/INOP, THEN OVHT/FIRECAUTION: Alert ground personnel before the test. Do not operate the APU if the APU DET INOP light fails to illuminate.NOTE: Hold to FAULT/INOP: MASTER CAUTION, OVHT/DET and FAULT lights illuminate. Hold to OVHT/FIRE: bell sounds and the master FIRE WARN lights illuminate.
	11	Extinguisher Test SwitchTEST 1 AND 2, THREE GREEN LIGHTSNOTE: Hold to position 1, verify three green lights, release, then repeat for position 2.
	12	APU SwitchSTART, THEN ONWARNING: Verify the APU exhaust area is clear before starting.NOTE: Spring loaded to ON. This is the item the challenge-response card assumes is already done.
	13	APU Generator Bus SwitchesONNOTE: Selected when the APU GEN OFF BUS light illuminates. Verify the APU MAINT, LOW OIL PRESSURE, FAULT and OVERSPEED lights are extinguished.
	14	Wheel Well Fire Detection SystemTESTEDNOTE: Done once AC power is established. Hold the test switch to OVHT/FIRE and verify the WHEEL WELL light illuminates.

PHS 3 - Preliminary Preflight14 steps

	01	IRS Mode SelectorsOFF, THEN NAVNOTE: A full alignment is recommended before each flight. ON DC lights illuminate then extinguish, ALIGN lights illuminate. Keep the airplane stationary.
	02	Oxygen, Hydraulic and Engine Oil QuantitiesSUFFICIENT FOR FLIGHT
	03	Maintenance Documents and Aircraft ManualsCHECKED
	04	Emergency EquipmentCHECKED AND STOWEDNOTE: Fire extinguisher, crash axe, escape ropes, life vests and protective breathing equipment.
	05	ELT SwitchGUARD CLOSEDNOTE: Verify the ELT light is extinguished.
	06	PSEU and GPS LightsEXTINGUISHED
	07	Flight Deck Access System SwitchGUARD CLOSED
	08	Service Interphone SwitchOFF
	09	Engine PanelEEC SWITCHES ONNOTE: Verify the REVERSER and ENGINE CONTROL lights are extinguished.
	10	Passenger Oxygen SwitchGUARD CLOSEDCAUTION: Activating the PASSENGER OXYGEN switch deploys the passenger oxygen masks.
	11	Flight Recorder SwitchGUARD CLOSED
	12	Mach Airspeed Warning Test SwitchesPUSH ONE AT A TIME, CLACKER SOUNDS
	13	Stall Warning Test SwitchesPUSH AND HOLD ONE AT A TIMENOTE: Each control column must vibrate. The test needs the AC transfer buses powered for up to 4 minutes.
	14	Circuit Breakers (P6 and P18 Panels)CHECKEDNOTE: Check carefully after maintenance action or an overnight, when breakers may be found pulled.

