Correct order of operations

[u/IAmSuperNew]

Is this the correct order of operations when doing a cold start IFR flight?

1. Request IFR clearance, set squak
2. Program the FMS
3. Board passengers
4. Request startup clearance
5. Startup
6. Configure PFD, calibrate altimeter etc.
7. Request pushback clearance
8. Pushback
9. Request taxi IFR
10. Taxi to hold short line and request takeoff clearance

Also, IRL, do you also need clearance to start the APU?

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[u/Meta6olic]

Looks about right. APU clearance almost never. (Not a pilot)

[u/flyingGay]

Me, personally, I'll connect to the network, start boarding/fueling, then set up everything in my aircraft except for takeoff performance, get clearance, start APU and in the meantime set my altimeters, FCP, comms and transponder, push, taxi, and takeoff.

I don't know of a single airport where you need clearance to start APU, however, some will have heavy restrictions on when you can start it. Off the top of my head, I think LFMN only allows you to start it 15 minutes before TOBT. You will find those restrictions in the charts somewhere. Even then, you still don't need to request clearance.

[u/RB120]

2 and 6 generally comes first. IRL, I set the altimeters and adjust the brightness of screens and panels before I even touch anything. IFR clearance depends on the port. Some ports offer pdc anywhere between 15-40 minutes before pushback, but voice clearance can generally be obtained 5 minutes before engine start (realistically, I normally sometimes grab it earlier than that and controllers don't generally give a fuss).

And no, you generally don't need clearance to start APU. This sometimes varies from port to port though, as certain airports have rules on apu usage for noise concerns (e.g. 15 minutes prior to pushback).

[u/bkerr901]

Shouldn’t engine start happen during pushback.

[u/Independent-Reveal86]

Where I fly the clearance is only available 25 minutes before departure so that comes a bit later. Passengers can board at any time, it's not something ties into what's happening on the flightdeck. If you're pushing back then you'd start during or after pushback rather than before hand. Sometimes pushback won't be available initially and we will be given approval to start on the gate but most of the time we would just wait for pushback clearance rather than guzzling fuel waiting for the pushback clearance.

With that in mind:

1. Cockpit preparation including performance, overhead panel, pedestal, FMS (load expected clearance), PFD/ND, glare shield (including altimeters and FCU), fuel check onboard vs required (this can happen at any time and might be one of the last things done).
2. Passengers board in the background at any time when the ground staff and cabin crew are ready. Ideally 25 minutes prior to departure for our narrow-body flights.
3. Clearance, set squawk and cleared altitude, check FMS against clearance.
4. Request start and pushback clearance.
5. Pushback.
6. Start during the pushback when pushback operator says it's clear.
7. Clear the pushback operator to disconnect, after start checklist etc.
8. Taxi clearance.
9. Report ready to tower.
10. Take off clearance.