Cessna 208 CaravanMSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 155 steps
Cessna 208 Caravan
MSFS 2024 - 0/155 STEPS
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General Aviation1980s
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Cessna 208 Caravan first flew on December 9, 1982, and entered FAA-certified production in 1984 as a rugged single-engine utility turboprop built for austere operations. Powered by the Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-114A delivering 675 shp, it became the backbone of bush flying, cargo, skydiving, and regional feeder operations worldwide. Its high-wing design with optional floats or skis made it uniquely versatile, and it remains in continuous production with over 2,600 delivered to operators in more than 100 countries.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerCessna (Textron Aviation)
first Flight1982
roleSingle-engine utility turboprop
crew1 pilot + up to 9 passengers
engines1x Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-114A (675 shp)
max Speed344 km/h (186 kts)
range1,982 km (1,070 nmi)
ceiling25,000 ft
weight3,629 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, and destination weather. Wind and icing conditions are critical for the Caravan. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for runway closures, TFRs, airspace restrictions, and destination field conditions. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | Fuel RequiredNOTE: Fuel burn approx 55-65 USG/hr (280-300 lb/hr). Add VFR reserves (45 min). Max usable fuel 332 USG. | CALCULATED | |
| 04 | Weight and BalanceCAUTION: Caravan is easy to overload with cargo. Verify payload + fuel is within MTOW (8,000 lbs) and CG limits. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 05 | Takeoff and Landing DistancesNOTE: Standard takeoff roll approx 1,160 ft at sea level. Adjust for density altitude and surface conditions. | CALCULATED | |
| 06 | VFR Charts / IFR ChartsNOTE: Review departure, enroute, destination, and alternate approach charts. | REVIEWED | |
| 07 | Flight Plan | FILED | |
| 08 | Passenger / Cargo BriefingNOTE: Brief seats, seatbelts, exits, no smoking, and sterile cockpit for passenger ops. | COMPLETE |
PHS 2 — Before Start13 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Control Lock | REMOVE | |
| 03 | Fuel Selector | BOTH | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity | CHECK - Adequate for flight | |
| 05 | Avionics SwitchNOTE: Keep avionics off until engine is running to protect from voltage spikes. | OFF | |
| 06 | Circuit Breakers | CHECK IN | |
| 07 | Emergency Fuel Shutoff | PUSH IN (Normal) | |
| 08 | Battery Switch | ON | |
| 09 | Annunciator Panel | TEST / CHECK | |
| 10 | Fuel Pressure Annunciator | VERIFY - Off after test | |
| 11 | Exterior Lights | CHECK - Beacon ON, others as required | |
| 12 | Prop AreaCAUTION: Visually confirm no persons or obstacles in propeller arc before start. | CLEAR | |
| 13 | GSX - Fuel TruckNOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | REFUEL COMPLETE |
PHS 3 — Engine Start12 steps
| 01 | Condition LeverNOTE: Must be in CUTOFF before engaging starter to prevent hot start. | FUEL CUTOFF (Full Aft) | |
| 02 | Power Lever (Throttle)NOTE: Set to ground/flight idle - not full forward. | GROUND IDLE (Flight Idle Detent) | |
| 03 | Prop LeverNOTE: Prop control to full forward (max RPM position) before start. | FULL FORWARD (High RPM) | |
| 04 | Ignition SwitchNOTE: Turn ignition to START. Ignitors should fire. | ON (Both) | |
| 05 | Starter SwitchNOTE: Engage starter. Monitor Ng (gas generator) winding up. | ENGAGE (Starter ON) | |
| 06 | Ng - MonitorNOTE: Watch Ng climb toward 12-15% before introducing fuel. | INCREASING | |
| 07 | Condition LeverCAUTION: Do not move condition lever to LOW IDLE before 12% Ng - risk of hot start or hung start.NOTE: Move from CUTOFF to LOW IDLE when Ng reaches 12-15%. This introduces fuel flow. | LOW IDLE (at ~13% Ng) | |
