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Bombardier Dash 8 q400
Bombardier Dash 8 q400
REV 3 03/12/15
p.1
Pre-flight Preparation
Before commencing a flight, thorough preparation should be completed to
ensure safe and efficient flying.
Preparation for the flight includes checking of:
• Route
• Weather (Departure, destination, en-route, alternates)
• NOTAMs
• Company notices
• Fuel figure
Fuel preparation
It is VBEE policy for the Q400 to uplift, in addition to the required trip fuel, at
least 5% contingency fuel (that is to say, an additional 5% of the calculated trip
fuel) and a MINIMUM final reserve figure of 400kg. No VBEE Q400 flight should
land with less than 400kg of fuel on board.
Naturally, the final reserve fuel and the contingency fuel can both be increased
at the Captain's discretion, taking into consideration any weather or operational
limitations. The standard taxi fuel figure for the Q400 is 70kg though once again,
more can be added if the Captain anticipates a long taxi (e.g. AMS or CDG).
Tankering fuel is acceptable, though it is company policy to land with no more
than 3,700kg of fuel on board unless in exceptional circumstances. Explanation
for landing with greater fuel quantity may be required.
Alternate airports should be chosen on the basis of weather, NOTAMs and
proximity. It may also be prudent to choose Flybe bases or destinations as
alternates where possible for operational ease (for example, Bristol or Exeter
would be good alternates for Southampton, depending on weather/NOTAMs).
At the aircraft
On arrival at the aircraft, the captain should ensure:
– Pins and covers are stowed
– Parking Brake set to PARK
– Nav Lights set to ON
– Circuit Breakers are all stowed.
External Inspection
Described in a separate document
The Cockpit Preparation panel scan starts from the top left of the overhead
panel (DC Electrical panel) and moves in a W shape to the top right (AC
Electrical panel). Thereafter, the scan starts from the Captain's left-hand
console, the glareshield, main instrument panel, pedestal and First Officer's
console, finishing at the oxygen gauge.
This is an expanded checklist, but also includes all items found during the panel
scan. Green items appear on the checklist, whilst blue items are ones that
should be completed but do not appear on the checklist. The scan should be
done first, and then supplemented by the checklist (i.e. not read-and-do).
COCKPIT PREPARATION
DOCUMENTATION.......................................................CHECK
Check presence of aerodrome/enroute charts, OFP, checklist & manuals
SAFETY EQUIPMENT...................................................CHECK
Goggles, extinguishers, axe, life jackets, escape hatch, flashlights, fire gloves,
hydraulic hand pump
LDG GEAR & PINS.......................................................CHECK
Open MAIN LANDING GEAR ALTERNATE RELEASE DOOR and check that
MAIN LG RELEASE HANDLE in normal position. Close the door.
Ensure LANDING GEAR EXTENSION INHIBIT SWITCH set to NORMAL and
red guard closed.
Ensure LANDING GEAR ATERNATE EXTENSION DOOR (on floor) 3 green
lights are illuminated, then close.
OVERHEAD PANEL
ENGINE INTAKE DOORS............................................OPEN
Amber OPN Lights on overhead panel
BATTERIES..................................................................CHECKED
BATT MASTER/MAIN/AUX/STBY should all be ON.
Voltages need to be checked (With EXT PWR connected, Batt should = <26V
for engine start, or 22V if starting on battery power only).
Temperatures should not exceed 25 degrees.
MAIN BUS TIE...............................................................TIE
ICE PROTECTION & WINDSHIELD.........................................................SET
All switches should be OFF, INTAKE switches should be OPN (green
light). All windshield switches should be OFF.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS.................................................................................SET
LANDING and TAXI lights should be off.
ELT.................................................................................... AUTO
FLIGHT DATA RCDR........................................................GND TEST
Check that FLT DATA RECORDER light on CWP goes out, then place switch
back to NORM.
PFD ALTIMETER UNITS.................................................AS RQD
Altimeter units in Europe are in FT, though if operating in regions with metric
altimetry, FT + M can be used.
FIRE DETECTION AND SMOKE...................................TESTED
DO NOT TEST APU FIRE PROTECTION if the APU is running.
