TO 1P-51-476CL-1

FLIGHT CREW CHECKLIST

PILOT
476th vFG SERIES
P-51 AIRCRAFT
Prepared by Snoopy (paulrkiii)

WARNING
NOT SUITED FOR REAL OPERATIONS
MADE FOR DCS: P-51

th

PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE 476 vFG COMMAND STAFF

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INTRODUCTION
CONTENT.
This checklist consists of two parts: normal procedures, combat procedures,
and emergency procedures. Emergency procedures are identified by a black
and white checkerboard border on each page.
Table of Contents
NORMAL PROCEDURES
PRIOR TO ENGINE START.
STARTING ENGINES
TAXI..
BEFORE TAKEOFF..
NORMAL TAKEOFF.
MINIMUM RUN TAKEOFF
AIRBORNE.
INITIAL APPROACH.
LANDING.
AFTER LANDING..
ENGINE SHUTDOWN..
HOT REFUELING..

4
5
5
5
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
8

COMBAT PROCEDURES
FENCE IN
FENCE OUT

9
9

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
ENGINE OVERHEATING
ENGINE AIR RESTART.
ENGINE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF RUN..
ENGINE FAILURE ON AFTER TAKEOFF.
ENGINE FAILURE IN FLIGHT...
RUNAWAY PROPELLERS
FIRE
BELLY LANDING
BRAKE FAILURE
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE
BAILING OUT..

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10
10
10
11
11
11
12
12
12
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APPENDIX A (P-51 COCKPIT PANEL REFERENCES)..

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PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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LAUNCH COCKPIT SETUP

PRIOR TO ENGINE START
1. Flap Handle - UP. L1
2. Carburetor air control - RAM AIR. L1
3. Trim tabs: L2
a. Rudder - 5 degrees
b. Aileron - 0
c. Elevator:
i. No combat tanks/fuselage tank full - 2 degrees.
ii. Combat tanks/fuselage tank full - 4 degrees.
4. Landing gear handle - DOWN. L2
5. Left fuel gauge - CHECK.
6. Mixture control - IDLE CUT-OFF. L5
7. Propeller control - INCREASE (full fwd). L6
8. Throttle - START. L5
9. Armament switches - START.
a. Bomb & Rocket - OFF. C6
b. Gun safety switch - OFF. C6
c. Gunsight selector-dimmer - ON. C1
10. Altimeter - SET. C4
11. Directional gyro - UNCAGE. C4
12. Flight Indicator - UNCAGE. C4
13. Parking brakes - SET. C6
14. Supercharger - AUTO. C8
15. Fuel shut-off valve - ON. C8
16. Fuel selector valve - SET to tank which vapor
return line is connected. C8
17. Right fuel gauge - CHECK.
18. Fuel booster - ON. C5
19. Ignition switch - BOTH. C5
20. Generator switch- ON. R2
21. Battery switch- ON. R2
22. Coolant & Oil switches - CLOSE to OPEN several times. L4
Listen to determine if doors are operating
23. Landing Gear Warning Lights- CHECK. C6
24. Oxygen Pressure- CHECK, 400 PSI. C7
25. Lighting (Night Ops) - CHECK.
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STARTING ENGINES
1. Engine primer switch- 3 to 4 seconds if cold, 1 if hot. C5
2. Starter switch- hold START. C5
3. Mixture control - RUN. L5
NOTE

If the engine cuts out after starting, return the mixture control
immediately to IDLE CUT-OFF.

4. Oil pressure - CHECK. C3

At least 50 PSI within 30 seconds
5. Engine RPM - CHECK. C3
Idle 1200-1300 until oil reaches 40 degrees C & oil pressure steady
6. Suction Gauge - CHECK. C2
Between 3.75 to 4.25
7. Engine Instruments - MONITOR. C3
Engine warmed up:
8. Engine RPM - CHECK. C3
Idle at 1000

TAXI
NOTE:
When the aircraft is in a 3-point attitude, the nose restricts forward
visibility. This means that in taxiing, you must keep zig-zagging
(or "S-ing") continually.
1. Parking break OFF. C6
2. Canopy - OPEN. R1
3. Flight Stick - SLIGHTLY AFT (lock tail wheel).

NOTE:
If sharp turns are needed unlock tail wheel by pushing stick
forward.