| 08 | ITT - MonitorWARNING: ITT must not exceed 1090 deg C during start. If ITT spikes toward 1090, immediately move condition lever to CUTOFF and continue motoring to cool. | RISING - WATCH CAREFULLY | |
| 09 | Starter - ReleaseNOTE: Starter cuts out automatically at ~50% Ng on most variants, or release manually at that point. | OFF (at ~50% Ng) | |
| 10 | NgNOTE: Engine should stabilize at ground idle. This may take 30-60 seconds. | STABILIZE ~65-70% GROUND IDLE | |
| 11 | Oil PressureWARNING: If no oil pressure within 30 seconds of start, shut down immediately. | CHECK - IN GREEN | |
| 12 | ITTNOTE: Ground idle ITT typically 500-650 deg C. Max continuous is 805 deg C. | CHECK - WITHIN LIMITS |
PHS 4 — After Start13 steps
| 01 | Generator | ON (Check charging) | |
| 02 | Ammeter / Voltmeter | CHECK - Battery charging | |
| 03 | Avionics Switch | ON | |
| 04 | Radios | SET - COM1 ATIS / Ground frequency | |
| 05 | Transponder | STBY - Set squawk code | |
| 06 | GPS / Nav System | INITIALISE - Enter flight plan | |
| 07 | Altimeter | SET - Barometric pressure | |
| 08 | Heading Indicator / HSI | ALIGN TO COMPASS | |
| 09 | Flight Instruments | CHECK - Airspeed zero, altimeter set, VSI zero | |
| 10 | Condition LeverNOTE: After engine has warmed to stable temps, advance condition lever to HIGH IDLE for taxi. | HIGH IDLE (Warm engine) | |
| 11 | ITT / Ng / TorqueNOTE: Verify all engine gauges stable before taxi. | CHECK - All within limits | |
| 12 | Flaps | UP - Check and set | |
| 13 | Trim | SET TAKEOFF (Neutral) |
PHS 5 — Taxi8 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 02 | BrakesNOTE: Test brakes immediately after beginning to roll. | CHECK - Depress briefly to confirm response | |
| 03 | Power LeverNOTE: Add power gradually. Caravan responds well to small power inputs for taxi. | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY to break inertia | |
| 04 | Taxi SpeedNOTE: Maintain slow speed appropriate for ramp and taxi conditions. | WALKING PACE | |
| 05 | Flight Instruments - TurnNOTE: Verify gyros respond during first turn. | CHECK - AI and turn coordinator respond | |
| 06 | Nosewheel Steering | CHECK - Responsive on turns | |
| 07 | Lights | TAXI LIGHT ON | |
| 08 | Transponder | ALT (if required by local procedures) |
PHS 6 — Before Takeoff / Run-Up17 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET (Hold Position) | |
| 02 | Condition Lever | HIGH IDLE | |
| 03 | Prop Lever | FULL FORWARD | |
| 04 | Power LeverNOTE: Perform engine run-up check at 1750 RPM (approx). | ADVANCE to 1750 RPM for run-up | |
| 05 | Magnetos (Ignition)CAUTION: If RPM drop exceeds limits, do not attempt takeoff. Investigate before flight. | CHECK BOTH - Max 150 RPM drop each, 50 RPM between mags | |
| 06 | Prop GovernorNOTE: Pull prop lever aft to cycle and check governor operation. Oil pressure should drop slightly then recover. | CHECK - Cycle prop lever forward/back | |
| 07 | Power Lever | REDUCE to IDLE after run-up | |
| 08 | Flight Controls | FREE & CORRECT - Full travel check | |
| 09 | Trim | SET TAKEOFF | |
| 10 | FlapsNOTE: 10 deg is standard for normal takeoff. Flaps UP for short field, 20 deg for soft field (increases lift). | SET - 10 deg for normal takeoff | |
| 11 | Instruments | CHECK - Altimeter, airspeed, DI, AI, VSI | |
| 12 | Fuel Selector | BOTH | |
| 13 | Doors and Windows | CLOSED AND LATCHED | |
| 14 | Seatbelts | FASTENED | |
| 15 | Transponder | ALT (Mode C) | |
| 16 | Lights | STROBE ON, Landing Light ON | |
| 17 | ATIS / Clearance | RECEIVED |
PHS 7 — Takeoff8 steps
| 01 | Runway Alignment | CONFIRM assigned runway | |
| 02 | Power LeverNOTE: Smoothly advance to takeoff torque. Max takeoff torque is 1865 ft-lbs. ITT must not exceed 805 deg C. | ADVANCE SMOOTHLY to max torque | |
