Majestic Q400 User Manual

PREPAR3D GUIDE

MAJESTIC SOFTWARE’S

BOMBARDIER Q400 “DASH 8”

BY CHUCK LAST UPDATED: 06/03/2018

TABLE OF CONTENT

• PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

• PART 2 – COCKPIT LAYOUT

• PART 3 – FLIGHT PLANNING

• PART 4 – START-UP PROCEDURE

• PART 5 – TAXI

• PART 6 – TAKEOFF, CLIMB & CRUISE

• PART 7 – AUTOPILOT

• PART 8 – ENGINES & HYDRAULICS

• PART 9 – ICE PROTECTION

• PART 10 – APPROACH & LANDING

MAJESTIC Q400 EDITION: PRO PLATFORM: PREPAR3D V 4.1

The Dash 8 “Q400” is a series of twin-engine, medium-range, turboprop regional airliners. The aircraft was introduced by de Havilland Canada (DHC) in 1984. Originally named the DHC-8 (nicknamed “Dash 8”), the aircraft started as the -100 series, then the -200 series, the -300 series and finally the -400 series. They are now produced by Bombardier Aerospace. De Havilland Canada was sold to Boeing in 1986, but then re-sold to Montreal-based Bombardier Aerospace in 1992. This acquisition was done in the midst of Bombardier’s expansion of the late 80’s; it had acquired Canadair in 1986, Short Brothers in 1989 and then Learjet as well in 1990.

The Dash 8 was developed from the de Havilland Canada Dash 7, which featured extreme short

take-off and landing (STOL) performance. With the Dash 8, DHC focused on improving cruise

performance and lowering operational costs. The engine chosen was the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100. The aircraft has been delivered in four series. The Series 100 has a maximum capacity of 39, the Series 200 has the same capacity but offers more powerful engines, the Series 300 is a stretched, 50-seat version, and the Series 400 is further stretched to 78 passengers. Over 1,000 Dash 8s of all models have been built.

The DHC-8-400 “Q400” is a stretched and improved version of the Dash 8 that entered service in 2000. It is equipped with an ANVS system (Active Noise and Vibration Suppression). Models delivered after 1997 have cabin noise suppression and are designated with the prefix "Q“, as in “Q400”. Its 360 knot (667 km/h) cruise speed is 60–90 knots (111–166 km/h) higher than its competitors and predecessors. Powered by PW150A engines rated at 5,071 shp (3,781 kW) at maximum power (4,850 shp or 3,620 kW maximum continuous rated). The maximum operating altitude is 25,000 ft (7,600 m) for the standard version. Production of the Series 100 ceased in 2005, and the Q200 and Q300 in 2009.

The Q400 has been through two company acquisitions, one of which was near fatal. The engineers who worked on this airframe are very proud of its rich history and know all too well the challenges of stretching the airframe and stretching a shrinking budget. We have to remember that this started as a bush flying aircraft that has been marketed to compete with jets. The aircraft is incredibly diverse being able to serve in high end commuter markets, to military platforms and even as a water bomber. This is an aircraft that has adapted to changing

economic times and kept a great safety rating.

This is an aircraft designed to operate in the harsh canadian winter and difficult weather conditions that you will have to fly into without expensive automation systems: there is no auto-throttle nor auto-land system. The approaches need to be planned very carefully and most of your landings will be quite “firm” because of the landing gear’s configuration. Give it a chance and I am sure that you will enjoy its superbly simulated systems. Great job, Majestic Software!

PART 1

–

INTRODUCTION

Dash 8-100 Cutaway

PART 1

–

INTRODUCTION

DHC-1 Chipmunk (1946) DHC-2 Beaver (1947) DHC-3 Otter (1951)

DHC-4 Caribou (1958)

DHC-5 Buffalo (1964)

DHC-6 Twin Otter (1965)

DHC-7 Dash 7 (1975) DHC-8 Dash 8 “Q-Series” (1983)

De Havilland Canada Aircraft

Before you even step foot in your virtual cockpit, you need to know where you are, where you are going, how you will get there, what you need to get there. This document is structured like a short tutorial flight.

The flight tutorial is structured as follows:

• Familiarize yourself with the cockpit layout

• Plan your flight

• Determine the flight route, fuel & cargo loads

• Spawn the aircraft and set it in a Cold & Dark state

• Provide aircraft with power

• Program the FMC (Flight Management Computer)

• Start–up the aircraft and make it ready for flight

• Taxi

• Takeoff

• Climb and cruise

• Explore autopilot capabilities

• Explain engine and hydraulic system functionalities

• Explain the ice protection systems

• Descend, approach and land

TUTORIAL STRUCTURE

PART 1

–

INTRODUCTION

DISCLAIMER: Do not use this guide for real life flying. I mean it.

