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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 methodactivates.

2. Streamline switchology.You can only start one engine at a time, of course, but why not setup both engines controls andswitches 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

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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 PanelFuel 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 PanelStart 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 >

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 1st

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 PanelMaster 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 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.