MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Airbus A320neo Startup Checklist
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Airbus A320neo Startup Notes
The default A320neo follows the real Airbus flow in simplified form. Batteries on, then external power or APU master and start. Set all three ADIRS selectors to NAV; in the default aircraft alignment is quick compared to the real ten minute wait, but the switches still matter for attitude and heading. Engine start is FADEC managed: APU bleed on, ENG mode selector to IGN/START, then flip an engine master and the aircraft sequences fuel and ignition for you.
The top mistake is flipping the engine masters with the mode selector still in NORM, so nothing happens. Second is skipping the ADIRS entirely because the default alignment is forgiving; you end up airborne with degraded instruments wondering why. Third is forgetting bleed air, since the FADEC still needs the APU supplying air to spin the engine. Run the overhead top to bottom, left to right, and the Airbus logic mostly takes care of itself.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the ENG mode selector in NORM during start
- Forgetting to set all three ADIRS to NAV
- Starting engines without APU bleed available
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.0Checklist
Airbus A320neoMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 187 steps · 17 phases
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check for runway closures, navigation aid outages, and airspace restrictions. | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanLOADEDNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates. | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningVERIFIEDNOTE: Block fuel includes taxi, trip, contingency (5%), alternate, final reserve (30 min), and extra. | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within limits. Check trim setting (CG%). | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewBRIEFEDNOTE: Review departure and expected arrival procedures. Check transition altitudes. | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsCHECKEDNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsCALCULATEDNOTE: V1, VR, V2, and flex temperature based on TOW, runway, and conditions. |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up7 steps
| 01 | Battery 1 & 2ON | |
| 02 | External PowerON (if available)NOTE: Check ECAM ELEC page for power source. | |
| 03 | APU Master SwitchON | |
| 04 | APU StartONNOTE: Wait for AVAIL light on ECAM (~1 min). | |
| 05 | APU BleedON | |
| 06 | External PowerOFF (if APU running) | |
| 07 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power while engines are off. |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation8 steps
| 01 | Crew OxygenON | |
| 02 | ADIRS 1, 2, 3NAVCAUTION: Do not move aircraft during alignment (~7 min). | |
| 03 | Navigation LightsON | |
| 04 | Seat Belts SignON | |
| 05 | No Smoking SignAUTO | |
| 06 | Emergency Exit LightsARM | |
| 07 | Fuel PumpsON (Wing tanks)NOTE: L TK 1 & 2, R TK 1 & 2 ON. Centre tank pumps ON only if centre tank has fuel. | |
| 08 | Panel LightsSET AS NEEDED |
PHS 4 — MCDU Setup9 steps
| 01 | MCDU - INIT A PageENTER Flight Number, Cost Index | |
| 02 | MCDU - FROM/TOSET Departure/Arrival airports | |
| 03 | MCDU - F-PLNVERIFY or ENTER route | |
| 04 | MCDU - INIT B PageENTER Fuel, ZFW, CGNOTE: Verify block fuel matches actual. ZFW/CG from loadsheet. | |
| 05 | MCDU - PERFENTER V1, VR, V2, FLEX TempNOTE: Speeds calculated from weight data. Get from performance calculator or OFP. | |
| 06 | FCU AltitudeSET Initial Climb Altitude | |
| 07 | FCU Heading / SpeedSET as required | |
| 08 | TransponderSET assigned code - STBY | |
| 09 | ATC/TCASSET |
PHS 5 — Before Start12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | |
| 03 | DoorsCLOSED (check ECAM DOOR page) | |
| 04 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 05 | Pack SwitchesOFFNOTE: Reduces APU bleed load during engine start. | |
| 06 | Engine Mode SelectorIGN/STARTNOTE: Enables automatic ignition and packs off for engine start. | |
| 07 | Ground CrewCLEARED TO STARTCAUTION: Wait for pushback clearance if required. | |
| 08 | GSX - Fuel TruckREFUEL COMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired fuel load before confirming. | |
| 09 | GSX - Catering ServiceCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks will service the aircraft. | |
| 10 | GSX - Passenger BoardingCOMPLETENOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | |
| 11 | GSX - All Passenger DoorsCLOSEDCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback. | |
| 12 | GSX - Pushback RequestINITIATEDNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. |
PHS 6 — Engine Start11 steps
| 01 | Engine Master 2ON (start right engine first)NOTE: Right engine first is standard for A320. | |
