MSFS 2024 · Airliner
PMDG 737-800 Startup Checklist
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.0Checklist
PMDG 737-800MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 164 steps · 15 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 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 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADEDNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Block fuel includes taxi, trip, contingency (5%), alternate, final reserve (30 min), and extra. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within structural and performance limits. | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Note transition levels. | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: V1, VR, V2, and assumed temperature based on TOW, runway length, and conditions. |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up6 steps
| 01 | Battery SwitchON (Guard Up) | |
| 02 | Standby Power SwitchAUTO | |
| 03 | APU SwitchSTART (hold until light)NOTE: APU EGT will rise - wait for stable. | |
| 04 | APU Generator Bus SwitchesON (Both)NOTE: Wait for APU GEN OFF BUS lights to extinguish. | |
| 05 | IRS SelectorNAV (Both L and R)CAUTION: Do not move aircraft during alignment (~10 min). | |
| 06 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power while engines are off. |
PHS 3 — Before Start16 steps
| 01 | Fuel PumpsALL ON (6 pumps)NOTE: L FWD, L AFT, CTR L, CTR R, R FWD, R AFT. | |
| 02 | Hydraulic PanelNORMAL (both pumps ON) | |
| 03 | Pack SwitchesAUTO (both) | |
| 04 | Bleed AirAPU BLEED ON, Engine Bleeds OFF | |
| 05 | Flight ControlsCHECK (full travel both axes) | |
| 06 | TrimSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Check loadsheet for trim value. | |
| 07 | FMC/CDUPROGRAMMEDNOTE: Enter route, performance data, and verify. | |
| 08 | MCPSET (altitude, heading, speed) | |
| 09 | TransponderSET ASSIGNED CODE | |
| 10 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 11 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | |
| 12 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | |
| 13 | GSX - Catering ServiceCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | |
| 14 | GSX - Passenger BoardingCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | |
| 15 | GSX - All Passenger DoorsCLOSEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback. | |
| 16 | GSX - Pushback RequestINITIATEDNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. |
PHS 4 — Engine Start12 steps
| 01 | Engine Start SelectorGND | |
| 02 | Engine 2 N2WAIT - Monitor rotation to ~20%NOTE: Right engine first is standard. | |
| 03 | Engine 2 Start LeverCUTOFF → IDLE (at ~20% N2)CAUTION: Watch EGT - abort if exceeding limits. | |
| 04 | Engine 2STABILIZE - CHECK Oil Pressure, N1, EGTWARNING: Shut down if no oil pressure in 60 seconds. | |
| 05 | Engine 1 N2WAIT - Monitor rotation to ~20% | |
| 06 | Engine 1 Start LeverCUTOFF → IDLE (at ~20% N2) | |
| 07 | Engine 1STABILIZE - CHECK Oil Pressure, N1, EGT | |
| 08 | Engine Start SelectorOFF (after both stable) | |
| 09 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 10 | Engine BleedsON (Both) | |
| 11 | Pack SwitchesVERIFY AUTO | |
| 12 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)DISCONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. |
PHS 5 — After Start / Taxi10 steps
| 01 | GeneratorsVERIFY ON (Both)NOTE: GEN OFF BUS lights should be out. | |
| 02 | APUOFF | |
| 03 | Hydraulic PressureCHECK (all systems green) | |
| 04 | Probe HeatON | |
| 05 | Anti-IceAS REQUIREDNOTE: Engine anti-ice ON if OAT <10C and visible moisture. | |
| 06 | Taxi LightON | |
| 07 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Typically 5 or 15 - check performance. | |
| 08 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 09 | BrakesCHECK DURING TAXI | |
| 10 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK DURING TAXI |
PHS 6 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETED | |
| 02 | MCPSET (altitude, heading, IAS/Mach) | |
| 03 | Flight DirectorsON (Both) | |
| 04 | FlapsVERIFY takeoff setting (1, 5, 15, or 25)NOTE: Check CDU TAKEOFF REF page. | |
| 05 | TrimVERIFY set for takeoff | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeDOWN DETENT | |
| 07 | AutobrakeRTO | |
| 08 | TransponderTA/RANOTE: Set before entering runway. | |
| 09 | Landing LightsON | |
| 10 | Strobe LightsON | |
| 11 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 12 | Taxi LightOFF | |
| 13 | Body Gear SteeringOFFNOTE: Verify on ground panel. | |
| 14 | Engine Start SwitchesCONTNOTE: Provides continuous ignition for takeoff. |
PHS 7 — Takeoff11 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversADVANCE to ~40% N1 | |
| 03 | EnginesSTABILIZENOTE: Check symmetric thrust. | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversTOGA or FLXNOTE: Engage autothrottle. | |
| 06 | FMAVERIFY modesCAUTION: Reject if FMA shows unexpected modes. | |
| 07 | 80 KnotsCALLOUT - cross-check airspeed | |
| 08 | V1CALLOUT - committed to flyWARNING: Do not reject above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. | |
| 09 | VRROTATE - pitch 15° nose upNOTE: Smooth rotation at ~3°/sec. | |