PHS 4 - Cockpit Preparation32 steps

	01	Flight Control SwitchesGUARDS CLOSEDNOTE: Verify the flight control LOW PRESSURE lights are illuminated and the STBY RUD ON light is extinguished.
	02	Flight Spoiler SwitchesGUARDS CLOSED
	03	Alternate Flaps Position SwitchOFFNOTE: Verify the FEEL DIFF PRESS, SPEED TRIM FAIL, MACH TRIM FAIL and AUTO SLAT FAIL lights are extinguished.
	04	Yaw Damper SwitchON
	05	Fuel Crossfeed SelectorCLOSEDNOTE: Verify the VALVE OPEN light is extinguished and the ENG VALVE CLOSED and SPAR VALVE CLOSED lights are dim.
	06	Electrical PanelSETNOTE: CAB/UTIL and IFE/PASS SEAT power ON. Standby power, battery, generator drive disconnect and bus transfer guards closed.
	07	Equipment Cooling SwitchesNORM
	08	Emergency Exit Lights SwitchARMED, GUARD CLOSEDNOTE: Verify the NOT ARMED light is extinguished.
	09	Windshield Wiper SelectorsPARK
	10	Wing and Engine Anti-Ice SwitchesOFFNOTE: Verify the VALVE OPEN, COWL ANTI-ICE and COWL VALVE OPEN lights are extinguished. Anti-ice is set for conditions on the Before Taxi card.
	11	Air Conditioning PanelSETCAUTION: With both the APU bleed and the engine bleeds open the DUAL BLEED light illuminates. Thrust must be limited to idle with DUAL BLEED illuminated.NOTE: Trim air ON, recirculation fans AUTO, packs AUTO or HIGH, isolation valve OPEN, engine bleeds ON, APU bleed ON.
	12	Lighting PanelLANDING, TURNOFF, TAXI OFF
	13	Ignition Select SwitchIGN L OR IGN RNOTE: Alternate the position on subsequent starts. Consider BOTH for the first flight of the day above 2,000 ft with temperature below 5 degC.
	14	Engine Start SwitchesOFF
	15	Mode Control Panel and EFISSETNOTE: Courses set, flight director ON (pilot flying first), minimums and barometric references set, mode selector to MAP.
	16	Autopilot Disengage BarUP
	17	ClockSET, UTC
	18	Display Select PanelMAIN AND LOWER UNITS NORM
	19	Takeoff Config and Cabin Altitude LightsEXTINGUISHED
	20	Disengage Light Test SwitchHOLD TO 1, THEN 2NOTE: Position 1 gives steady amber A/P, A/T and FMC lights. Position 2 gives steady red A/P and A/T with amber FMC.
	21	Ground Proximity PanelGUARDS CLOSED, INOP EXTINGUISHEDNOTE: FLAP, GEAR, TERRAIN and RUNWAY inhibit switches guarded.
	22	Landing Gear PanelDOWN, 3 GREENNOTE: Verify the red landing gear indicator lights are extinguished.
	23	Engine Display Control PanelN1 AUTO, SPD REF AUTO, FUEL FLOW RATENOTE: Move the fuel flow switch to RESET, then RATE.
	24	OxygenTESTED AND SET, 100%NOTE: Crew oxygen pressure must not decrease more than 100 psi during the test, and the yellow cross must clear when the test is released.
	25	Cargo Fire PanelCHECKEDNOTE: Detector select switches NORM, then push TEST. Needed once per flight day.
	26	Speed Brake LeverDOWN DETENTNOTE: Verify the SPEED BRAKE ARMED, DO NOT ARM and EXTENDED lights are extinguished.
	27	Reverse and Forward Thrust LeversDOWN, CLOSED
	28	Flap LeverSET TO AGREE WITH FLAP POSITION
	29	Stabilizer Trim Override SwitchGUARD CLOSED
	30	Radio Tuning Panel and NAV RadiosSET FOR DEPARTUREWARNING: Do not key the HF radio while the airplane is being fueled. Injury to personnel or fire can occur.
	31	Weather Radar Control PanelSET
	32	Seat, Rudder Pedals, HarnessADJUSTEDNOTE: Adjust the seat for optimum eye reference and verify a positive fore and aft seat lock.

PHS 5 - CDU Preflight10 steps

	01	IDENT PageMODEL, ENG RATING, NAV DATA VERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm the navigation database ACTIVE date range is current.
	02	POS INIT PagePRESENT POSITION SETNOTE: Enter the most accurate latitude and longitude on the SET IRS POS line.
	03	RTE PageORIGIN, ROUTE, FLIGHT NUMBER ENTEREDNOTE: Activate and execute the route.
	04	DEPARTURES PageRUNWAY AND SID SELECTED, EXECUTED
	05	LEGS PageVERIFIED AGAINST THE CLEARANCENOTE: Verify the correct RNP for the departure as needed.
	06	PERF INIT Page - Zero Fuel WeightENTEREDCAUTION: Do not enter the ZFW into the GW boxes. The FMC will calculate performance data with significant errors.
	07	PERF INIT Page - Fuel and Gross WeightCROSSCHECKEDNOTE: Fuel on the CDU, the dispatch papers and the fuel quantity indicators must agree. Verify gross weight and cruise CG against the papers.
	08	N1 LIMIT PageTAKEOFF AND CLIMB THRUST SELECTEDNOTE: Confirm the OAT is reasonable, then select assumed temperature, fixed derate, or both, plus climb derate as needed.
	09	TAKEOFF REF Page - CG and TrimCG ENTERED, TRIM SHOWNNOTE: Make the entries on page 2/2 before page 1/2.
	10	TAKEOFF REF Page - V Speeds and HeightsV SPEEDS, ACCEL HEIGHT, THRUST REDUCTION SETNOTE: Also verify or enter the engine out acceleration height, then verify the preflight is complete.