Press APU FIRE TEST. Ensure illumination of
• APU FUEL VALVE CLOSED white light
• APU BTL ARM amber light
• APU FAULT amber light
• APU FIRE red light
• APU caution light
• APU EXTG light
• APU FAIL light
• CHECK FIRE DET warning (flashing)
• MASTER CAUTION & MASTER WARNING lights (flashing)
PRESS/PACKS...................................................................SET/CHECKED
Packs should be in AUTO
TEMP CONTROL for CABIN set to F/A and set for COCKPIT.
AC CONTROL.....................................................................SET
EXT PWR usually OFF, GEN 1 and 2 should be ON.
GLARESHIELD
FLIGHT/TAXI.......................................................................TAXI
STICK PUSHER and ELEVATOR TRIM SHUTOFF............ NORM
These selectors should be blank
CLOCK...............................................................................SET
Check chrono and ET reset, and that correct UTC time shown
GPWS TEST........................................................................TEST
Check:
• PULL UP and BELOW G/S advisory lights illuminates
• GLIDESLOPE and PULL UP aural warnings sound
If time permits, the GPWS TEST p/b can be depressed for longer than three
seconds. This will test all GPWS associated aural tones. If the test is not
satisfactory, wait 30 seconds before repeating.
PFCS................................................................................NORMAL
All PFCS switches should be blank and pushed out.
HSI SEL...........................................................................ONSIDE SELECTED
HSI SEL p/b should be pressed to toggle the flying HSI. If Captain is Pilot
Flying, there should be an <HSI message on the First Officer's PFD. If First
Officer is PF, the HSI> message should be shown on Captain's PFD.
SBY COMPASS..............................................................CHECKED
PEDESTAL
FMS......................................................................................ON/CHECKED
Turn both FMS computers on. Check database validity and press ACCEPT.
PITCH AND ROLL DISCONNECT........................................IN
Both yellow handles should be pushed in.
TANK AUXILIARY PUMPS..................................................OFF
Both buttons should be off and blank. Confirm on the MFD Fuel page.
FUEL...................................................................................CHECKED
Transfer should be OFF. Quantity should be cross-checked with Flight Plan.
Imbalance between tanks should be no greater than 272kg.
STBY VHF PANEL..............................................................OFF
CVR....................................................................................CHECKED
AUTOFEATHER.................................................................TEST
• COND LEVERS = FUEL OFF
• POWER LEVERS = DISC
Depress AUTOFEATHER switch. Messages on ED:
• A/F SELECT
• UPTRIM
• ITT and NH increase
• NTOP changes to NTOP
• Torque rating increases
• A/F ARM increases
• UPTRIM disappears
• MTOP changes to NTOP and torque ratings decrease.
• A/F TEST PASS message
After test complete, deselect AUTOFEATHER p/b.
If the test fails, maintenance must be carried out and the flight MUST NOT
CONTINUE.
EMERGENCY BRAKE.........................................................SET & CHECKED
Brake lever should be set to park and sufficient pressure should be verified on
HYDRAULIC page. At least 500 PSI is required.
CONTROL LOCK..................................................................ON
POWER LEVERS.................................................................DISC
COND LEVERS....................................................................FUEL OFF
ARCDU 1 & 2.............................................................................ON & SET
Set navigation and ATC frequencies required for departure.
TCAS test must be carried out first flight of the day.
To do this, select TCAS. Press EXP and line select against TEST. Wait for
TCAS SYSTEM TEST OK aural tone.
TRIMS...................................................................................CHECKED
Test elevator trim for full and free travel. Return to T/O range. Elevator trim
needs to be set as follows:
TAKEOFF CG% MAC = Forward 13.88%.........................USE AFT END of T/O Range
TAKEOFF CG% MAC = Aft 36%...........................USE FORWARD END of T/O Range
Aileron: Briefly release control lock and cycle through range. Then set needle to
centre and engage control lock.
Rudder: Cycle through range. Then reset to one needle width to the right (to
counteract yawing motion from propeller wash on takeoff)
RADAR.................................................................................OFF
Fuel Cross-check
In FUEL ON BOARD, insert ramp fuel minus the taxi fuel (usually 70kg).
Crosscheck that the GROSS WEIGHT section automatically shows aircraft
takeoff weight.
Once this check is complete, re-insert actual ramp fuel figure into FUEL ON
BOARD section. GROSS WEIGHT should now show the aircraft's ramp weight.
FMS routeing can be cross-checked using the PLAN display on the MFD. This is
optional but can be useful for spotting erroneous flight plan points.
