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MSFS 2024 · Airliner
FlyByWire A32NX Startup Checklist
FlyByWire A32NX Startup Notes
The A32NX layers realistic systems onto the familiar A320 flow, and the flyPad EFB is part of the procedure, not a gimmick: ground power, chocks, boarding, and fueling are all requested from it. ADIRS alignment runs on realistic timing by default, with an instant option buried in the flyPad settings, so switch all three to NAV early. The APU models its intake flap and spool up honestly, and engine starts are FADEC sequenced once bleed air is available.
Pilots coming from the default A320neo get caught assuming instant alignment and skipping the ADIRS wait, then departing with degraded nav. Others hunt the overhead for ground power when it lives in the flyPad ground services page. The engine start mistakes are standard Airbus: masters on with the mode selector in NORM, or no APU bleed. Set ADIRS first, program the MCDU while things align, and check the flyPad before assuming something is broken.
Common mistakes
- Assuming instant ADIRS alignment like the default A320
- Ignoring the flyPad for ground power and services
- Flipping engine masters with mode selector in NORM
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
FlyByWire A32NXMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 187 steps · 19 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning12 steps
| 01 | Route & OFP (SimBrief)GENERATEDNOTE: Generate the operational flight plan in SimBrief to pull route, fuel, and weights into the aircraft. | |
| 02 | Departure & Destination WeatherREVIEWNOTE: Check METAR/TAF for runway in use, wind, ceiling, and visibility. | |
| 03 | Alternate AirfieldsSELECTNOTE: Pick a suitable alternate within range with adequate weather and approaches. | |
| 04 | NOTAMsREVIEWNOTE: Check runway/taxiway closures, NAVAID outages, and airspace restrictions. | |
| 05 | Block FuelCONFIRMNOTE: Trip + taxi + contingency + alternate + final reserve. Cross-check against SimBrief block figure. | |
| 06 | Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)SETNOTE: Aircraft empty weight plus payload, before fuel. | |
| 07 | Takeoff Weight (TOW) & MTOW CheckCONFIRMNOTE: TOW must not exceed 79,000 kg MTOW. | |
| 08 | Center of Gravity (CG %MAC)WITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Verify ZFWCG from the loadsheet is inside the certified envelope. | |
| 09 | SID / STAR / ApproachBRIEFNOTE: Review expected departure, arrival, and approach plates including minimums. | |
| 10 | MEL / CDLREVIEWNOTE: Confirm no inoperative items affect the planned flight. | |
| 11 | Takeoff Performance (V1/VR/V2)COMPUTENOTE: Calculate takeoff speeds, FLEX temp, and CONF for runway, weight, and conditions. | |
| 12 | Cost Index & Cruise FLDETERMINENOTE: Set CI per operator policy and confirm optimum cruise flight level. |
PHS 2 - Electrical / Power-Up9 steps
| 01 | Walkaround & ChocksCOMPLETENOTE: Visual exterior check; chocks in, gear pins removed. | |
| 02 | BAT 1 and BAT 2ONNOTE: Listen for chimes; voltage should read above 25.5 V. | |
| 03 | External Power (if available)ONNOTE: Press EXT PWR when the green AVAIL light shows. | |
| 04 | FWS Self-TestWAITNOTE: Allow ~40-50 seconds for the Flight Warning System to initialize before fire tests. | |
| 05 | APU Fire TestCHECKWARNING: Press and hold APU FIRE TEST and confirm the warning and aural alert trigger. | |
| 06 | APU MASTER SWON | |
| 07 | APU STARTPRESSNOTE: Allow up to 1 minute for the APU to reach 100% N before using its bleed/generator. | |
| 08 | APU BLEEDONNOTE: Use APU bleed if no external air; required to start engines without a ground cart. | |
| 09 | APU GENON / AUTONOTE: APU generator supplies the AC busses once it is online. |
