737 Startup Procedure

The Boeing 737 is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world. It is a single-aisle, narrow-body jet airliner that was first introduced in 1968. Since then, it has become a staple of commercial aviation, with more than 10,000 of these aircraft produced to date. The 737 is popular with airlines due to its reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide to the startup procedure for a Boeing 737. This procedure is critical to the safe operation of the aircraft, and must be followed carefully by pilots before every flight.

Step 1: Pre-Flight Checks

Before starting the engines, the pilot must conduct a series of pre-flight checks to ensure that the aircraft is safe to fly. These checks include:

1. Inspecting the exterior of the aircraft for any damage or signs of wear and tear.
2. Checking the oil and fuel levels.
3. Inspecting the tires for proper inflation and any signs of damage.
4. Checking the hydraulic and electrical systems.
5. Verifying the weight and balance of the aircraft.
6. Verifying that all required documentation is onboard the aircraft.

Step 2: Pre-Start Procedure

Once the pre-flight checks are complete, the pilot will begin the pre-start procedure. This involves the following steps:

1. Setting the parking brake.
2. Turning on the battery and standby power.
3. Setting the avionics master switch to on.
4. Checking the fuel pump switches are off.
5. Setting the fuel control switches to cut-off.
6. Checking the engine start switches are in the off position.

Step 3: Engine Start Procedure

The engine start procedure is the most critical part of the startup process. This involves the following steps:

1. Pushing the engine start switch for engine 2 to the ground position.
2. Monitoring the engine instruments as the engine starts.
3. Once engine 2 has started, repeating the process for engine 1.
4. Monitoring the engine instruments as engine 1 starts.

Step 4: After Start Procedure

Once both engines are running, the pilot will perform the after-start procedure. This includes the following steps:

1. Checking the engine instruments for normal readings.
2. Turning on the generators.
3. Checking the hydraulic and electrical systems.
4. Verifying that all warning lights are off.

Step 5: Taxi Procedure

Once the after-start procedure is complete, the pilot will taxi the aircraft to the runway. This involves the following steps:

1. Releasing the parking brake.
2. Turning on the taxi lights.
3. Moving the aircraft using the rudder pedals and throttles.
4. Communicating with ground control and following their instructions.

Step 6: Before Takeoff Procedure

Before taking off, the pilot must perform a series of checks to ensure that the aircraft is ready for flight. This includes the following steps:

1. Checking the flight controls.
2. Checking the flaps and slats.
3. Checking the autopilot.
4. Checking the altimeter and other instruments.
5. Communicating with air traffic control and receiving clearance for takeoff.

Step 7: Takeoff Procedure

The takeoff procedure involves the following steps:

1. Applying full power to the engines.
2. Monitoring the engine instruments.
3. Keeping the aircraft centered on the runway.
4. Rotating the aircraft to lift off the runway.
5. Retracting the landing gear.
6. Retracting the flaps and slats.
7. Climbing to the designated altitude.

Step 8: Climb Procedure

Once the aircraft has taken off, the pilot will climb to the designated altitude. This involves the following steps:

Setting the autopilot to climb mode.

Monitoring the engine instruments.

Monitoring the altitude and airspeed.

Adjusting the pitch as necessary to maintain the desired climb rate.

Step 9: Cruise Procedure

Once the aircraft has reached its designated altitude, the pilot will engage the autopilot and perform the cruise procedure. This includes the following steps:

1. Setting the autopilot to the cruise mode.
2. Monitoring the engine instruments.
3. Monitoring the altitude and airspeed.
4. Making adjustments to the pitch, power, and heading as necessary.

Step 10: Descent Procedure

When the aircraft approaches the destination airport, the pilot will begin the descent procedure. This involves the following steps:

1. Disengaging the autopilot.
2. Initiating the descent by reducing power and adjusting the pitch.
3. Monitoring the engine instruments and airspeed.
4. Lowering the landing gear and flaps as necessary.

Step 11: Landing Procedure

The landing procedure involves the following steps:

1. Continuing the descent until the aircraft reaches the runway threshold.
2. Adjusting the pitch to maintain the desired descent rate.
3. Flaring the aircraft just before touchdown.
4. Retracting the spoilers and applying reverse thrust to slow the aircraft down.
5. Lowering the nose gear and applying the brakes to bring the aircraft to a stop.

Step 12: Post-Landing Procedure

After the aircraft has come to a stop, the pilot will perform the post-landing procedure. This includes the following steps:

1. Lowering the flaps and slats.
2. Turning off the landing lights.
3. Turning off the engines and other systems.
4. Checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
5. Turning off all electrical systems and disconnecting the battery.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the pre-flight checks?

The pre-flight checks are performed to ensure that the aircraft is safe to fly. This includes checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear, verifying that the fuel and oil levels are sufficient, and checking the hydraulic and electrical systems.

What is the most critical part of the startup procedure?

The engine start procedure is the most critical part of the startup process. It involves starting both engines and monitoring the engine instruments to ensure that they are running smoothly.

What is the purpose of the before takeoff procedure?

The before takeoff procedure is performed to ensure that the aircraft is ready for flight. This includes checking the flight controls, flaps, slats, autopilot, and other instruments.

What is the climb procedure?

The climb procedure is performed after the aircraft has taken off and involves climbing to the designated altitude. This involves setting the autopilot to climb mode and making adjustments to the pitch and power as necessary.

What is the cruise procedure?

The cruise procedure is performed once the aircraft has reached its designated altitude. This involves setting the autopilot to cruise mode and making adjustments to the pitch, power, and heading as necessary.

What is the descent procedure?

The descent procedure is performed when the aircraft approaches the destination airport. It involves reducing power and adjusting the pitch to initiate the descent, monitoring the engine instruments and airspeed, and lowering the landing gear and flaps as necessary.

What is the landing procedure?

The landing procedure involves descending to the runway threshold, flaring the aircraft just before touchdown, applying reverse thrust to slow the aircraft down, and lowering the nose gear and applying the brakes to bring the aircraft to a stop.

What is the post-landing procedure?

The post-landing procedure involves lowering the flaps and slats, turning off the engines and other systems, checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and turning off all electrical systems and disconnecting the battery.

What happens if something goes wrong during the startup procedure?

If something goes wrong during the startup procedure, the pilot must follow the appropriate procedures to resolve the issue. This may involve stopping the startup process and conducting a detailed inspection of the aircraft before attempting to start the engines again.

How long does the startup procedure usually take?

The startup procedure can vary in length depending on several factors, including the experience level of the pilot, the condition of the aircraft, and the complexity of the systems being used. However, on average, the startup procedure for a Boeing 737 usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.