Understanding the ERJ before-start checklist and how pilots confirm engine readiness

Before the roar: what the ERJ’s “before start” checklist really is

If you’ve ever watched a SkyWest ERJ come to life from the cockpit, you’ve probably heard the quiet cadence of a pre-start routine. The before start checklist isn’t a mystery ritual; it’s a carefully structured set of procedures designed to guarantee the airplane is ready for engine start. In short, it’s a readiness check that makes the jump from ground to sky predictable, safe, and smooth.

Let me explain why this matters. Engine start is a maneuver with a lot riding on it: engines, hydraulics, avionics, fuel, and flight controls all waking up in the same moment. A misstep here can cascade into delays, uncomfortable surprises, or worse. The ERJ’s systems are tightly integrated, so starting cleanly isn’t optional—it’s foundational. The checklist builds that clean slate by confirming critical parameters are within limits and the aircraft is configured correctly for ignition and the first phase of flight.

What the “before start” includes (in plain terms)

If you’re curious about the bones of the process, here’s a practical snapshot. Think of each item as a touchpoint that ties the airplane’s readiness to a safe start. The exact sequence can vary slightly by aircraft variant and operator, but the core idea stays the same: verify power, fuel, configuration, systems, and crew coordination before you turn the key or press the start button.

• Power and environment: The airplane is properly powered and stabilized. That usually means either external power or the APU is supplying essential systems, the battery is healthy, and the taxi/standby lights or beacon are in their required states. The goal is simple: no “gumption” violations when the engines wake up.

• Parking brake and doors: Parking brake is set, doors are secure, and there are no loose items in the cockpit or cabin that could become a hazard during engine start. A quick cabin check confirms everyone is seated and strapped in, with no stray crew items lingering where they shouldn’t be.

• Fuel status: Sufficient fuel on board, with a quick glance at quantity and balance. For ERJs, this often means confirming fuel pumps and crossfeed (if applicable) are configured as needed for the start sequence and the planned flight. You want to be sure the engines aren’t fighting for fuel right after ignition.

• Flight controls and configuration: A manual check of the flight controls—ailerons, elevators, rudder—for freedom of movement and neutral, with no binding. This isn’t a dream sequence; it’s a practical confirmation that the control surfaces respond as expected. Then you verify the airplane’s configuration: flaps, slats, spoilers, and other surfaces set in accordance with the planned takeoff settings.

• Avionics and navigation readiness: Radios, transponder, and navigation equipment are in their correct modes and aligned with the flight plan. In modern cockpits, you’re confirming that the data link, GPS, and FMC/FMS inputs are ready, the flight plan is current, and the route is loaded properly.

• Systems and hydraulics: Hydraulic pressures and related systems are in the proper state for start. Bleed air (if used for engine start) is configured correctly, and anti-ice/anti-skid logic is set per the current weather picture. You’re making sure the airplane’s backbone—hydraulics and pneumatics—will cooperate as the engines come online.

• Environmental and de-icing status: If de-icing or anti-ice is required, it’s checked and configured. The goal isn’t drama; it’s ensuring weather-related contingencies won’t surprise you once the engines begin their spin-up.

• Fire, fuel, and safety systems: Fire extinguishers and related safety cues are checked, with no alarms indicating an abnormal condition. While you’re not “testing” these systems in the first moments, you’re confirming there’s nothing amiss that could interfere with a safe start.

• Final crew coordination: A quick, clear handoff between pilots and crew. The designated pilot flying confirms the plan, issues the callout, and ensures everyone’s aware of the status. This is where the routine becomes a team rhythm rather than a solo checklist.

A natural rhythm: how it fits into cockpit flow

The before start checklist isn’t a one-and-done list you skate through. It’s part of a broader, dynamic rhythm that carries you from cold aircraft on the ramp to the moment you call for engine start. The flow often looks like this:

• Ground crew and captain alignment: Prior to touching any switches, the crew confirms that environmental conditions, the flight plan, and routing are set. This alignment helps prevent misconfigurations that could derail the start sequence.

