Authors Note:

During my real world flight training, it was drilled into me that a proper checklist and the proper execution of said checklist is one
of the most important aspects of responsible flying. Instrument tests, run-ups, gauge watching, and systems checks are all part of
the process. Its all about safety since, in real life, missing a single checklist item can kill you. Many people have died because of one
omission or misstep during a checklist.
However, in the simulation world and with the limited amount of time many of us have to play there are times when we just
want to get flying. As much as the realist in me wants to go through the entire, proper startup process, I know my actual life isnt on
the line and that the virtual helicopter Im flying will work perfectly unless A) the mission is scripted otherwise and B) I screw
something up. (And in those situations, it just makes things that much more interesting!)
So thats where this checklist comes in. I use this method to power up the Black Shark as quickly as possible, and have been doing so
for about two months as of this writing. Ive found it the fastest method to go from dead cold start to lift off. Its even faster than the
Left Windows Key+Home startup, is far more satisfying since youre flipping the switches yourself, and Ive yet to have any issues
whatsoever with it in flight or combat.
Now, I will say this: Before you start using this checklist, I suggest learning the proper startup method. Learn what each switch really
does and how everything ties together in this wonderful, complex helicopter. Learn the ins and outs of the engine systems. Test the
Bitching Betty and the fuel gauges and the fire extinguisher system and the warning panel illumination lights. In short, learn the
right way to do things first. I even still occasionally do a complete, proper startup just to keep current.
But after youve done that what about those times you just want to get back into the fight? What if you want those wheels off the
ground in the least amount of time possible?
Thats where this checklist comes in. My overall approach was to:
1. Cut out extraneous actions, such as the collision and navigation lights, which the Left Windows Key-Home method
activates.
2. Streamline switchology. You can only start one engine at a time, of course, but why not setup both engines controls and
switches simultaneously, such as the engine governors and fuel cutoff levers? (One big difference between this checklist
and the real-life operation of the helo).
3. Make better use of time. Take advantage of each engines spooling time to power up and setup the remaining equipment,
instead of waiting until after both powerplants are online.
So enough chatter. Lets get this Black Shark in the sky without any undo B.S. ;-)
Happy hunting, comrades!
Mark WickedPenguin Rossmore


NOTE: This checklist references many different panels (Wall Panel, Auxiliary Panel, Right Panel, etc.). If youre unfamiliar with their locations, the PDF DCS:Black
Shark manual has a labeled overview of these panels on pages 22-24.
Initial Power-up and APU Start
Battery Switches 1 and 2 On Wall Panel
ABRIS Power Switch On Right Forward Panel
Fire Extinguisher Switch Auto Wall Panel
Weapon Control System Power Switch On Wall Panel (by Red ejection switch cover)
INU Switch On Auxiliary Panel
EKRAN/Hydraulics/Transmission Power Switch On Rear Panel
Fuel Pumps Forward and Aft On Wall Panel
BOTH Engine Fuel Valve Switches On Wall Panel
APU Fuel Valve Switch On Wall Panel
Fuel Quantity Switch (and check fuel gauge) On Wall Panel
Start up Mode Selector Switch APU Left Panel
Start Button Press Left Panel
Check APU (Listen for sound / ensure APU temp gauge rises and establishes at 600C) [APU starts] APU Panel (Left of collective)
Pre-Engine Start while APU spools
BOTH Red Engine Fuel Cutoff Levers On (Up) Left cockpit, by collective
Rotor Brake Lever Off (Down) Left cockpit, below Fuel Cutoff Levers
BOTH Left and Right Engine Generator Switches On Wall Panel
BOTH Left and Right Engine EEG Switches (Engine governors) On Wall Panel
Close Cockpit Door Right CTRL+C
Start Left Engine
Start up Mode Selector Switch Left Engine Left Panel
Start Button Press Left Panel
Check Tachometer (1
st
RPM needle starts increasing / engine sound / rotors start turning) [Left Engine starts] Right Front Panel
Complete Right Panel and Wall Panel functions, and (if needed) top off your helo while the Left Engine spools
All switches on Radio/Datalink power panel >
Intercom / VHF-1 / VHF-2 / Datalink Equip / SA-TLF / Datalink Power
On Wall Panel
NOTE: If your helicopter is not armed or fueled, or if you need to change your helmet mounted device, nows a good time to take care of that since it takes a
while. If you dont need to do that, skip the next three steps.
Intercom Source Selector Switch Ground Intercom Left Panel
Make your fuel, armament, and HMD requests with Maintenance [Comm menu]
Intercom Source Selector Switch (Once Maintenance completes tasks) VHF-2 Left Panel
PVI-800 Power Switch On Right Panel (below PVI keypad)
PVI-800 Master Mode Selector Switch OPER Right Panel (below PVI keypad)
Datalink Channel Set 1, 2, 3, or 4 Right Panel
Datalink Mode Selector Switch
(Recommend Wingman mode: you exchange data with entire flight, not just leader)
Set Wingman Right Panel
Three Ejection Power Switches On Wall Panel (under Red cover)
Standby Attitude Indicator On Wall Panel
IFF Power On Wall Panel
Targeting Navigation System On Wall Panel
Autopilot Dampener Buttons HDG, PITCH, and BANK Press they will illuminate Right Panel
Baro-Radar Altitude Switch RD (Radar) Right Panel
Signal Flare Power Switch On Right Panel
Check Tachometer 1
st
RPM needle Should be at 80% Right Front Panel
Start Right Engine
Start up Mode Selector Switch Right Engine Left Panel
Start Button Press Left Panel
Tachometer (2nd RPM needle starts increasing / engine sound) [Right Engine starts] Right Front Panel
Complete the Left, Center, Overhead, and Auxiliary Panels while the Right Engine spools
K-041 Targeting System Power Switch On Left Panel
Engines De-Icing/Dust Switch Set as appropriate Right Overhead Panel
Master Arm Switch On Center Weapon Control Panel
Laser Warning System Power Switch On Auxiliary Panel
Countermeasures System Power Switch On Auxiliary Panel
HP-AKC Selector Switch Adjust per weapon loadout. (0) S-8KOM rockets (1) S-8TsM smoke
rockets (2) S-13 rockets (3 & 4) Not used (5) UPK-23 gun pods
Set as appropriate Auxiliary Panel
Check Tachometer 2
nd
RPM needle Should be at 80% Right Front Panel
Set throttles + Shutdown APU
Engine Throttles to Auto (Tachometer needles increase / Shkval turns on) Page Up Key Twice
APU Shutdown Button Press Left Panel (Red and white button)
APU Fuel Valve Switch Off Wall Panel
NOTE: Youre ready to go! With this method, the HUD will not have powered on yet by the time you finish the checklist. Its perfectly safe to takeoff and fly away.
The main HUD will power on within a minute or two, with the airspeed indicator portion of it appearing a minute or so later.