Majestic Software Downloads Section

http://majesticsoftware.com/mjc8q400/downloads.html

Smart Cockpit Dash-8-400

http://www.smartcockpit.com/plane/BOMBARDIER/DASH-8-400.html

Froogle Sims Q400 Fully Loaded Playlist (Youtube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkOc2gIS_s8&list=PL_xDmvmUFDEjAyzamHQaoM7hXrJudErUX

Airline2Sim (Payware Course)

https://www.airline2sim.com/course/q400-cadet/

Airline2Sim SIDs and STAR (Youtube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKhxjVHTJYc

Aircraft Icing:

https://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/1_1_3_3.html

BEST RESOURCES

PART 1

–

INTRODUCTION

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Circuit Breaker Panel

Microphone &

Headset Jacks

Oxygen Crew Mask

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Circuit Breaker Panel

Side Window De-Mist Control

AFT = OPEN FWD = CLOSED

Low Level Vents Control

AFT = OPEN

FWD = CLOSED

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Map Light Control

Airspeed Limitations Placard

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) Flap Override Button

Ground Crew Connection Annunciator

Steering Hand Control (Tiller)

Used to steer aircraft on ground. Left click and drag to steer.

Push-To -Talk (PTT) Switch

Circuit Breaker Panel Lighting Control Toggle Switch

Windshield Wiper Ice Detection Light Pushbutton

Pilot’s Side Panel Dimmer Knob

Propeller Overspeed Governor Test Toggle Switch

Nosewheel Steering Toggle Switch

AFT = OFF FWD = NOSEWHEEL STEERING ON

Takeoff Warning System Test Toggle Switch

ADC (Air Data Computer) Test Toggle Switch

Stall Warning Test Toggle Switch

Alternate Pilot Wiper Pushbutton

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Transmit/Interphone Push-to-Talk Switch

Elevator Trim Switches

Autopilot Disengage Pushbutton

Yoke

TCS (Tactile Control Steering) Pushbutton

ATC (Air Traffic Controller)

Identification Pushbutton

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Barometric Pressure Setting Adjustment Knob

Standby ADI (Attitude Director Indicator)

Caution Press-toReset Switchlight

Terrain Warning

Inhibit Switch

Autopilot Disengage Light

PULL UP GPWS (Ground-

Proximity Warning

System) Test Light

BELOW G/S (Glide Slope) Light

Clock

Elevator Trim Push Switchlight

Stick Pusher Shut Off Switchlight

Flight/Taxi Switch

Roll Outboard & Roll Inboard Spoilers Lights

Roll Outboard & Roll Engine Fire

Press-to-Reset Switchlight

Propeller Ground (Beta) Range Lights (1/2)

Speed Bug Select Button

Speed Bug Setting Knob

Barometric Pressure Setting Knob

DH/MDA Switch

Selects Designated Height or Minimum Descent Altitude

PFD 1 (Primary Flight Display)

MFD 1 (Multifunction Display)

Barometric Pressure Setting

Cage Reset

Brightness

Control

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

PFD 1 (Primary Flight Display)

Airspeed (kts)

Selected Heading

AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) Lateral Mode

Flight Director Indications

Primary ADI (Attitude Director Indicator)

Aircraft Pitch Ladder (Angle in deg)

HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator)

Selected Navigation Source Data

FMS: Flight Management System VOR: VHF Omnidirectional Range Beacon

Vertical Speed (x1000 ft per minute)

Barometric Pressure Setting (in Hg or hPa)

Altitude (ft)

AFCS (Automatic Flight Control

System) Vertical Mode

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

MFD 1 (Multifunction Display)

Terrain Radar Information

GREEN = LAND BLUE = WATER

Navigation Page Display

(Top Down View)

Navigation Source Data

FMS: Flight Management System 024: Heading to next waypoint

CYYZ: Next Waypoint (Toronto)

856 NM: Distance to next waypoint

Heading

Magenta Line

Leads to next waypoint

PFCS (Primary Flight Control System)

LO: Left Outer Aileron Indication LI: Left Inner Aileron Indication RO: Right Outer Aileron Indication

RI: Right Inner Aileron Indication

RUD: Rudder Indication L ELEV: Left Elevator Indication R ELEV: Right Elevator Indication

