Douglas C-54B (DC-4) Pilot's Handling Notes


The C-54B has four 1100hp Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7 Twin Wasp engines. They are carburetted and modestly supercharged. 1350hp is available for take off from runways below 7,300 feet. The constant speed propellers can be feathered. Automixture control is standard.

WARNING - These engines suffer from harmonic vibration. Avoid use in the rpm ranges 1550 to 1800 and 2310 to 2510.

WARNING - This aircraft has a gear limit of 125 KIAS

This aicraft is not pressurised. With passengers aboard operation above 12,000 feet should be restricted to 30 minutes per flight. For long haul military cargo flights with crew on oxygen normal cruise was at FL140.


HANDLING THE AIRCRAFT


Take Off:

BRAKES = ON
MIXTURE = AUTO
CARB HEAT = COLD
COWL FLAPS = MID
FLAP = STAGE 2
CALL for TOGA POWER (1350hp)
PROPS = FULLY FINE
THROTTLE = FULL
BRAKES = OFF
ROTATE = 100 KIAS (@ 71800lbs)

Establish positive rate of climb
GEAR UP
500 VSI
ACCELERATE > 120 KIAS
FLAP = STAGE 1
CLIMB 200 feet AGL
FLAP = UP
ACCELERATE = 140 KIAS
CALL for METO Power


METO Power (1100hp)

COWL FLAPS = MID
MAP = 40
RPM = 2550
140 KIAS
Check CHT < 260C
Above all ATC restrictions
CALL for climb power


Climb power (1000hp):

COWL FLAPS = MID
MAP = 39
RPM = 2300
140 KIAS
Check CHT < 230C
Plan 2000 PPH

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Max Cruise (c 825hp):

COWL FLAPS = CLOSED
MAP = 35
RPM = 2100
Check CHT < 230C
Plan 1650 PPH


Econ Cruise (c 660hp):

COWL FLAPS = CLOSED
MAP = 31
RPM = 2000
Check CHT < 230C
Plan 1320 PPH


Long Range Cruise (<= 600hp):

COWL FLAPS = CLOSED
MAP reduce to sustain zero pitch
RPM = 2050
Check CHT < 230C
Plan 1150 PPH

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Descent:

DO NOT EXCEED 218 KIAS
COWL FLAPS = CLOSED
RPM = 2050
REDUCE MAP @ 3 inches per minute
MINIMUM 20.5 INCHES MAP
See CARB HEAT below


Holding:

COWL FLAPS = CRACKED
RPM = 2050
Slowly REDUCE MAP
140 KIAS
FLAP - STAGE 1 may be used
Check CHT < 230C
Plan 1100 PPH

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Approach and Landing:

COWL FLAPS = MID
2050 RPM
REDUCE < 150 KIAS
FLAP = STAGE 1
REDUCE < 140 KIAS
FLAP = STAGE 2

Near glide slope or downwind

REDUCE < 130 KIAS
FLAP = STAGE 3
MAINTAIN 120 KIAS

*GEAR LIMIT = 125 KIAS*

ON descending

GEAR DOWN
FLAP = STAGE 4
Cross THRESHOLD 87 KIAS (@ 63,500lbs)
FLARE and LAND
COWL FLAPS = FULL OPEN
AFTER NOSEWHEEL CONTACT
WHEEL BRAKES as required

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Carb Heat:

When < 30 inches MAP with an OAT below 5C (40F)
use carb heat periodically to clear carburettor ice.
Continuous use of carb heat is not recommended.

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General:

AEROBATICS are PROHIBITED
NEVER EXCEED 218 KIAS
FLAP 1 or 2 never exceed 175 KIAS
FLAP 3+ never exceed 130 KIAS
GEAR DOWN never exceed 125 KIAS
CLEAN STALL 87 KIAS at MLW
STALL with FULL FLAP 78 KIAS at MLW
NEVER use autopilot below 500 feet

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NOTE: This aircraft's real-world handling notes have been simplified for use with FS 2004