PHS 6 - Before Start - Originating6 steps

	01	LogbookABOARDNOTE: The originating block is done on the first flight of the day only.
	02	Landing Gear Pins3 ABOARD
	03	Fire Warning and OverheatCHECKED
	04	Start LeversCUTOFF
	05	Stab Trim Cutout SwitchesNORMAL
	06	Lights TestCHECKED

PHS 7 - Before Start17 steps

	01	FMCPROGRAMMED
	02	BriefingsCOMPLETENOTE: Departure briefing covers the clearance, MCP and VHF NAV radio, FMC route and the engine failure procedure as required items.
	03	Oxygen Masks and QuantityCHECKED
	04	EECsONCAUTION: For takeoff with the EECs in the alternate mode, reduced thrust is not allowed and both EECs must be selected alternate.
	05	Navigation SwitchesNORMAL
	06	Displays SwitchesAUTO AND NORMAL
	07	FuelCLEARED, CENTER PUMPS ON / OFFNOTE: Fuel on board is compared with the released figure and the center tank pumps are configured accordingly.
	08	Passenger SignsON
	09	Window HeatON
	10	Hydraulic PumpsA'S OFF, B'S ONNOTE: This is the operator's gate configuration on the Before Start checklist; the A system electric pumps come on later.
	11	PressurizationSET, AUTO
	12	Flight InstrumentsSETNOTE: Altimeters set and crosschecked.
	13	Auto BrakeRTO
	14	Takeoff Warning HornCHECKED
	15	Parking BrakeSET
	16	TransponderTA/RA
	17	Aileron and Rudder TrimCENTERED

PHS 8 - Before Push10 steps

	01	Zero Fuel WeightSET
	02	Gross WeightCROSSCHECKED
	03	PWB RemarksREVIEWEDNOTE: Performance and weight/balance message remarks.
	04	N1sREDUCED SET or MAX SETNOTE: Either the reduced (assumed temperature) N1 pair or the MAX N1 is set.
	05	RunwaySET
	06	FlapsPWB AND CDU AGREE
	07	V SpeedsSETNOTE: V1, VR and V2.
	08	Stab TrimSET
	09	Min Cleanup AltitudeSET
	10	Flight Deck DoorLIGHTS OUT

PHS 9 - Engine Start12 steps

	01	Secondary Engine IndicationsDISPLAYED
	02	Start ClearanceOBTAINEDNOTE: Clearance to pressurize the hydraulic systems and to start the engines.
	03	Start SequenceANNOUNCED
	04	Air Conditioning Pack SwitchesOFF
	05	APU Bleed Air SwitchON
	06	Engine Start Switch (first engine)GRDNOTE: Each start attempt is limited to 2 minutes of starter usage, with a minimum of 10 seconds between attempts.
	07	N2 RPMINCREASING
	08	Engine Start LeverIDLE DETENT AT 25% N2WARNING: Do not move the start lever to IDLE early or a hot start can occur. Keep a hand on the lever until the engine is stable.NOTE: If 25% N2 is not possible, at maximum motoring and a minimum of 20% N2. Maximum motoring is N2 acceleration of less than 1% in about 5 seconds.
	09	Fuel Flow and EGTMONITOREDWARNING: Abort the start if EGT does not rise within 10 seconds, if it nears the start limit, or if N1/N2 does not increase after EGT rises.
	10	Engine Start SwitchOFF AT 56% N2NOTE: Starter cutout on the CFM56-7B is 56% N2. Move the switch to OFF manually if it does not cut out, and verify the START VALVE OPEN alert extinguishes.
	11	Engine ParametersSTABLE AT IDLENOTE: Monitor N1, N2, EGT, fuel flow and oil pressure while the engine accelerates to a stable idle.
	12	Second EngineSTARTCAUTION: Do not re-engage the ENGINE START switch until engine RPM is below 20% N2.NOTE: Started only after the first engine is stable at idle.

PHS 10 - Before Taxi6 steps

	01	ElectricalGENERATORS ON
	02	Probe HeatON
	03	Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
	04	Flight ControlsFREE
	05	Flight Deck WindowsCLOSED AND LOCKED
	06	FlapsCDU, INDICATES, GREEN LIGHTNOTE: The CDU entry, the flap indicator and the green LE DEVICES EXT light must all agree.