True Airspeed (kts)

Ground Speed (kts)

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Pitot Static Isolation Valve Switch

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Rudder & Spoilers PUSH OFF switches

Autopilot Pitch Wheel

Navigation Source Selector

Course Selection Knob

Altitude Selection

Knob

Heading Selection Knob

Autopilot Mode Selectors

IAS: Indicated Airspeed VS: Vertical Speed VNAV: Vertical Navigation

ALT: Altitude Hold

ALT SEL: Selected Altitude

Autopilot Mode Selectors

HDG: Heading NAV: Navigation APPR: Approach BC: Back Course STBY: Standby

HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator)

Source Selector for Autopilot

Yaw Damper Button

Illuminated = Engaged

Autopilot Master Switch

Illuminated = Engaged

Navigation Source Selector (Copilot)

Course Selection Knob (Copilot)

Heading Selection Knob (Copilot)

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

ED: Engine Display

Displays EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) data

Engine Rating Mode

NTOP: Normal Takeoff

MCL: Maximum Climb MCR: Maximum Cruise MTOP: Maximum Takeoff Power

Engine Rating Target Torque (%)

Engine Torque (%)

NH (High-Pressure Turbine Speed) (% RPM)

NP (Propeller Speed) (RPM)

Fuel Flow (lbs per hour)

NL (Low-Pressure Turbine Speed) (% RPM)

Engine Oil Temperature (deg C)

Fuel Quantity – Left & Right Tank (lbs) Fuel Temperature – Left & Right Tank (deg C) SAT: Static Air Temperature (deg C)

ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature) (deg C)

Engine Bleed Status Annunciation

Engine Oil Pressure (psi)

Landing Gear Lever

DOWN = GEAR DEPLOYED UP = GEAR RETRACTED

Landing Gear Indications

Yellow: Gear Doors Open

Green: Gear Down

Red: Gear Unsafe

Landing Configuration Warning Mute & Test Switch

Gear Handle Lock Release Switch

GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) Landing Flap Indication

GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) Landing Flap Control

Standby Hydraulic Pressure Pump switch

PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Control switch

No. 3 Hydraulic System Isolation Valve switch

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

HGS (Head-Up Guidance System) Advisory Panel

Anti-Skid Switch

DOWN = OFF

MIDDLE = ON

UP = TEST

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

MFD 2 (Multifunction Display)

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

MFD 2 (Multifunction Display) Pages

Electrical Systems Page

Hydraulic Systems Page

Engine Page

Fuel Systems Page

Doors Page

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Forward Outflow Valve Guard

Circuit Breaker Panel Lighting Control Toggle Switch

Copilot’s Side Panel Dimmer Knob

Windshield Wiper Ice Detection Light Pushbutton

Microphone Interphone/Transmit Toggle Switch

Forward Outflow Valve Control

Oxygen Supply Pressure (psi)

De-Ice Pneumatic Pressure (left and right systems)

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

AHRS (Attitude & Heading Reference System) Alignment Switch

FMS (Flight Management System) CDU (Multifunction Control Display Unit)

• An FMS is a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight

tasks, reducing the workload on the flight crew to the point that modern civilian aircraft no longer carry flight engineers or navigators. A primary function is in-flight management of the flight plan.

• The FMS is controlled through the MCDU physical interface.

• The FMS sends the flight plan for display to the Electronic Flight Instrument

System (EFIS), NavigationDisplay (ND),or Multifunction Display (MFD).

AHRS Pitch Basic

Mode Switch

AHRS Directional Gyro Slew Buttons

AHRS Directional Gyro Slaved Mode Switch

AHRS Directional Gyro Mode Switch

Pitch Disconnect Handle

Roll Disconnect Handle

Fuel Tank 1 Auxiliary Pump Pushbutton

Fuel Tank 2 Auxiliary Pump Pushbutton

Fuel Transfer Switch

LEFT / TO TANK 1: Transfers fuel to left fuel tank MIDDLE: OFF RIGHT / TO TANK 2: Transfers fuel to right fuel tank

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

MTOP (Maximum Takeoff Power) Engine Rating Selector

RDC NP LDG (Reduced Propeller Speed Landing) Engine Rating Selector

Event Marker Pushbutton

Stores a data snapshot in the Engine Management System leading up to the recorded event (i.e. engine malfunction)