| 10 | Positive ClimbCONFIRMED | |
| 11 | Landing GearUP |
PHS 8 — After Takeoff / Climb11 steps
| 01 | Thrust ReductionAT acceleration altitudeNOTE: Typically 1,000-1,500 ft AGL. | |
| 02 | AutopilotON (CMD A) | |
| 03 | FlapsRETRACT on scheduleNOTE: Retract incrementally with airspeed increase. | |
| 04 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP | |
| 05 | Engine Start SwitchesAUTO | |
| 06 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM DOWN | |
| 07 | Taxi Light / Runway TurnoffOFF | |
| 08 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsOFF | |
| 09 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignOFF (conditions permitting) | |
| 10 | Transition Altitude - AltimeterSET STD (29.92 / 1013) | |
| 11 | Climb PowerSETNOTE: Verify autothrottle maintaining correct N1. |
PHS 9 — Cruise7 steps
| 01 | AltitudeVERIFY at cruise FL | |
| 02 | AutopilotON - verify LNAV/VNAV or HDG/ALT | |
| 03 | Engine ParametersCHECK normal | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity & BalanceCHECKNOTE: Verify fuel burn matches flight plan. | |
| 05 | Flight ProgressMONITOR on CDU LEGS page | |
| 06 | RadiosSET for ATC sectors | |
| 07 | Seat Belt SignAS REQUIRED |
PHS 10 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATISOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, wind, runway, transition level. | |
| 02 | CDU - ARRIVALS PageSELECT STAR and approach | |
| 03 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review chart, minimums, missed approach. | |
| 04 | MCP AltitudeSET first constraint | |
| 05 | AutobrakeSET (1, 2, or 3) | |
| 06 | ILS FrequencySET and IDENTIFIEDNOTE: Verify on both nav radios. | |
| 07 | Landing AltitudeSET on pressurization panel | |
| 08 | VREFSET on CDU APPROACH REF page |
PHS 11 — Descent7 steps
| 01 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 02 | MCP AltitudeSET cleared altitude | |
| 03 | VNAVENGAGEDNOTE: Or use V/S or LVL CHG for manual descent. | |
| 04 | Transition Level - AltimeterSET local QNHNOTE: Cross-check both altimeters. | |
| 05 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsON | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belt SignON | |
| 07 | SpeedBELOW 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft |
PHS 12 — Approach13 steps
| 01 | Speed BrakeARMNOTE: Arm for landing. | |
| 02 | Flaps 1SETNOTE: At flap maneuvering speed. | |
| 03 | APP ButtonPRESS when cleared for approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S capture. | |
| 04 | Flaps 5SET | |
| 05 | Landing GearDOWN | |
| 06 | Flaps 15SET | |
| 07 | Flaps 30 (or 40)SET for landingNOTE: Flaps 30 typical, 40 for shortest landing. | |
| 08 | SpeedVREF + wind additive | |
| 09 | Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 3 green lights | |
| 10 | AutobrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 11 | Speed BrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 12 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 13 | Taxi LightON |
PHS 13 — Landing10 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft - Stabilized ApproachVERIFYWARNING: Go around if not stabilized by 1,000 ft AGL. | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotDISCONNECTNOTE: Or leave for autoland CAT II/III. | |
| 03 | VREFMAINTAINNOTE: Adjust for wind. | |
| 04 | Flare (~30 ft)REDUCE descent rateNOTE: Gentle backstick, aim for 1,000 ft markers. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE at touchdown | |
| 06 | SpeedbrakeVERIFY DEPLOYED | |
| 07 | Reverse ThrustSELECTNOTE: Max reverse for wet/short runways. | |
| 08 | AutobrakeVERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 09 | 80 KnotsREVERSE IDLE - stow reversers | |
| 10 | 60 KnotsMANUAL braking as needed |
PHS 14 — After Landing12 steps
| 01 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED | |
| 02 | FlapsUP | |
| 03 | Speed BrakeDOWN | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF | |
| 05 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 06 | Taxi LightON | |
| 07 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 08 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 09 | AutobrakeOFF | |
| 10 | APUSTARTNOTE: Start for bleed air at gate. | |
| 11 | Weather RadarOFF | |
| 12 | Probe HeatOFF |
PHS 15 — Parking / Shutdown19 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Taxi LightOFF | |
| 03 | Runway Turnoff LightsOFF | |
| 04 | APU GeneratorON (Both buses) | |
| 05 | Engine Start LeversCUTOFF (Both) | |
| 06 | Seat Belt SignOFF | |
| 07 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 08 | Fuel PumpsALL OFF | |
| 09 | Hydraulic PumpsOFF | |
| 10 | Pack SwitchesOFF | |
| 11 | Engine BleedsOFF | |
| 12 | IRS SelectorsOFF (Both) | |
| 13 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 14 | APUOFFNOTE: Allow 2 min cooling. | |
| 15 | Standby PowerOFF | |
| 16 | BatteryOFF | |
| 17 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power for turnaround. | |
| 18 | GSX - Jetway / StairsCONNECTEDNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | |
| 19 | GSX - Passenger DeboardingCOMPLETENOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate. |