Instrument Setting
PFD
• Flags not present
• Heading matches SBY compass
• HDG BUG matches departure runway heading
• Speed bugs set V1, VR, V2, VFRI and VCLIMB
• VOR & ADF set and displayed on HSI (as required)
• DH blank
• MDA should display acceleration altitude (default = 1000ft AAL unless
otherwise stated on aerodrome charts/company procedures
• Altimeters should be set to local QNH and elevation should be checked
with published aerodrome elevation
MFD
• Toggle through the various pages checking for functionality
• Captain's MFD should be set to ELEC
• First Officer's MFD should be set to DOORS
ED
• Confirm fuel figure agrees with OFP
• Check sensible engine parameters and indications
• Check NTOP set
ATIS
ATIS for the local aerodrome should be recorded and reviewed
Takeoff Data
Takeoff data can be obtained using the published VBEE Q400 charts or by using
the EFB provided by Aurasim. Weights and weather information inserted into the
EFB should be crosschecked thoroughly, as well as power and flap settings.
Use the SPEED BUG selector to set V1, VR, V2, VFRI and VCLIMB. The filled-
in triangle represents VFRI (flap retraction speed), whilst the hollow triangle
represents VCLIMB.
Always cross-check all data for accuracy before departure.
NTOP will be used for all departures and bleeds will usually be left in the
MIN/ON position for takeoff, unless performance tables do not permit this.
Departure clearance
Obtain departure clearance from ATC. Once obtained, set the altitude selector
and transponder appropriately. If ATC are not available (IVAO/VATSIM),
announce departure intentions on UNICOM using format “(CALLSIGN) Traffic”.
“EGPH TRFC, BEE6VA, DH8D, Stand 22, Pushback and Start for EGAC,
TLA6C departure rwy 24”.
Clearance
Always ensure start clearance from ATC has been obtained. Also make a visual
confirmation out of side windows that the engine areas are clear before engine
start.
Battery Start
Starting on batteries is not an approved standard procedure, but may be
performed in exceptional circumstances where neither APU or GPU are
available. There must be at least 22V bus voltage for battery start.
------------CLEAR TO START-------------
TRIMS...............................................................................SET
Ensure Elevator trim is set in takeoff range and according to the aircraft's CG.
Aileron trim should be neutral
Rudder trim should be 1 needle's width to the right to counteract yawing motion
when takeoff power is applied.
DOORS..............................................................................CLOSED
Confirm on DOORS SYS page that all fuselage doors are closed.
Flight deck door should be closed.
NOSEWHEEL STEERING..............................................OFF
This MUST be selected off prior to pushback to avoid structural damage.
BUGS..................................................................................SET
Read out bugged V1, VR, V2, VFRI and VCLIMB. Ensure set correctly on both
sides.
Cross-check bugged acceleration altitude on MDA bug.
PASSENGER SIGNS..........................................................ON
ANTI-COLLISION................................................................RED
APU BLEED.........................................................................OFF
BUS VOLTS.......................................26V (22V for Battery Start)
CHECKLIST COMPLETE
START PROCEDURE
• Engine areas confirmed clear and bus voltages checked
• Select start switch to #2 (#1)
• START light illuminates
• Depress START switch
• At first indication of NH on ED, set condition lever to START/FEATHER
• Monitor ITT and oil pressures (should increase to green)
ABNORMAL START
This includes:
+ No ITT indication after fuel selected ON
• Hot start (ITT goes above 920 degrees)
• NH decreases/does not increase
• No oil pressure or oil pressure below 44 PSI
In these circumstances, abandon engine start IMMEDIATELY by selected
COND levers to FUEL OFF and deselecting start switch.
DO NOT place COND levers to MAX whilst on or near stand area. All
personnel and equipment MUST be clear before MAX is selected.
TAXI
Taxiing should always be performed with TAXI light selected ON.
Any reverse taxiing or pushback is STRICTLY prohibited.
Wing inspection lights should also be used at night or in conditions of poor
visibility.
Taxi speed should not exceed 30 kts straight line and 15 kts in turns. Tight turns
(90 degrees or more) should be performed at MAX 10 kts.
Try not to 'ride' the brakes against power, as this increases wear and brake
temperatures.
INITIAL CLIMB
At acceleration altitude:
• Select Flap Zero (ensure above VFRI)
• Engage autopilot (if required – hand flying is acceptable but A/P greatly
reduces workload)
• Bleeds should be set to ON/NORM (or MAX if required). Check amber BLEED
indication on ED
• COND LEVERS set to 900.
