How to Start an AH-64D Apache Longbow

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NOW AVAILABLE!

In this DCS: AH-64D video, we’ll learn how to cold start our AH-64D.

Please note that this was recorded from a pre-release version in mid-March 2022. Later in development, aspects of the procedure may change.

My Cold Start Cheat Sheet:

Pre-Flight
1. Doors
2. Lights
3. Engine Levers Off
4. Rotor Brake Off
5. Parking Brake On
6. CMWS Off
7. COMM Levels
8. Battery
9. Tailwheel Locked
10. Lights Test
11. Fire Detection Test

APU
12. APU
13. ENG/SYS Page
14. Check EUFD
15. Check DMS Page
16. Set COMM Page
17. ASE Off and Setup
18. Set TSD Page
19. Set FUEL Page
20. Set FLT Page
21. Set WPN Page
22. IHADSS Boresight

Engines Start
23. Set NVS as Desired
24. Uncage SAI
25. ENG/SYS Page and ENG Page
26. ENG 1 Start Wait for TGT Less than 80 C
27. Power Lever to IDLE at Ng Increase
28. Repeat for ENG 2
29. Power Levers to FLY When OIL PSI is Less than 70 and NGB Temps Above 20 C
30. Check RPMs at 101%
31. APU Off

Before Taxi
32. Parking Brake Off
33. Tailwheel as Desired

[sinepilot]

I enjoy cold starting even more than I enjoy blowing stuff up. The spinning-up of APUs and engines and rotor blades is so satisfying 🙂

[frostycab]

Wags, another great video as always! The excitement is killing me! One thing I think needs to be said: I know it's an area that many of us tend to overlook, but have to say a huge "Well done!" to the team that did the sounds for this (and other) aircraft. That low, bassy "whoom" as the engines started gave me chills.

[Dravira]

You and the ED team are killing it. I started on DCS almost 10 years ago and never expected an apache or a viper. I am so happy that we get to experience these since many of us will never get to experience it IRL. We the community can not thank you all enough for the countless hours and hard work. Sky is the limit! On and forward.

[mj]

This means the Apache release is just around the corner!!! Thank you Wags!!! You totally made my day :)

[seemagics]

It’s crazy how well the Dev team recreated everything so accurately from the sound of the APU starting to waiting for “temps and pressures” prior to moving the pwr lvrs to fly.

[theVRpilot]

Cold starting in VR with a bass shaker setup is going to be amazing!!!

[GTRNights]

For years, had the honor of turning wrenches on Apaches for the famous 1-1 Gunfighters. I actually had in a packet to go to WO flight school to try to get an Apache seat and had a very solid packet. One morning, playing soccer for PT, I got my leg twisted up when 3 of us went for the ball at the same time and my right knee was dislocated. That ended my service and my hopes for flying an Apache. Many times I've been in the hangar or just outside on the flight line and watched as the birds would spin up. I always wondered what they were doing and how they were doing it. Thanks you guys, I will at least know that much.

[cocococo]

Hi Wags, and all the visible (Nineline, Bignewy) and invisible team of ED. This message just to say a big thank you to all or you…. It seems you are working hard, even on the week-end, to answer our questions, share news, share tout passion.. so many thanks to all or you, you are doing a fantastic work and flying DCS is a dream!!

[urnrng]

Thank you Wags and Eagle Dynamics for making this possible. Can't wait for another fantastic module!

[josearzu]

This bring back memories when I use to run the APU to do after maintenance op checks. Awesome module details.

[potatopilot]

Me personally, I love cold starting all my aircraft. I do it in real life too! there's something incredible about manually bringing the aircraft and it's systems to life.

[AIRWARFAREGROUP]

Great step-up to the release Wags! Thanks for presenting these in a progressive order! I'm a fan of your Crawl, Walk, Run, Kill evolution!

[rain]

It's crazy that most of the button pressing is on the MFD's and there isnt a lot of physical switches in the pilot seat, very cool start up video

[ernestwinslow]

The APU, Engine sounds were music to my ears. Thank you Matt for this video being pushed ahead of the ones to come before. This has calmed some nerves. You can bet this cold start video would be watched over and over in my case primarily to listen to those sounds. Terrific I must say.

[overtigod]

Huge fan of the Jane's Longbow and L2 from back then. Haven't played much sim of over the years but this looks insane.

[DaveWilliams]

Just thought to myself “when will Wags make a cold start vid” a few minutes ago. Sweet!

[Zatracenec]

I´ve just clicked the replay button immediately. The level of detail and these amazing sounds. OMG! With every module, You are leaving me speechless. Amazing job!

[dazzer]

A really clear and detailed video of how to cold start the AH-64D and it definately looks a lot more simple than other DCS aircraft. Thanks very much for sharing this video :)

[skatterpro]

Wow, this looks surprisingly simple. I was expecting full on A-10 startup procedures and was pretty discouraged by it. The AH-64D just got a lot more interesting to me!

[Foldy]

I don't know whether it's because I love the Apache so much and have been waiting for this mod for years but I have to say this was the most intuitive cold start up tutorial I've ever seen on DCS. I watched it last night and I can remember almost every process.