PHS 11 - Departure Plan9 steps

	01	FMCPROGRAMMEDNOTE: The Departure Plan block is re-accomplished whenever the runway, flap setting or performance data changes after the Before Push checklist.
	02	BriefingsCOMPLETE
	03	PWB RemarksREVIEWED
	04	N1sREDUCED SET or MAX SET
	05	RunwaySET
	06	FlapsPWB, CDU, INDICATES, GREEN LIGHT
	07	V SpeedsSET
	08	Stab TrimSET
	09	Min Cleanup AltitudeSET

PHS 12 - Before Takeoff13 steps

	01	Min Takeoff FuelVERIFIED
	02	Departure PlanNOT REQUIRED / COMPLETE
	03	Attendant NotificationCOMPLETE
	04	ElectricalGENERATORS ON
	05	Anti-IceAS REQUIRED
	06	PacksAS REQUIRED
	07	BleedsAS REQUIRED
	08	Start SwitchesLEFT, CONTWARNING: Ignition must be on for takeoff and landing (AFM limitation).
	09	APUAS REQUIRED
	10	FlapsCDU, INDICATES, GREEN LIGHT
	11	Start LeversIDLE
	12	RecallCHECKED
	13	Engine Stabilization2 MINUTES AT IDLENOTE: Prior to applying takeoff thrust, operate the engines at or near idle after rollback for a minimum of 2 minutes on the NG. On the first flight of the day, a minimum of 5 minutes is required.

PHS 13 - Climb3 steps

	01	PressurizationCHECKED
	02	Start SwitchesAS REQUIRED
	03	APUAS REQUIRED

PHS 14 - Descent9 steps

	01	Center Tank Fuel PumpsOFF AT LOW QUANTITYNOTE: Boeing's amplified Descent Procedure sets the center tank fuel pump switches OFF when center tank quantity reaches approximately 3,000 pounds (approximately 1,400 kilograms on kg-configured airplanes). The exact wording depends on the airplane's AD/AMOC configuration.
	02	PressurizationSET FOR LANDING ALTITUDENOTE: Boeing amplified Descent Procedure: verify that pressurization is set to landing altitude. Start the Descent Procedure before leaving cruise altitude and complete it by 10,000 ft MSL.
	03	MinimumsSETNOTE: Set the RADIO or BARO minimums as needed for the approach.
	04	VREF and VTARGETSETNOTE: Enter VREF on the APPROACH REF page and verify it.
	05	Navigation Radios and CourseSET OR VERIFIEDNOTE: Boeing amplified Descent Procedure.
	06	Landing PerformanceCHECKEDNOTE: Boeing amplified Descent Procedure.
	07	Auto BrakeAS REQUIRED
	08	RecallCHECKEDNOTE: Recall and review the system annunciator lights.
	09	Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Boeing amplified Descent Procedure: the pilot flying does the approach briefing, then calls for the DESCENT checklist.

PHS 15 - Approach3 steps

	01	AltimetersSET
	02	PacksAUTO
	03	Start SwitchesAS REQUIRED

PHS 16 - Before Landing3 steps

	01	SpeedbrakeARMED, GREEN LIGHT
	02	Landing GearDOWN, 3 GREEN
	03	FlapsSET, GREEN LIGHT

PHS 17 - Parking13 steps

	01	Engine Cooldown1 MINUTE AT IDLENOTE: Prior to shutdown, operate the engines at or near idle for a minimum of 1 minute on the NG. When operational conditions permit, three minutes should be used.
	02	Parking BrakeAS REQUIRED
	03	Start LeversCUTOFF
	04	Fuel PumpsAS REQUIRED
	05	Window HeatOFF
	06	Probe HeatAUTO
	07	Anti-IceOFF
	08	Hydraulic PumpsELECTRICS OFF
	09	Start SwitchesOFF
	10	Oil QuantityCHECKEDNOTE: Recorded as a percentage.
	11	Hydraulic QuantityCHECKED / REFILLNOTE: Recorded as a percentage, refill as required.
	12	RadarTEST
	13	TransponderSTANDBY AND ZEROS

PHS 18 - Terminating7 steps

	01	Stab TrimGREEN BAND
	02	IRSsOFF
	03	Emergency Exit LightsOFF
	04	External LightsOFF
	05	Ground PowerOFF
	06	APUOFF
	07	BatteryOFFCAUTION: After the APU GEN OFF BUS light extinguishes, wait approximately 2 minutes on the NG before positioning the battery switch OFF.