Every phase for the Airbus A400M Atlas, as flown in a flight simulator — panel scans marked as flows, read-and-respond cards marked as checklists. Open the interactive version to tick lines off, fill in your speeds and keep your place between sessions.
Logistic — Point to point with a paved runway at each end. Flown much like any other Airbus with a cargo hold.
Tactical — Short unpaved strips, low level, and a landing you plant rather than smooth. Different speeds, different mindset.
Airdrop — Ramp and door open in flight. CG, slowdown speeds and the drop configuration are briefed on the ground, not worked out en route.
Air-to-air refuelling — Pods or centreline hose. The tanker plan drives fuel, altitude blocks and the whole descent profile.
Power Up Flow · from memory
BATTERIESON
EXT PWR / APUAS REQUIRED
APUSTART — AVAIL
AVIONICSON — ECAM REVIEWED
EMERGENCY LIGHTSARM
PARKING BRAKEON
Cockpit Preparation Flow · from memory
POWER LEVERSFLIGHT IDLE
PROPELLER BRAKEAS REQUIRED
One engine can run on the ground with its propeller braked, giving power and air without an external cart or an APU bleed.
GEAR LEVERDOWN
FLAPSAGREE WITH SURFACES
FUELQUANTITY & DISTRIBUTION CHECKED
HYDRAULICSGREEN / BLUE / YELLOW CHECKED
CARGO DOOR / RAMPCLOSED — LOCKED
LOADMASTERLOAD SECURED — SIGNED
Rolling stock, pallets or troops all end up in the same CG calculation. The loadmaster's word is part of the checklist.
MISSION SYSTEMSSET FOR TASK
MFDFLIGHT PLAN · PERF · TAKEOFF DATA
TAKEOFF BRIEFINGCOMPLETED
Before Start Checklist · read & respond
DOORS / RAMPCLOSED
LOADSHEET / CGCHECKED
FUEL____ KG — DISTRIBUTED
TAKEOFF DATAV1 / VR / V2 SET
ALTIMETERS____ SET
STRIP / SURFACETacticalBRIEFED — SOFT FIELD TECHNIQUE
TANKER PLANAir-to-air refuellingBRIEFED — RENDEZVOUS SET
BEACONON
PARKING BRAKEON
Engine Start Flow · from memory
AREACLEAR — PROPS CLEAR
ENG 3STARTED — PROP BRAKE AS REQUIRED
Start order follows the unit's own procedure. The propellers on each wing turn opposite ways, so ground effects are not symmetrical the way a C-130 crew expects.
ENG 4STARTED
ENG 1STARTED
ENG 2STARTED
GENERATORSON — LOAD SHARED
APU BLEEDOFF
ENGINE PARAMETERS 1–4STABILISED
After Start Checklist · read & respond
FLIGHT CONTROLSFREE AND CORRECT
FLAPSTAKEOFF SET
TRIMTAKEOFF SET
ANTI-ICEAS REQUIRED
PRESSURISATIONSET
ECAM STATUSCHECKED
Taxi / Before Takeoff Checklist · read & respond
BRAKES / STEERINGCHECKED
FLAPS____ CONFIRMED
TRIMSET
ECAM MEMOTAKEOFF — NO BLUE
TRANSPONDERSET
EXTERIOR LIGHTSAS REQUIRED
Line-up items
RUNWAY / STRIP____ CONFIRMED
POWERTAKEOFF SET
Loose surfaces reward a smooth power application and a positive rotation. Wet grass and dust do the rest of the work for you if you let them.
Coordinate with the loadmaster before opening. Engines running and a ramp down is a normal combination on this aeroplane, and a dangerous one to improvise.