RDC TOP (Reduced Takeoff Power) Engine Mode Reset Button

RDC TOP (Reduced Takeoff Power) Engine Mode Selector

MCR (Maximum Cruise) Engine Rating Selector

MCL (Maximum Climb) Engine Rating Selector

No. 2 Propeller Alternate Feathering Button

No. 1 Propeller Alternate Feathering Button

Autofeather Pushbutton

COM 1 Radio Frequency Display

COM 1 Radio Frequency Tuner

COM 1 Power Selector

OFF / ON / TEST

COM 1 Activate Frequency Button

Cockpit Voice Recorder Microphone Monitor Panel

EFCP (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System Control Panel)

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Left Navigation Source Selector 1

AUX1: Auxiliary Equipment (i.e. MLS) FMS1: Flight Management System 1 ADF1: Automatic Direction Finder 1 VOR1: VHF Omnidirectional Range 1 OFF

TCAS (Traffic & Collision Avoidance System) Button

WX/TERR (Weather /Terrain Radar) Button

FMS Data Selection Button

• Push 1 shows 10 nearest navigation aids on MFD NAV page

• Push 2 shows the 10 nearest airports on MFD NAV page

• Push 3 shows navigation aids + airports on MFD NAV page

• Push 4 removes all options

• Push & HOLD removes all nav aids + airports

Left Navigation Source Selector 2

AUX2: Auxiliary Equipment (i.e. MLS) FMS2: Flight Management System 2 ADF2: Automatic Direction Finder 2 VOR2: VHF Omnidirectional Range 2 OFF

WX/TERR (Weather /Terrain Radar)

Brightness Control

Navigation Display Range Selector (nm)

MFD Navigation Display Format Switch

PFD (Primary Flight Display) Brightness Control

MFD (Multifunction Display) Brightness Control

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Throttle Power Levers

Positions: MAX / FLIGHT IDLE / DISC / MAX REV

Condition Levers

• MAX: 1020 RPM (Normal Takeoff Rating)

• MCL: 900 RPM (Maximum Climb Rating)

• MIN: 850 RPM (Maximum Cruise Rating)

• START & FEATHER: Propeller Blade Angle is Feathered

during engine start

• FUEL OFF: Fuel shutoff

Condition Lever Friction Control

Throttle Power Lever Friction Control

Elevator Trim Indicator

Parking Brake

FWD: OFF (DISENGAGED) AFT: ON (ENGAGED)

Control Lock Lever

Physically blocks throttle power levers

Flaps Control Lever

0 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 35 deg

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

The Thrust Reverser lever can be moved by pressing and holding the “Throttle (decrease quickly)” control mapped to your joystick. Make sure that the “Repeat” slider is set fully to the right. The default key binding is “F2”.

Take note that the Reverse Thrust lever can only be engaged if your throttle is at IDLE. The reason for that is a mechanical stopper that prevents you from engaging thrust reversers at high throttle settings.

No Reverse Thrust Generated

Reverse Thrust Generated

Throttle at IDLE

Thrust Reversers Disarmed

Throttle at MAX REV

Thrust Reversers Armed

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

ARCDU 1 (Audio & Radio Control Display Unit)

Frequencies: UHF1 / UHF2 / VOR1 / VOR2/ ADF1 / ADF2 / INT / ATC1

IRS (Inertial Reference System) 1 Mode Switch

OFF: OFF NAV: Navigation Mode ATT: Attitude Information Only

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

Rudder Trim Indicator

Aileron Trim Indicator

Rudder Trim Control

Aileron Trim Control

LWD: Left Wing Down RWD: Right Wing Down

MFD (Multifunction Display) 1 Mode

PFD: Primary Flight Display NAV: Navigation Page SYS: System Page ENG: Engine Page

EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) Attitude/Heading Source Selector

MFD (Multifunction Display) Page Selector

Electrical Systems Page Engine Systems Page Fuel Systems Page Doors Systems Page Test Button (not simulated)

EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) ADC (Air Data Computer) Source Selector

ED (Engine Display) Brightness Control

WX (Weather Radar) Power Switch

OFF / STANDBY / TEST / ON

WX (Weather Radar) Gain Control

WX (Weather Radar) Mode Buttons

WX: Weather Radar Mode WXA: Weather Radar Alert Mode GND MAP: Ground Map Mode

WX (Weather Radar) Tilt Control

HGS (Head-Up Guidance System) Control Panel

PART 2

–

COCKPIT LAYOUT

ARCDU 2 (Audio & Radio Control Display Unit)

Frequencies: UHF1 / UHF2 / VOR1 / VOR2/ ADF1 / ADF2 / INT / ATC1

+ 110 hidden pages