BEFORE TAKEOFF
1. Takeoff trim - Check. L2
2. Fuel selector valve MAIN TANK L.H. C8

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3. Primary flight controls CHECK.
4. Altimeter SET. C4
5. Directional Gyro SET. C4
6. Flight Indicator SET. C4
7. Fuel boost pump switch ON. C5
8. Primer switch OFF. C5
9. Flaps UP (15-20 degree down for minimum takeoff run). L1
10. Trim tabs: L2
a. Rudder - 5 degrees
b. Aileron - 0
c. Elevator:
i. No combat tanks/fuselage tank full - 2 degrees.
Ii .Combat tanks/fuselage tank full - 4 degrees.
11. Propeller control full INCREASE. L5
12. Throttle ADVANCE. L5
Obtain 2300 RPM manifold pressure should read in.Hg less than
field barometric pressure within +/- in.Hg.
13. Ignition switches: C5
a. Move from BOTH to L, back to BOTH, then to R, and back to BOTH.
b. Allow engine speed to stabilize at BOTH between checks.
c. Maximum drop of 100 RPM is allowable for the right magneto
d. 120 RPM drop for the left magneto.
14. Throttle IDLE (against stop). L5
Idle should be between 650 to 700 RPM
15. Engine CHECK. L5
Advance throttle from idle to 2300 RPM. Engine should accelerate and
decelerate smoothly ; note tendency to backfire
16. Carburetor ram-air control lever RAM AIR. L1
17. Mixture control RUN. L5
18. Supercharger control switch AUTO. C5
19. Radiator air control switch AUTOMATIC. L4
20. Oil air control switch AUTOMATIC. L4
21. Recognition Lights STEADY. R2

NORMAL TAKEOFF
1. Ensure Area clear, no ACFT inbound
2. Brakes - RELEASE.
3. Stick SLIGHTLY AFT.
To lock tail wheel
4. Throttle ADVANCE (smoothly & steadily) to TAKEOFF POWER.

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61 in.Hg @ 3000 RPM L5

NOTE
Do not lift the tail too soon this increases torque action. Pushing the
stick forward unlocks the tail wheel, thereby making steering
difficult. Hold the tail down until sufficient speed for rudder control is
attained then raise the tail slowly.

MINIMUM-RUN TAKEOFF
1. Same as normal except:
2. Flap Handle SET (15-20 degrees). L1

AIRBORNE
1. Gear Handle - Raise Handle - light off. L2
2. Flaps (if lowered) - UP. L1
3. Engine - Gauges in Green. C3
4. Trim - As Required.
5. Radio - Call Airborne.
@ 500 Feet
6. Engine THROTTLE BACK. L5 & C3

INITIAL APPROACH
1. K-14 gyro selector switch FIXED. C4
2. Fuel selector valve SELECT (fullest internal tank). L2
3. Fuel boost pump switch ON. C5
4. Mixture control RUN. L5
5. Carburetor Air Control SET as required. L5
6. Radiator air control switch AUTOMATIC. L4
7. Oil air control switch AUTOMATIC. L4
8. Prop Control 2700 RPM. L5 & C3
9. Landing gear handle DOWN. L2
170 mph or less
Verify Green light.
10. Flaps FULL DOWN. L1
165 mph or less

LANDING
1. Airspeed 112 to 120 mph. C4

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2. Throttle CLOSE. L5
3. Stick SLIGHTLY AFT on touchdown

AFTER LANDING
After Touchdown.
1. Throttle - 1000 RPM. L5
2. Wheel brakes - As required.
After Clearing the Active Runway.
1. Canopy - OPEN. R1
2. Radiator air control switch - OPEN. L4
3. Oil air control switch OPEN. L4
4. Flap Handle UP. L4
5. Radiator air control switch OFF. L4
6. Oil air control switch OFF. L4
7. Trim tabs NEUTRAL. L2
8. Propeller control full INCREASE. L5
10. Fuel boost pump switch OFF. C5

ENGINE SHUTDOWN
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Propeller control FULL FOWARD. L5

Throttle IDLE @ 1500 RMP. L5
Fuel boost pump switch OFF. C5
Mixture control IDLE CUT-OFF. L5
Ignition switch OFF. C5
Electrical Control Panel All switches OFF. R2
Carburetor air control handle UNRAMMED FILTERED AIR. L1

HOT REFUELING
1. AFTER LANDING checklist - Complete.
2. De-arming - Complete (if required).
3. Establish Communication with Ground Crew

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COMBAT OPERATIONS
FENCE IN
1. Recognition Lights OFF. R2
2. Fuel quantity CHECK.
3. K-14 gyro motor switch ON. C1
4. K-14 gyro selector switch SET as required. C1
5. K-14 dimmer rheostat ADJUST. C1
6. Gun safety switch GUN or GUN and CAMERA. C6
7. Bomb arming switch ARM. C6
8. Rocket arming switch SINGLE or AUTO. C6
9. Bomb-Rocket selector switch SET. C6
10. Fuel Quantity CHECK
11. Radio In flight order broadcast FLT CALLSIGN
FENCED IN, FUEL X.X
For example TIGER 1 fenced in, fuel 8.8 (8,800)

FENCE OUT
1. Recognition Lights STEADY. R2
2. Fuel quantity CHECK.
3. K-14 gyro motor switch OFF. C1
4. K-14 gyro selector switch FIXED. C1
5. Gun safety switch OFF. C6
6. Bomb arming switch OFF. C6
7. Rocket arming switch OFF. C6
8. Bomb-Rocket selector switch SAFE. C6
9. Radio In flight order broadcast FLT CALLSIGN FENCED IN, FUEL
X.X
For example TIGER 1 fenced out, fuel 3.4 (3,400)

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
ENGINE OVERHEATING
1. Can be recognized by:
1.1. Climbing at too high a power setting, below recommended
airspeed.Level out, reduce power, increase airspeed
1.2. Automatic shutter control not functioningOperate shutters
manually
1.3. Low OilDeclare IFE and land as soon as possible
1.4. Low Coolant Declare IFE and land as soon as possible
1.5. Engine RMP limits exceededCarburetor air control set to
RAM AIR Mixture control to RUN or AUTO RICH.

