Supermarine Spitfire Procedures

For detailed instructions on how to fly this aircraft, see the Pilots Notes in PDF form or refer to the interactive guide "How to fly a Spitifre'" This checklist refers to all types with small variations between models. E.G.Prototype and Mk1 Early have FIXED PITCH two-blade props and no control. For suggested speeds, see the Reference page of the Kneeboard. Note that most actions can also be performed using the mouse.
 

To... Press...
Display/hide radio stack SHIFT+2
Display/hide GPS SHIFT+3

 

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE  
   
[ ] Brakes
 		 TEST and SET
(press CTRL+PERIOD key)
[ ] Master Switch ON
[ ] Electrical Equipment OFF
[ ] Fuel cock ON
[ ] Ignition Magneto Switches OFF
   
ENGINE START  
   
Press CTRL+E to initiate engine autostart sequence, or:
   
[ ] Propeller
 		 HIGH RPM full forward
(press CTRL+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Mixture
 		 RICH
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Throttle
 		 OPEN 1/4 travel
(press F3 or F2 as necessary)
[ ] Boost Pump and Start coil IN (automatically set when Magnetos are switched to start)

 		 START (release when engine starts)
(press M+PLUS key to R, L, Both, Start)
[ ] Throttle IDLE
   
Then:  
[ ] Oil Pressure CHECK
[ ] Engine warm up 1,000-1,200 RPM
   
BEFORE TAKEOFF  
   
[ ] Flight Controls FREE and CORRECT
[ ] Flight Instruments CHECK and SET
[ ] Oil Pressure CHECK
[ ] Mixture
 		 RICH
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Fuel Quantity CHECK
[ ] Throttle
 		 1200 RPM
(press F3 or F2 as necessary)
[ ] Magnetos



 		 CHECK
<150 RPM drop on each; <50 RPM drop between
(press M+MINUS key, then press M+PLUS key to L, R, L, Both)
[ ] Propeller


 		 CYCLE high RPM/low RPM/high RPM
(press CTRL+F3 until fully in, then press CTRL+F2 until fully out,
then press CTRL+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Flaps UP(check indicators retracted)
[ ] Engine Instruments and Ammeter CHECK
[ ] Throttle
 		 800-1000 RPM
(press F2 or F3 as necessary)
[ ] Rudder trim FULL RIGHT (Normal full load)
[ ] Elevator Trim Neutral
[ ] Radios and Avionics
 		 SET
(press SHIFT+2 to display radio stack)
[ ] Brakes
 		 RELEASE
(press PERIOD key)
   
TAKEOFF  
   
[ ] Propeller
 		 HIGH RPM
(press CTRL+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Mixture

 		 RICH (may be leaned above 3000')
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 or CTRL+SHIFT+F2 as necessary)
[ ] Throttle
 		 FULL
(press F3 until fully in)
[ ] Boost
 		 +7lbs
(use throttle to achieve reading )
[ ] Rudder Control
 		 CORRECT FOR SWING
   
--Once tail is up, pull gently back and lift off--
   
[ ] Propeller

 		 2600 RPM
(press CTRL+F2 or CTRL+F3 as necessary)
[ ] Boost

 		 +4lb
(press CTRL+F2 or CTRL+F3 as necessary)
[ ] Landing gear Raise(Above 100 feet)
[ ] Climb Speed 170 MPH indicated (normal climb)
   
CRUISE
   
[ ] Throttle
 		 AS DESIRED
(press F2 or F3 as necessary)
[ ] Propeller

 		 AS DESIRED
(press CTRL+F2 or CTRL+F3 as necessary)
[ ] Mixture

 		 AS DESIRED
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F2 or CTRL+SHIFT+F3 as necessary)
[ ] Elevator and Rudder Trim

 		 ADJUST as necessary
(with Num Lock off press Num Pad 1 or Num Pad 7 as necessary)
   
DESCENT
   
[ ] Throttle
 		 REDUCE speed to 160 mph
(press F2 as necessary)
[ ] Mixture
 		 FULL RICH
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Propeller

 		 2650 RPM
(press CTRL+F2 or CTRL+F3 as necessary)
[ ] Elevator Trim

 		 ADJUST
(with Num Lock off, press Num Pad 1 or Num Pad 7 as necessary)
   
BEFORE LANDING  
   
[ ] Landing gear Down
[ ] Flaps Down
[ ] Mixture
 		 RICH
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Propeller
 		 HIGH RPM
(press CTRL+F3 until fully in)
[ ] Airspeed 95 MPH IAS
   
LANDING
   
[ ] Airspeed
 		 90 MPH IAS on approach
80 MPH IAS on final
[ ] Trim

 		 ADJUST
(with Num Lock off, press Num Pad 1 or Num Pad 7 as necessary)
[ ] Touchdown
 		 MAIN WHEELS first, gently pull back to lower tailwheel.
[ ] Throttle
 		 IDLE on touchdown
(press F2 as necessary)
[ ] Braking
 		 MINIMUM REQUIRED (with extreme care please)
(press PERIOD key)
   
SECURING THE AEROPLANE  
   
[ ] Flaps Raise
[ ] Parking Brakes ON
[ ] Engine Idle for 10 seconds at 900 RPM
[ ] Throttle
 		 IDLE
(press F2 as necessary)
[ ] Mixture/Fuel Cut-off OFF
[ ] Ignition Magnetos
 		 Both OFF
(press CTRL+SHIFT+F2 until fully out)
[ ] Master Switch
 		 OFF
(press M+MINUS key until Off)

NOTE: Breathe out when ready.