Introduction
The goal here is to learn all the checklists for the Viggen, perfect for this full study-sim. Being able to follow, and later on, memorise the checklists is a great feeling of accomplishment. It also adds to the immersion of the sim, to do real-world procedures.
The official Heatblur manual clearly is based on the real-life AJS37 checklists. This is a good thing from a realism perspective, since all the relevant steps are included. Some steps are of course skipped, like the initial walk-around, and steps not viable in a flight-sim. Sometimes a function isn’t implemented in DCS and therefore acknowledged but not performed.
I have modified the checklists to suit a logical “flow”. In my case I start on the left hand side in the cockpit, continue onto the instrument panel, and then finish off on the right hand side. This also helps with remembering the steps. As in real life, the order is not set in stone. The important thing is that all steps are performed.
We will begin with Block 1, learning the normal startup procedure using ground power, with procedures grouped together in sub-blocks.
Block 1: Normal startup using ground power
The following checklist are included in this block:
- Before engine start (original checklist called “Före startning av motor”)
- Engine start (“Startning av motor”)
- After engine start (“Före utkörning”)
- Before take-off (“Före start”)
- Take-off (“Start”)
The goal here is to perform this block until you can do the steps blindfolded. I can train each sub-task separately and then join all together, if it makes more sense.
1.1 Before engine start
1.2 Engine start
1.3 After engine start
1.4 Before take-off
1.5 Take-off
- Using the HUD
- Using the ADI (FLI 37)
- Take-off on short runways
Block 2: Startup without ground power
- Changes in procedure (after engine start
Block 3: Landing
- Landing, visual approach
- Landing, TILS
- Braking, aerobraking, normal braking (w/without thrust reversal)