ENGINE AIR RESTART

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Only attempt when at altitude

Nose down to ensure prop continues to rotate
Unnecessary electrical equipment turned off
Fuel tank selector handle to fullest tank.
Move and hold the starter switch to start.

ENGINE FAILURE ON TAKEOFF RUN

1. Close throttle
2. Apply brakes as necessary
3. Move ignition switch to the OFF position
4. Move the fuel shutoff valve lever to OFF.
5. Open Canopy
6. Egress the aircraft as soon as it has stopped.

ENGINE FAILURE AFTER TAKEOFF

1. Move Mixture control to FULL RICH (or EMERGENCY RICH) if the
engine begins to fail.
2. Lower the nose to maintain airspeed.
3. Jettison any external stores.
4. Pull the Canopy Emergency Release Handle.
5. If a safe landing CANNOT be accomplished raise landing gear and
time permits aim the aircraft towards an unpopulated area and bailout
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6. If a safe landing CAN be accomplished.
6.1. Lower your flaps.
6.2. Move the mixture control to IDLE CUTOFF.
6.3. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
6.4. Move the fuel shutoff lever to OFF.
6.5. Turn the battery disconnect switch to OFF.
6.6. Land straight ahead.

ENGINE FAILURE IN FLIGHT

1. Lower the nose immediately so that airspeed does not drop
below stall speed. Keep IAS well above stall speed.
2. Release externals stores.
3. Set the fuel shutoff lever to OFF.
4. Choose an area for landing. If near a landing field, notify
the tower.
5. Pull the Canopy Emergency Release Handle.
6. If a long runway is available and time and altitude are
sufficient to properly plan an approach, set the landing gear
handle to DN. If landing under any other condition, keep the
gear up.
7. Set flaps to 30, leaving another 20 for compensation of
possible mistakes in the final approach.
8. Flaps full down when a safe landing in not in doubt.
8. Land into the wind.
9. After landing, Egress aircraft.

RUNAWAY PROPELLERS
1. Throttle back to obtain 3240 RPM, the maximum allowed diving
overspeed of the engine.
2. Raise the nose of the aircraft to lose speed, and youre flying high,
return gradually to a moderate altitude.
3. Maintain approximately 140 IAS.
3. Land normally.

FIRE

1. Mixture control to IDLE CUTOFF.

2. Fuel shutoff lever to OFF.
3. Throttle CLOSED.
4. Ignition switch to OFF.

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BELLY LANDING
1. Keep the wheels up.
2. Jettison any external stores.
3. Jettison the canopy.
4. Use about 30 of flaps until just before landing.
5. Lower the flaps fully once sure of the landing area.
6. Maintain 120-130 mph until contact is achieved.
7. Approach in a 3-point attitude to slow the aircraft.
8. Cut the switches just before impact.
9. As soon as the aircraft stops, egress the aircraft.

BRAKE FAILURE
1. If one brake goes out while taxiing
1.1. Immediately chop the throttle and cut the switch.
1.2. If youre going too fast to stop the aircraft in this matter, lock the good
brake, and groundloop until the aircraft stops.
2. If coming in for a landing.
2.1 Approach the field and land as slow as safety permits.
2.2. Full flaps and use your best technique in making a 3-point landing.
2.3. Stop the engine completely by cutting the mixture control as soon as
your plane is on the ground.
The dead prop creates additional braking action to help make your landing
as short as possible.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE

1. Landing gear handle in the DOWN position.
2. Pull the red emergency knob.
3. Rock the aircraft side to side while continuing to pull the red
emergency handle until the gear catches in the locked position.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE

1. Attempt to reset any popped circuit breakers.
2. If unsuccessful land as soon as possible.

BAILING OUT
1. Slow the aircraft to about 150 mph.

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2. Jettison the canopy.
3. Disconnect the headset and oxygen hose, and release the safety belt
and shoulder harness.
4. Dive with head down toward the training edge of the right wing or
left wing.

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APPENDEX A
P-51 COCKPIT PANEL REFERENCES

L5
L4

L3
L2

L1

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C2
C1
C3

C4
C5

C7
C6
C8
7

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R1
7
R2
7
R3
7

R4
7

R5
7

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L1

L2
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L3

L4

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L5

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C1

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C2

C3

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C4

C5

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C6
C7

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C8

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R1

R2

R3

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R4
R5

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