Carbureted Launch Checklist
- Engine - Prime
- Disarmed Start - Allow
- Ignition - On
- Engine - Start
- Engine - Warmup
- Full Throttle - Check
- Idle - Check
- Aircraft - Taxi to Runway
- Takeoff Heading - Establish
- Takeoff - Ready?
- Mode - Auto
- No Warnings - Verify
- Aircraft - Arm
Engine - Prime
Prime the engine.
- Close the choke to restrict air to the engine.
- Turn the propeller by hand several times in both clockwise and counter-clockwise direction to draw fuel into the carburetor. Do not make full rotations of the propeller, but instead 'bounce' the propeller off the compression stroke in both directions.
- Watch for fuel movement in the fuel line. Fuel should advance towards the carburetor as you turn the propeller.
- Once fuel enters the carburetor inlet fitting, continue turning the propeller several more times.
- Open the choke and check for fuel on the valve. Fuel should bead or drip when you first open the valve. If you do not see any fuel, continue priming and check for drips after every few turns of the propeller.
- Close the choke.
- The engine is now primed and ready. If the aircraft sits for a few minutes, it may need to be primed again.
Disarmed Start - Allow
This allows the engine to start while the aircraft is disarmed using the ignition switch on the hand controller. This prevents the aircraft from failsafing on the ground before takeoff.
Ignition - On
Using the hand controller, set the ignition switch to on.
Engine - Start
Ensure someone is bracing the front of the fuselage before starting the engine. Manually start the engine using either hand-propping or a starter motor. Begin with the choke closed, cranking the engine until it "pops." Then, open the choke and proceed to start the engine. Ensure all personnel are clear of the propeller arc, as it may take a few attempts to start, especially in cold weather.
Starting the engine rotates the propeller. Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Ensure all personnel are clear of the propellers.
Engine parts, especially the muffler, will be extremely hot while running. Burns can occur on contact. Keep flammable materials away from the engine.
Engine - Warmup
Allow the engine to warm up at idle for at least one minute.
Full Throttle - Check
Ensure someone is bracing the front of the fuselage before advancing to full throttle. Using the hand controller, raise the throttle to full and hold for 7-10 seconds. The engine should not hesitate or bog down when throttle is advanced. The RPM should be between 5,800 to 6,400.
Idle - Check
Using the hand controller, lower the throttle to idle. The RPM should be between 2,500 - 3,000.
Aircraft - Taxi to Runway
Taxi the aircraft to the start of the runway.
Takeoff Heading - Establish
Ensure the aircraft is facing the direction of takeoff.
Takeoff - Ready?
Double check the wind direction and velocity. Do not takeoff if the wind speed exceeds the system limits. Ensure that the aircraft is pointing into the wind as the winds may have shifted during preflight. Ensure the takeoff area is clear of bystanders and obstacles. Notify all crew and bystanders that the aircraft is about to takeoff.
Mode - Auto
Using the hand controller, set the flight mode to Auto.
No Warnings - Verify
Ensure that there are no warnings before takeoff. All warnings must be resolved. The Messages tab displays warnings and notifications from the ground control station and autopilot. A new warning will automatically expand the Messages tab if it was collapsed.
Aircraft - Arm
Press Takeoff on the checklist step to arm the aircraft and takeoff. This step first arms the aircraft and then immediately commands an auto takeoff.