| 02 | Engine 2 N2MONITOR - Wait for stable idleCAUTION: Watch EGT - abort if exceeding limits. | |
| 03 | Engine Master 1ON | |
| 04 | Engine 1 N2MONITOR - Wait for stable idle | |
| 05 | Engine Mode SelectorNORMNOTE: Return to NORM after both engines stabilised. | |
| 06 | Engine BleedsON (Both) | |
| 07 | Pack SwitchesON (Both) | |
| 08 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 09 | APU MasterOFF | |
| 10 | Generator SwitchesVERIFY ON (GEN 1 & 2) | |
| 11 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)DISCONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect. Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsCHECK (full deflection)CAUTION: Move sidestick full left/right, forward/back - verify on ECAM. | |
| 02 | Pitch TrimSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Check loadsheet for trim value. | |
| 03 | Rudder TrimZERO | |
| 04 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 05 | FlapsSET for takeoff (CONF 1+F, 2, or 3)NOTE: Check performance data for correct setting. | |
| 06 | Auto BrakeMAX | |
| 07 | Cabin CrewNOTIFIED | |
| 08 | Taxi LightON | |
| 09 | Nose LightTAXI | |
| 10 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 11 | BrakesCHECK during first movement | |
| 12 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK during taxiNOTE: PFD, ND, ECAM - cross-check heading and attitude. |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff15 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsCHECKED | |
| 02 | Flight InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 03 | BriefingCONFIRMEDNOTE: Review departure, SID, engine failure procedures. | |
| 04 | FlapsCONFIRM T/O settingNOTE: Verify matches MCDU PERF TAKEOFF page. | |
| 05 | V-SpeedsCONFIRM V1, VR, V2 | |
| 06 | TransponderAUTO / ON, ALT RPTG ON | |
| 07 | ECAM MemoCHECK - T/O NO BLUENOTE: Verify: AUTO BRK MAX, SIGN ON, CABIN READY, SPLRS ARM, FLAPS T/O, T/O CONFIG NORMAL. | |
| 08 | Radar / PWSON / AUTONOTE: Weather radar SYS 1, Predictive Windshear AUTO. | |
| 09 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 10 | PacksAS REQUIREDNOTE: May be set OFF for performance on short/hot runways. | |
| 11 | Landing LightsON (Both) | |
| 12 | Strobe LightsON or AUTO | |
| 13 | Nose LightT.O. | |
| 14 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 15 | TCASTA/RA |
PHS 9 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversADVANCE to 50% N1NOTE: Stabilise engines before applying takeoff thrust. | |
| 03 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 04 | Thrust LeversFLX/MCT or TOGANOTE: Use FLEX if FLEX temp entered, otherwise TOGA. | |
| 05 | FMAVERIFY - MAN FLX (or MAN TOGA), SRS, RWYCAUTION: If FMA does not show correct modes, reject takeoff. | |
| 06 | 80 KnotsCROSS-CHECK speed - calloutCAUTION: Below 80 kts is the low-speed reject zone. | |
| 07 | V1CALLOUT - committed to flyWARNING: Do not reject takeoff above V1 unless aircraft is unsafe to fly. | |
| 08 | Rotate at VRSMOOTH backstick - pitch 15° nose upNOTE: Rotation rate ~3°/sec to target attitude. | |
| 09 | Positive ClimbCONFIRMED | |
| 10 | Landing GearUPNOTE: Select UP once positive rate of climb confirmed. |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb13 steps
| 01 | Thrust Reduction AltitudeTHRUST LEVERS to CL detentNOTE: Typically at 1,500 ft AGL - follow SID or airline policy. | |
| 02 | Autopilot 1ON | |
| 03 | At S-Speed - FlapsRETRACT to 0NOTE: Retract incrementally as speed builds: 2 → 1 → 0. | |
| 04 | Speed BrakesDISARM | |
| 05 | PacksON (if turned OFF for takeoff) | |
| 06 | Runway Turnoff LightsOFF | |
| 07 | Nose LightOFF | |
| 08 | Landing GearCONFIRM UP | |
| 09 | FlapsCONFIRM RETRACTED | |
| 10 | Baro ReferenceSET STD above transition altitude | |
| 11 | Altitude on FCUSET cleared cruise levelNOTE: Push ALT knob for managed climb. | |
| 12 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsOFF | |
| 13 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belts SignOFF (if conditions permit) |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | AltitudeVERIFY level at cruise FL | |
| 02 | AutopilotON - managed speed | |
| 03 | ECAM - Engine ParametersCHECK - all normal | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity & BalanceCHECKNOTE: Monitor fuel burn vs. flight plan. Max imbalance ~1,500 kg. | |
| 05 | Flight ProgressMONITOR on ND / MCDU PROG page | |
| 06 | MCDU - PERF CRZ PageVERIFY wind, temp, cost index | |
| 07 | RadiosSET as required for ATC sectors | |
| 08 | SignsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Seat belt sign ON for turbulence. | |
| 09 | Step ClimbsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Consider step climb as fuel burns off for better efficiency. |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation8 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Airport InformationOBTAINEDNOTE: Note QNH, wind, runway in use, transition level. | |