| 03 | Torque / ITTWARNING: Do not exceed torque or ITT limits during takeoff roll. | MONITOR - Max 1865 ft-lbs / 805 deg C ITT | |
| 04 | Prop RPMNOTE: Prop should be at governed max RPM during takeoff. | CHECK - 1900 RPM max governed | |
| 05 | RudderNOTE: PT6 torque and P-factor require right rudder. Use full rudder authority as needed. | CONTROL - Right rudder to maintain centerline | |
| 06 | Rotation Speed (Vr)NOTE: Apply steady back pressure at Vr. Caravan lifts off easily, avoid abrupt rotation. | 70 KIAS - ROTATE | |
| 07 | Initial ClimbNOTE: Vx (73 KIAS) for obstacle clearance. Vy (103 KIAS) for best rate of climb. | ESTABLISH Vx 73 KIAS or Vy 103 KIAS | |
| 08 | FlapsNOTE: Retract flaps once positive rate established and obstacles cleared. Do not retract below 200 ft AGL. | RETRACT when clear of obstacles |
PHS 8 — Climb9 steps
| 01 | Climb SpeedNOTE: Vy 103 KIAS gives best rate. 110-120 KIAS reduces engine temps for longer climbs. | 103 KIAS (Vy) or as desired | |
| 02 | PowerNOTE: Maintain max continuous torque as performance allows. Reduce as needed to keep ITT in limits. | MAX CONTINUOUS - 1865 ft-lbs / 805 deg C ITT max | |
| 03 | Condition LeverNOTE: Condition lever should remain HIGH IDLE throughout flight. | HIGH IDLE (Verify) | |
| 04 | Prop RPMNOTE: Prop governor maintains 1900 RPM in normal operation. | 1900 RPM (governed) | |
| 05 | Flaps | UP (Verify retracted) | |
| 06 | AltimeterNOTE: Set standard pressure when passing transition altitude (18,000 ft in US). | SET 29.92 at Transition Altitude | |
| 07 | Lights | Landing light OFF above 10,000 ft (optional) | |
| 08 | Engine GaugesNOTE: Monitor ITT, torque, Ng, oil temp, oil pressure regularly during climb. | MONITOR every 5 minutes | |
| 09 | Ice / Anti-IceNOTE: Activate engine anti-ice and prop de-ice if visible moisture below +5 deg C. | CHECK conditions - Activate if required |
PHS 9 — Cruise12 steps
| 01 | Cruise Altitude | LEVEL OFF - Set cruise power | |
| 02 | Power LeverNOTE: Typical cruise: 1400-1600 ft-lbs torque at 8,000-12,000 ft for 155-170 KTAS. | SET - Reduce to cruise torque | |
| 03 | Prop RPMNOTE: Some cruise profiles allow slightly reduced RPM for noise and vibration reduction. | 1900 RPM or reduce per POH power chart | |
| 04 | ITTNOTE: Typical cruise ITT 650-750 deg C. Adjust power as needed. | MONITOR - Max 805 deg C continuous | |
| 05 | Altimeter | VERIFY - Set correctly for altitude | |
| 06 | FuelNOTE: Typical cruise burn 55-65 USG/hr. Check both tanks balanced. | CHECK quantity and burn rate | |
| 07 | Fuel Selector | BOTH (Verify) | |
| 08 | Radios | SET - Enroute frequencies | |
| 09 | Transponder | ALT - Verify squawk correct | |
| 10 | Navigation | CHECK - GPS course, waypoints, ETA | |
| 11 | Anti-Ice | AS REQUIRED for conditions | |
| 12 | Cruise Checklist | COMPLETE - All checks done |
PHS 10 — Descent11 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Destination WeatherNOTE: Get latest weather and altimeter setting for destination at top of descent. | OBTAIN | |
| 02 | Approach Plates | REVIEW - Identify IAF, altitudes, frequencies | |
| 03 | Radios | SET - Approach frequencies, nav aids | |
| 04 | GPS / Nav | SET - Destination and approach loaded | |
| 05 | Altimeter | SET - Local QNH from ATIS | |
| 06 | Power LeverNOTE: Reduce power smoothly for desired descent rate. Typical 300-500 ft/min enroute, increase on approach. | REDUCE - Begin descent | |
| 07 | ITT / Torque | MONITOR - Stay within limits during power changes | |
| 08 | Airspeed | MAINTAIN 140-160 KIAS during descent | |
| 09 | Fuel | CHECK quantity and crossfeed if required | |
| 10 | Engine Anti-Ice | ON if visible moisture below +5 deg C | |
| 11 | Lights | Adjust as appropriate - Landing light ON below 10,000 ft |
PHS 11 — Before Landing10 steps
| 01 | Fuel Selector | BOTH | |
| 02 | Seatbelts | FASTENED | |
| 03 | Altimeter | SET - Confirmed QNH | |