PHS 3 - Cockpit Preparation20 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETWARNING: Confirm parking brake ON before any system that could allow the aircraft to roll. | |
| 02 | Engine Masters 1 and 2OFF | |
| 03 | ENG Mode SelectorNORM | |
| 04 | Landing Gear LeverDOWN | |
| 05 | Flaps Lever0 / MATCH HANDLENOTE: Confirm flap handle and surface position agree. | |
| 06 | Speed Brake LeverRETRACTED / DISARMED | |
| 07 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 08 | Crew OxygenONNOTE: Push the CREW SUPPLY guard so the white OFF light is out. | |
| 09 | ADIRS (3 IR Knobs)NAVWARNING: Start IRS alignment early; full alignment takes about 7-10 minutes and must finish before engine start or pushback. | |
| 10 | ADIRS AlignmentMONITORNOTE: Do not move the aircraft until alignment completes; movement restarts the process. | |
| 11 | Fuel Pumps (all 6)ONNOTE: Center tank pumps plus the four wing tank pumps. | |
| 12 | Hydraulic PanelALL ON / NO FAULTNOTE: Green, Blue, and Yellow systems; electric pumps and PTU as required. | |
| 13 | ECAM STATUSREVIEWNOTE: Check for any maintenance or fault messages on the lower ECAM. | |
| 14 | PFD / ND / ISIS BrightnessSET | |
| 15 | Baro Reference (QNH)SETNOTE: Set local QNH on both PFDs and the ISIS. | |
| 16 | RMP / RadiosTUNENOTE: Set ATIS, ground, tower, and standby frequencies. | |
| 17 | ATISOBTAINNOTE: Note runway, wind, QNH, and transition level/altitude. | |
| 18 | Gear Pins and CoversREMOVED | |
| 19 | Fuel QuantityCHECK - KG / LB | |
| 20 | Seat BeltsON |
PHS 4 - FMGC / MCDU Setup16 steps
| 01 | INIT A - Company Route / City PairENTERNOTE: Enter ICAO FROM/TO or a stored company route. | |
| 02 | INIT A - ALTN & Flight NumberENTER | |
| 03 | INIT A - Cost IndexENTERNOTE: Typical short-haul CI is around 20-60; use the OFP value. | |
| 04 | INIT A - Cruise FL / TempENTER | |
| 05 | F-PLN - Departure (RWY/SID/TRANS)SELECTNOTE: Pick the assigned runway and SID; clear any route discontinuities. | |
| 06 | F-PLN - Airways & WaypointsVERIFYNOTE: Cross-check the full route against the OFP. | |
| 07 | F-PLN - Arrival (STAR/APPR)SELECTNOTE: Enter the expected arrival and approach; adjust if reassigned. | |
| 08 | RAD NAVCHECK / TUNENOTE: Verify auto-tuned NAVAIDs or set ILS for the planned approach. | |
| 09 | INIT B - ZFW / ZFWCGENTERWARNING: Enter ZFW and ZFWCG from the loadsheet exactly; errors corrupt the takeoff trim and predictions. | |
| 10 | INIT B - Block FuelENTERNOTE: Enter block fuel; the FMGC computes trip, reserve, and EFOB. | |
| 11 | PERF TAKEOFF - V1/VR/V2ENTERNOTE: Insert the computed takeoff speeds. | |
| 12 | PERF TAKEOFF - FLEX / TOGAENTERNOTE: Enter FLEX temp for a reduced-thrust takeoff, or plan TOGA. | |
| 13 | PERF TAKEOFF - THS / TrimENTERNOTE: Enter the pitch trim from the loadsheet (e.g. UP 1.5). | |
| 14 | PERF TAKEOFF - Flaps CONFENTERNOTE: Usually CONF 1 or 2 depending on runway and weight. | |
| 15 | PERF TAKEOFF - THR RED / ACC ALTVERIFYNOTE: Confirm thrust reduction and acceleration altitudes are sensible for terrain. | |
| 16 | PERF APPR (preview)REVIEWNOTE: Set destination QNH, wind, and temperature when known. |
PHS 5 - Before Start9 steps
| 01 | Loadsheet Final FiguresCONFIRMNOTE: Cross-check final ZFW/TOW against the FMGC entries. | |
| 02 | Doors & CargoCLOSEDNOTE: ECAM door page shows all doors closed and slides armed. | |
| 03 | Cabin CrewREADY | |
| 04 | BeaconONWARNING: Turn the beacon ON before pushback or engine start to warn ground crew. | |
| 05 | Pushback / Start ClearanceOBTAINNOTE: Get ATC clearance and confirm pushback direction with ground. | |
| 06 | Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full sidestick and rudder sweep; check the ECAM F/CTL page. | |
| 07 | Parking Brake (during pushback)AS DIRECTEDNOTE: Release on ground crew command; reset when stopped. | |
| 08 | T.O. Speeds and ThrustSET (BOTH) | |
