Pre-Start Checklist

[NavyAce]

I have the original P-51D Pilot's Manual and have been comparing flying the simulation to what the book says. I have three more posts covering realistic engine starting, after start pre-takeoff checks, and some airspeed data to help in making good approaches and landings. Herewith the Pre-Start Checklist as it differs from that in the Training Mission.

 

The first few items can be dispensed with as they relate to seat positioning, seat belts, and rudder pedal adjustment, which are not needed.

 

Do a control check, after making sure that the stick is unlocked.

The carb ram air control should be in the rear (UNRAMMED AIR) position as this was where the manual says to leave it for all ground ops.

Leave the coolant and oil radiator switches out of AUTO for now. They will need to be manually opened later.

Check the Windshield Defroster and Hot Air Control knobs are set to OFF. To do this, look straight down to the cockpit floor, as these controls are under the forward edge of the seat. Then use the RCtrl+RShift+Num4

and RCtrl+RShift+Num6 to move sideways in the cockpit, and then use the Num* key to move forward so you can see under the seat. While down here you can check the left and right fuel gauges which are also under the forward edge of the seat. To check the fuselage tank, pan back up into the cockpit and swivel around to face the back of the pilot's seat. Now use the RCtrl+RShift+ Num6 combo to move to the right of the screen and you will see the gauge behind the pilot's seat.

Check the gunsight gyromotor switch ON (This is if you have selected GYRO on the rotary switch located on the subpanel below the left edge of the instrument panel.) The labels on the toggle switch are hard too read in normal view, but the ON position is down. (The labels are actually printed upside down). or

Check the gunsight selector switch to FIXED. (This is the other option on the rotary switch)

Gyro Instruments uncaged. (Mouseclick and twist)

Set Field Elevation. (Note altimeter)

Note Manifold Pressure reading (Needed for an after start test)

Fuel Boost Pump OFF. Turned on during start

Ignition switch OFF. Turned on during start

Landing gear lights (Battery Switch momentarily on to check then OFF). Check green light comes on and press rt hand light to make sure red light illuminates.

Check the red Landing Gear Fairing Door Emergency Release T-handle IN. This is located on the lower sub panel to the right of the fuel selector knob and is labeled Hydraulic Release Knob.

Check Oxygen Gauge for at least 400 psi.

Note that anything not mentioned here was covered in the Training Mission and was accurate as to switch or lever position.

This is strictly for those like me who are sticklers for realism and accuracy, as it does make the procedure a bit more difficult and time consuming. I will have the other three posts up within the next day or so. Please let me know if you find them enjoyable and informative.

NavyAce

[DarkMellie]

Hi Navy, I think this is helpful but it's virtually unreadable! Needs spacing and dot points so it's easier to read when you're in the cockpit.