After flap retraction, engage IAS mode and climb at 210 kts (or as required –
standard profile is 210 kts).
AFTER TAKEOFF CHECKLIST
LANDING GEAR...................................................................UP
FLAPS..................................................................................ZERO
BLEEDS...............................................................................ON&NORM/MAX
Only select MAX with full passenger load. This setting increases
fuel consumption.
CLIMB POWER....................................................................SET
CHECKLIST COMPLETE
CLIMB
Note when passing Minimum Safe Altitude.
Once transition altitude is reached, set 1013 on both PFDs. Standby altimeter
remains 1013 until passing 10,000ft (FL100). Check both altimeter indications
correct and synchronised.
Cabin crew are released, once aircraft has climbed above MSA, using the
ARCDU CHIME button.
Pressurisation system should be checked for normal operation. This check must
also be performed every 10,000ft in climb and descent.
Step climbs
If aircraft levels off before reaching cruise altitude, speed can be allowed to
increase to VMO -20 kts. When cleared to a higher level, use small and gradual
changes to allow aircraft to climb without making jolting movements or rapid,
uncomfortable pitch changes.
(E.g. when level at 6,000 and cleared to FL150 whilst aircraft flying at VMO- 20,
set new altitude and IAS Mode for VMO -30 initially, rather than reducing IAS
selection immediately to 210 knots. This would cause rapid and uncomfortable
pitch movements.)
Climb in V/S mode is NOT PERMITTED.
CLIMB CHECKLIST
ALTIMETERS.................................................................STD 1013
PRESSURISATION........................................................CHECKED
STBY HYD & PTU CNTRL.............................................BLANK
Ensure both switches are pushed out and off
FUEL PUMPS.................................................................BLANK
Ensure both switches are pushed out and off
AUTOFEATHER.............................................................OFF
Ensure AUTOFEATHER push-button blank
CHECKLIST COMPLETE
CRUISE
Use FMS estimations on FUEL or PERF page to establish whether the aircraft
will reach destination on time, late or early. If late, use VMO -10 kts as the cruise
speed. If time is not a problem for the flight, VMO -20 can be used to save fuel.
DESCENT
Descent planning can be made by using the FMS VNAV page. All descents
should be planned to be continuous or nearly continuous, with power as close to
idle as possible. Set the VNAV page using altitude restrictions published on the
STAR. If there is no published STAR or altitude restrictions, the VNAV page
should be used to plan to be at 5000ft with 15 track miles remaining.
The VTO page will show the descent rate from present position to each VNAV
waypoint.
Approach radio aids should be tuned, STAR routeing set in the FMS, TOD point
calculated and approach charts reviewed and briefed before descent if possible.
Descent should be flown at 230 IAS with power as near to idle as possible. Do
not forget to use ALTSEL mode for every altitude or level change.
Holding
Holding procedures should be completed at a minimum of 170 kts.
APPROACH
Once cleared to an altitude, set the local QNH on both altimeters and cross-
check. At this point, auxiliary fuel pumps should be turned on (green), STBY
HYD & PTU CNTRL turned on, AUTOFEATHER should be selected.
Landing lights must be switched on below 10,000ft (FL100).
Passenger signs must be on by FL100.
APPROACH CHECKLIST
ALTIMETERS............................................. QNH SET
FUEL PUMPS............................................ON
STBY HYD/PTU CNTRL............................ON
PASSENGER SIGNS.................................ON
Passenger signs must be on by 10,000ft (FL100)
CABIN.........................................................SECURE
CHECKLIST COMPLETE
LANDING
Landing is completed using Flap 15 or 35. Because Flap 35 produces
cumbersome flight
control behaviours, and also increases fuel consumption during final approach, it
should
only be used when operating into short runways (i.e. below 1800m LDA).
Reduced NP should be used whenever practicable. This is achieved by
selecting RDC NP
push button on pedestal and then selecting COND levers to MAX within 20
seconds. This
should be completed after landing gear extension. Do not use reduced NP if:
• Anti-skid inoperative
• Nosewheel steering inoperative
• Ground spoilers inoperative
• Performing a steep approach
• Performing a single engine approach
• Performing a CAT II approach
• Landing on very wet or contaminated
Landing Schedule
180 KTS (12-8 miles)....................FLAP 5
170 KTS (8-5 miles)......................GEAR DOWN (3 greens)
.......................REDUCED NP/COND LEVERS MAX
.......................BLEEDS ON/MIN
......................FASTEN BELTS SIGN CYCLED
......................MISSED APPROACH HDG/ALT BUGS SET
160 KTS (5-4 miles)......................FLAP 15
......................LANDING CHECKS
3 miles = Reduce to VREF.
