Authors Note: During my real world flight training, it was drilled into me that a proper checklist and the

e 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. 2. Cut out extraneous actions, such as the collision and navigation lights, which the Left Windows Key-Home method activates. 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). 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.

3.

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 (1st 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 > On Wall Panel Intercom / VHF-1 / VHF-2 / Datalink Equip / SA-TLF / Datalink Power 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 Set Wingman Right Panel (Recommend Wingman mode: you exchange data with entire flight, not just leader) 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 st Check Tachometer 1 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 Set as appropriate Auxiliary Panel rockets (2) S-13 rockets (3 & 4) Not used (5) UPK-23 gun pods Check Tachometer 2nd 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.