• Power-up and system checks: With power established, the crew methodically checks that essential systems wake up in a sane, safe state. The cockpit’s lights, indicators, and readouts begin to tell a story—one of readiness, not risk.

• Configuration and control checks: The physical and digital configurations get locked in. Flaps, slats, and other settings match the takeoff data. The flight controls are verified to be free and centered, a small but vital step toward predictable handling.

• Final go-no-go: A quick review to confirm nothing has changed since the checklist began. Any anomaly prompts a pause or a remediation path rather than rushing into engine start.

Think of it like a pre-performance warm-up. The ERJ’s engines are the main act, but the supporting cast—power, fuel, avionics, hydraulics, and control surfaces—needs to be behaving well together before the curtain rises. When the crew moves with practiced cadence, you reduce the chance of a “surprise performance” mid-ignition.

Common pitfalls—and how to sidestep them

No system is perfect, and the best way to keep your starts smooth is to anticipate what can go wrong and plan a safe alternative. Here are a few typical slips and practical fixes:

• Skipping the power check: It’s tempting to assume power is fine if the airplane is already on the stand. Don’t. A quick confirmation of power sources prevents a cascade of alarms once you ask for ignition.

• Incomplete fuel verification: Rushed starts can leave a hidden fuel issue unaddressed. Take a moment to confirm quantity and balance. If crossfeed or pumps are misconfigured, you’ll know before the engines start turning.

• Mismatched flight controls: A subtle binding or a surface stuck out of neutral can look normal at rest but become a problem once the engines spool. A deliberate, hands-on check keeps this from sneaking up on you.

• Avionics mismatch: Radios or the navigation system can be in a weird state if the plan wasn’t loaded correctly or data links haven’t synced. A quick glance at the CDU/ODU and a verbal cross-check with the captain can save a last-minute scramble.

• Weather surprises: De-icing or anti-ice setups are a special case. If the weather demands attention, the start sequence needs to account for it—otherwise you risk icing during climb or engine inefficiency right after start.

A few practical analogies to keep it human

If you’ve ever prepped a car for a road trip, you know that feeling when you check the fuel gauge, tap the tires, and make sure the hood is secure. The ERJ’s before start checklist serves the same instinct: a routine that reduces uncertainty. You’re not overthinking; you’re removing the unknowns. Another analogy: think of it as a pilot’s spare tire for the engine start. You don’t want to discover a puncture the moment you try to accelerate.

The conversational cadence in the cockpit matters too. A well-phrased callout—“Before start complete; ready for ignition”—promotes calm, clear communication. It’s not about showing off slick jargon; it’s about making sure everyone on the flight deck knows where things stand, so the engines can come to life without hesitation.

A closing thought: readiness as a shared habit

The before start checklist embodies a core aviation truth: safety is built in, not added on. It’s a shared habit that links people, systems, and procedures into a reliable sequence. When you approach it with patience and attention, you’re not merely ticking boxes; you’re affirming a commitment to safe, predictable flight.

If you’re new to the ERJ cockpit or returning after a layoff, treat the before start routine as a familiar friend. It’s there to remind you of the basics—fuel, power, controls, and systems—while giving you the confidence to set the stage for a successful engine start. And when the engines finally spin to life and the airplane begins its gentle roll toward the runway, you’ll feel that quiet sense of continuity: we did it right, together.

A quick recap, for clarity

• The before start checklist is a set of procedures ensuring readiness for engine start. It’s about confirming power, fuel, configuration, systems, and crew coordination before ignition.

• It integrates power management, parking brake and doors, fuel status, flight controls, avionics readiness, hydraulics, environmental considerations, safety gear, and crew communication.

• It’s a practical, dynamic ritual that fits into the broader cockpit workflow, designed to minimize surprises and maximize smoothness as you move from ground to flight.

If you’re thinking about cockpit duties in the SkyWest ERJ family, keep this rhythm in mind. It’s simple in concept, but powerful in effect: start clean, stay organized, fly safe. And yes, the calm you feel before the engines begin to turn is the quiet payoff of a well-practiced routine.