For diagrams of specific approach types, refer to pilot library page on the VBEE
website.
GO-AROUND
Go-arounds can be tricky in this aircraft, so it is important to review the missed
approach procedure thoroughly before commencing the approach. It should be
completed smoothly and carefully, without huge pitch changes or violent control
movements.
To initiate a go-around, press the go-around switches on the power levers. This
sets the flight director bars to a pitch of 9 degrees nose up.
Smoothly apply full power and retract the flaps by one stage.
At confirmation of positive rate of climb, select the landing gear
up. Select heading and ALTSEL.
DO NOT exceed flap limiting speeds.
At acceleration altitude, select Flaps Zero, autopilot, Bleeds On/Norm and set
Climb Power to 900.
Carry out the AFTER TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.
AFTER LANDING
As soon as aircraft leaves the runway, select anti-collision lights to RED and
landing lights OFF.
FLIGHT/TAXI switch is set to TAXI.
When appropriate, deselect fuel pumps, AUTOFEATHER and weather radar.
Retract the flaps and select MAIN BUS TIE to ON.
If reverse thrust was not used for landing, Engine #1 can be shutdown
immediately. Select #1 power lever to START & FEATHER for 30 seconds and
then to FUEL OFF. #1 bleed can then be selected OFF.
Engine shutdown will cause cautions and warnings which should be checked
for anomalies.
The OSG test should be carried out according to the procedure stipulated on the
NORMAL CHECKLIST. This only needs to be done after the last flight on
Saturday night or if requested by technical personnel.
AFTER LANDING CHECKLIST
CONTROL LOCKS..........................................................ON
LIGHTS............................................................................SET
Anti-collision to RED, landing lights OFF.
FLAPS.............................................................................ZERO
MAIN BUS TIE................................................................. TIE
FLIGHT/TAXI....................................................................TAXI
ICE PROTECTION...........................................................OFF
Windshield heat off. All fuselage, tail, wing and propeller icing protection should
be deselected.
PITOT STATIC..................................................................OFF
This will provoke cautions which should be checked.
YAW DAMPER..................................................................OFF
WEATHER RADAR...........................................................STBY
SHUTDOWN
As the aircraft approaches the stand, switch off the TAXI light. Check hydraulic
pressures and note any failures. Once parked, set EMERG BRAKE to PARK
and carry out shutdown checks.
GPU can be requested and connected once COND levers are set to
START/FEATHER.
Ensure GPU connected on ELEC SYS page and then select EXT PWR switch to
ON.
Propellers should be set to START/FEATHER for 30 seconds before selecting
FUEL OFF.
SHUTDOWN CHECKLIST
BRAKE.............................................................................SET
FUEL PUMPS..................................................................OFF
HYD PUMP & PTU CNTRL.............................................OFF
PWR/COND LEVERS..............DISC/STRT & FTHR (30 seconds)
NOSEWHEEL STEERING..............................................OFF
RADAR...........................................................................OFF
TRANSPONDER/TCAS.................................................2000 SBY
ENGINE BLEEDS.........................................................OFF & MIN
APU/GPU.....................................................................ON
Ensure APU started OR GPU connected.
----30 SECONDS STABILISTATION COMPLETE----
COND LEVERS..........................................................FUEL OFF
PASSENGER SIGNS.................................................OFF
ANTI-COLLISION.......................................................OFF
CHECKLIST COMPLETE
SECURE
When leaving the aircraft, the secure checklist should be
used. INTAKE DOORS..............................................CLOSED
RECIRC FAN.............................................................OFF
EMERGENCY LIGHTS.............................................OFF
BATTERIES..............................................................OFF
IRS............................................................................OFF
ANTI-SKID................................................................OFF
Don't forget to submit the PIREP using SMARTCARS before ending the flight.
For reference to specific approach type diagrams, low visibility procedures, icing
and winter operations and abnormal procedures, see separate documents on
website (coming soon).
If there are any questions or suggestions for this document, contact the VBEE
CPO on the e-mail address located on the STAFF section of the website, or via
the forum.