| 09 | WindowsCLOSED (BOTH) |
PHS 6 - Engine Start8 steps
| 01 | ENG Mode SelectorIGN/START | |
| 02 | ENG 2 MasterONNOTE: Start engine 2 first (Yellow hydraulics powers the parking brake). Monitor N2, then fuel flow and EGT. | |
| 03 | ENG 2 EGTMONITORWARNING: Watch for a hung or hot start; abort if EGT approaches 750 C on start. | |
| 04 | ENG 2 StabilizedCONFIRMNOTE: N1, N2, EGT, and fuel flow stable at idle (N1 ~19-21%). | |
| 05 | ENG 1 MasterONNOTE: Repeat the automatic start sequence for engine 1. | |
| 06 | ENG 1 StabilizedCONFIRM | |
| 07 | ENG Mode SelectorNORMNOTE: Return to NORM once both engines are stable. | |
| 08 | Engine ParametersNORMALNOTE: Both engines at idle, no ECAM cautions. |
PHS 7 - After Start / Taxi17 steps
| 01 | APU BLEEDOFF | |
| 02 | APU MASTER SWOFFNOTE: Engine generators now supply electrics; shut down the APU to save fuel. | |
| 03 | Ground SpoilersARMNOTE: Pull the speed brake lever up to arm spoilers for takeoff. | |
| 04 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Set CONF 1 or 2 per the PERF page. | |
| 05 | Pitch Trim (THS)SETNOTE: Confirm in the green band for the takeoff CG. | |
| 06 | ECAM TO MemoNO BLUENOTE: T.O CONFIG normal: no blue items remaining on the takeoff memo. | |
| 07 | T.O CONFIG TESTPRESS / NORMALWARNING: Press the T.O CONFIG button; ECAM must show CONFIG NORMAL before taxi. | |
| 08 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 09 | Nose / Taxi LightON | |
| 10 | BrakesCHECKNOTE: Test brakes early in the taxi; confirm pressure and deceleration. | |
| 11 | Flight Instruments / HeadingCHECKNOTE: ND track follows taxi turns; no IRS or ND faults. | |
| 12 | AutobrakeMAX / SETNOTE: Set autobrake MAX for takeoff abort protection. | |
| 13 | Anti IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 14 | ECAM StatusCHECKED | |
| 15 | Rudder TrimNEUTRAL | |
| 16 | Radar and Pred W/SON AND AUTO | |
| 17 | CabinREADY |
PHS 8 - Before Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | TCASTA/RA | |
| 02 | Strobe LightsON / AUTO | |
| 03 | Cabin CrewSECURED FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 04 | Takeoff ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 05 | Landing LightsON | |
| 06 | Runway / HeadingCONFIRMWARNING: Confirm the runway identity and that the PFD heading matches the assigned runway before lineup. | |
| 07 | TransponderTA/RA + ON / AUTO |
PHS 9 - Line-Up3 steps
| 01 | T.O. RunwayCONFIRM (BOTH) | |
| 02 | TCASSET | |
| 03 | PACKS 1 and 2AS REQUIRED |
PHS 10 - Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Thrust LeversFLX or TOGANOTE: Advance to the FLEX detent for reduced thrust, or TOGA for full thrust. | |
| 02 | FMAMAN FLX / TOGA, SRS, RWYNOTE: Confirm the autothrust, vertical, and lateral modes engage correctly. | |
| 03 | Engine ParametersSTABILIZEDNOTE: Both engines spooled and matched before continuing the roll. | |
| 04 | 80 KIASCHECKNOTE: Cross-check both airspeed indicators agree. | |
| 05 | V1CALLWARNING: At V1 the takeoff is committed; do not reject after V1. | |
| 06 | VR - RotateROTATENOTE: Rotate smoothly toward ~15 degrees pitch, following SRS. | |
| 07 | Positive ClimbGEAR UPNOTE: Confirm a positive rate of climb before raising the gear. |
PHS 11 - After Takeoff / Climb8 steps
| 01 | THR RED ALTCLBNOTE: At thrust reduction altitude pull thrust levers to the CL detent. | |
| 02 | ACC ALT - Flaps Retract on ScheduleRETRACTNOTE: At F speed select CONF 1, at S speed select CONF 0; bug speeds shown on the PFD. | |
| 03 | Ground SpoilersDISARM | |
| 04 | Clean Speed (Green Dot)ACCELERATENOTE: Accelerate to green dot speed once clean. | |
| 05 | Climb Thrust / SpeedMANAGEDNOTE: Typical climb ~250 KIAS below 10,000 ft, then ~300 KIAS / M0.78. | |
| 06 | Landing LightsOFF ABOVE 10,000 ft | |