| 02 | MCDU - PERF APPR PageENTER QNH, Temp, Wind, Trans LVL, Minimums | |
| 03 | MCDU - APPR PageVERIFY or SELECT approach and runway | |
| 04 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums, missed approach procedure. | |
| 05 | Landing ElevationSET on MCDU | |
| 06 | Auto BrakeSET (LO or MED)NOTE: LO for dry runway, MED for wet or short runway. | |
| 07 | ILS FrequencySET and IDENTIFIEDNOTE: Verify on both PFDs. | |
| 08 | FCU AltitudeSET first constraint altitude |
PHS 13 — Descent8 steps
| 01 | ATC Descent ClearanceOBTAINED | |
| 02 | FCU AltitudeSET cleared altitude | |
| 03 | ALT KnobPUSH for managed descentNOTE: Or PULL for open/selected descent. | |
| 04 | Transition LevelSET local QNH when passingNOTE: Both PFDs - verify altimeters match. | |
| 05 | 10,000 ft - Landing LightsON (Both) | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belts SignON | |
| 07 | EFIS - CSTRSELECT on both NDsNOTE: Display altitude and speed constraints on ND. | |
| 08 | LS ButtonON (both PFDs)NOTE: Displays ILS localiser and glideslope scales. |
PHS 14 — Approach14 steps
| 01 | APPR Button on FCUPRESS when cleared for approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S modes - verify on FMA. | |
| 02 | SpeedMANAGED - green dot or as assigned | |
| 03 | Flaps 1SET at S-speedNOTE: Monitor speed tape for speed target. | |
| 04 | Flaps 2SET at F-speed | |
| 05 | Landing GearDOWNNOTE: Select DOWN when established on localiser or as required. | |
| 06 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 07 | Flaps 3SET | |
| 08 | Flaps FULLSETNOTE: CONF FULL for shortest landing distance. CONF 3 if required. | |
| 09 | Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 3 greens | |
| 10 | Auto BrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 11 | Cabin CrewNOTIFIEDNOTE: Press CALLS ALL for cabin ready confirmation. | |
| 12 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 13 | Nose LightT.O. | |
| 14 | ECAM MemoCHECK - LDG NO BLUECAUTION: All landing items must show no blue - if blue items remain, resolve before landing. |
PHS 15 — Landing11 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft - Stable ApproachVERIFYWARNING: If not stabilised by 1,000 ft AGL, execute go-around. | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotOFF (disconnect AP1)NOTE: Or leave on for autoland (CAT II/III). | |
| 03 | VAPPMAINTAIN approach speedNOTE: Monitor speed trend - correct for wind. | |
| 04 | Flare (~30 ft)GENTLE backstick - reduce descent rateNOTE: Listen for 'RETARD' callout. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE at ~10-20 ft | |
| 06 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR firstNOTE: Hold pitch attitude, lower nose gently. | |
| 07 | Ground SpoilersVERIFY DEPLOYED | |
| 08 | Reverse ThrustSELECT REV (both levers up)NOTE: Use reverse as required. Max reverse on contaminated runways. | |
| 09 | Auto BrakeVERIFY ACTIVE (decel light) | |
| 10 | 70 KnotsREVERSE IDLE - stow reversers | |
| 11 | BrakingMANUAL below 40 kts as needed |
PHS 16 — After Landing12 steps
| 01 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED - hold short if instructed | |
| 02 | FlapsRETRACT to 0 | |
| 03 | Ground SpoilersDISARM | |
| 04 | Strobe LightsOFF or AUTO | |
| 05 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 06 | Nose LightTAXI | |
| 07 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 08 | Radar / PWSOFF | |
| 09 | TransponderSTBY or as required | |
| 10 | APU MasterON (if required for gate)NOTE: Start APU during taxi for bleed air at gate. | |
| 11 | APU StartON | |
| 12 | Taxi to GateFOLLOW ATC instructions |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown20 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 02 | Taxi Light / Nose LightOFF | |
| 03 | APU BleedON | |
| 04 | Engine Master 1OFF | |
| 05 | Engine Master 2OFF | |
| 06 | Engine N1VERIFY below 5% (both)NOTE: Wait for full spool-down. | |
| 07 | Seat Belts SignOFF | |
| 08 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 09 | Fuel PumpsALL OFF | |
| 10 | ADIRSALL OFF | |
| 11 | OxygenOFF | |
| 12 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 13 | Emergency Exit LightsOFF | |
| 14 | No Smoking SignOFF | |
| 15 | APU MasterOFFNOTE: Allow ~2 min cooling before shutdown. | |
| 16 | Navigation LightsOFF | |
| 17 | Battery 1 & 2OFF | |
| 18 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)CONNECTNOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. Restores external power for turnaround. | |
| 19 | GSX - Jetway / StairsCONNECTEDNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | |
| 20 | GSX - Passenger DeboardingCOMPLETENOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate. |