| 04 | Radios | SET - Tower / CTAF frequency | |
| 05 | Transponder | ALT (Mode C ON) | |
| 06 | Lights | Landing Light ON, Strobe ON | |
| 07 | Condition Lever | HIGH IDLE (Verify) | |
| 08 | Prop LeverNOTE: Advance prop lever to full forward prior to approach. Ensures max RPM available for go-around. | FULL FORWARD (High RPM) | |
| 09 | Landing SpeedNOTE: Vref with full flaps approximately 85 KIAS. Add half gust factor to final approach speed. | REVIEW - Vref 85 KIAS (Flaps 30) | |
| 10 | Briefing | COMPLETE - Emergency procedure, go-around plan |
PHS 12 — Landing12 steps
| 01 | Pattern AltitudeNOTE: Join pattern at 1,000 ft AGL and 110 KIAS downwind. | 1,000 ft AGL | |
| 02 | Flaps - DownwindNOTE: Select 10 deg flaps abeam landing threshold. Speed 110 KIAS or below. | 10 deg (Abeam threshold) | |
| 03 | Speed - Downwind | 100-110 KIAS | |
| 04 | Flaps - Base LegNOTE: Select 20 deg flaps turning base. Max 110 KIAS for flap extension. | 20 deg | |
| 05 | Speed - Base | 95 KIAS | |
| 06 | Flaps - FinalNOTE: Full flaps (30 deg) for normal landing below 100 KIAS. | 30 deg (Full) for normal landing | |
| 07 | Speed - FinalNOTE: Maintain 85 KIAS stable approach speed. Adjust for crosswind gust factor. | 85 KIAS (Vref) | |
| 08 | PowerNOTE: The Caravan is a draggy aircraft with flaps - maintain power on approach. Do not chop to idle on final. | AS REQUIRED for glide path | |
| 09 | ApproachCAUTION: If not stable at 500 ft AGL, execute go-around. Do not attempt to salvage an unstable approach. | STABLE - Speed, sink rate, alignment confirmed by 500 ft AGL | |
| 10 | FlareNOTE: Begin flare at 20-30 ft AGL. Reduce power smoothly. Aim for mains first touchdown. | GENTLE - Power to idle, round out | |
| 11 | TouchdownNOTE: Let mains touch first, then ease nosewheel down. Avoid hard nosewheel arrivals. | MAIN GEAR FIRST - On centreline | |
| 12 | BrakesNOTE: Avoid locking brakes. Use steady pressure and allow prop to assist braking if equipped. | APPLY - Firm, steady pressure |
PHS 13 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | Power LeverNOTE: Do not retract flaps or adjust anything until clear of active runway. | REDUCE to GROUND IDLE after clearing runway | |
| 02 | FlapsNOTE: Retract flaps after clearing runway. | RETRACT (UP) | |
| 03 | Lights | Landing Light OFF or as required for taxi | |
| 04 | Transponder | STBY or as instructed by ATC | |
| 05 | Avionics | ADJUST as needed for taxi | |
| 06 | Condition LeverNOTE: Keep HIGH IDLE for normal taxi. Engine needs time to cool before shutdown. | HIGH IDLE for taxi | |
| 07 | Brakes | CHECK - Verify cool and effective | |
| 08 | Taxi Clear | CONFIRM runway vacated - contact Ground |
PHS 14 — Shutdown / Securing14 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Lights | OFF (except Beacon) | |
| 03 | AvionicsNOTE: Switch off avionics before cutting main power. | OFF | |
| 04 | Engine CoolingCAUTION: Do not shut down a hot PT6A immediately after high-power operations. Heat soak can damage turbine components.NOTE: Allow engine to cool at LOW IDLE for at least 3-5 minutes before shutdown. Prevents hot-section damage. | IDLE 3-5 MINUTES | |
| 05 | Condition LeverNOTE: Move condition lever to CUTOFF to shut down engine. Do not use ignition switch to stop engine. | FUEL CUTOFF (Full Aft) | |
| 06 | Ng / ITT | MONITOR - Watch wind down to zero | |
| 07 | Prop | OBSERVE - Full stop before approaching | |
| 08 | Generator | OFF | |
| 09 | Battery Switch | OFF | |
| 10 | Beacon Light | OFF (after prop stops) | |
| 11 | Fuel Selector | OFF (if long-term parking) | |
| 12 | Control LockNOTE: Install control lock before leaving aircraft. | INSTALL | |
| 13 | Chocks / Tie-DownNOTE: Chock wheels and tie down if required by conditions. | SET | |
| 14 | GSX - Ground ServicesNOTE: GSX menu: Request fuel truck or ground power if returning to base. | AS REQUIRED |