| 07 | Seat Belt SignAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Baro to STDSET AT TRANS ALTNOTE: Set standard 1013/29.92 passing the transition altitude. |
PHS 12 - Cruise6 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeLEVEL OFFNOTE: Confirm capture at the cleared FL; FMA shows ALT. | |
| 02 | Cruise Thrust / MachMANAGEDNOTE: Typical cruise around M0.78-0.79 at the FMGC managed speed. | |
| 03 | Fuel & EFOBMONITORNOTE: Check FUEL PRED page; confirm EFOB at destination above reserve. | |
| 04 | Pressurization & SystemsMONITORNOTE: Cabin altitude and ECAM systems normal. | |
| 05 | Step Climb (optional)AS REQUIREDNOTE: Climb to a higher optimum FL as weight decreases. | |
| 06 | Descent Forecast / TODREVIEWNOTE: Note the top-of-descent point on the ND. |
PHS 13 - Descent Prep8 steps
| 01 | Destination ATISOBTAINNOTE: Note runway, wind, QNH, and transition level. | |
| 02 | PERF APPR PageUPDATENOTE: Enter destination QNH, temperature, wind, and minimums (MDA/DH). | |
| 03 | Approach & RunwaySELECTNOTE: Confirm STAR, approach, and runway in the F-PLN. | |
| 04 | RAD NAV / ILSTUNENOTE: Verify the ILS ident and course for the approach. | |
| 05 | VAPP / VLSREVIEWNOTE: FMGC computes VAPP (typ. ~130-140 kt) from landing weight and wind. | |
| 06 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief approach type, minimums, missed approach, and taxi-in. | |
| 07 | Landing PerformanceCONFIRMNOTE: Confirm landing distance and autobrake setting for the runway. | |
| 08 | Cabin CrewADVISENOTE: Give the cabin crew a prepare-for-landing call. |
PHS 14 - Descent7 steps
| 01 | Descent ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 02 | Initiate DescentMANAGED / SELECTEDNOTE: Manage at TOD or use OP DES with a selected altitude. | |
| 03 | Speed Below 10,000 ft250 KIASNOTE: Reduce to 250 KIAS or less by 10,000 ft unless cleared otherwise. | |
| 04 | Landing LightsON BELOW 10,000 ft | |
| 05 | Baro ReferenceSET QNH AT TRANS LEVELWARNING: Set local QNH passing the transition level to avoid altitude error near terrain. | |
| 06 | Seat Belt SignON | |
| 07 | Speed BrakesAS REQUIREDNOTE: Use to manage energy; retract before configuring for landing. |
PHS 15 - Approach15 steps
| 01 | Approach Phase ActivationCONFIRMNOTE: APPR phase active in the MCDU; managed speed targets VAPP. | |
| 02 | Flaps 1SETNOTE: Select CONF 1 at or below 230 KIAS (VFE next). | |
| 03 | Flaps 2SETNOTE: Select CONF 2 below 200 KIAS. | |
| 04 | Landing GearDOWNNOTE: Extend on glideslope intercept or per the approach profile. | |
| 05 | Flaps 3SETNOTE: Select CONF 3 below 185 KIAS. | |
| 06 | Flaps FULLSETNOTE: Select CONF FULL below 177 KIAS for a normal landing. | |
| 07 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 08 | AutobrakeSETNOTE: Select LO or MED per runway length and conditions. | |
| 09 | Cabin CrewSECURED FOR LANDING | |
| 10 | ECAM Landing MemoNO BLUEWARNING: LDG memo: GEAR DOWN, SIGNS ON, SPLRS ARM, FLAPS SET all green before landing. | |
| 11 | Localizer / GlideslopeCAPTUREDNOTE: FMA shows LOC and G/S captured for an ILS. | |
| 12 | Stabilized ApproachCHECKWARNING: By 1,000 ft AGL be on speed, on path, configured, and in trim, or go around. | |
| 13 | VAPPCONFIRMNOTE: Managed speed holds VAPP with wind/gust correction. | |
| 14 | MinimumSET | |
| 15 | ENG Mode SelectorAS REQUIRED |
PHS 16 - Landing10 steps
| 01 | AutothrustMANAGENOTE: A/THR may stay engaged in SPEED until the flare. | |
| 02 | FlareINITIATENOTE: Begin flare around 30 ft; RETARD callout cues thrust to idle. | |
| 03 | Thrust LeversIDLENOTE: Close thrust levers at the RETARD call. | |
| 04 | Main Gear TouchdownCONFIRM | |
| 05 | Ground SpoilersDEPLOYEDNOTE: Verify spoilers auto-deploy on touchdown for braking. | |
| 06 | Reverse ThrustAS REQUIREDNOTE: Select reverse after main gear touchdown; cancel by 70 KIAS. | |
| 07 | Autobrake / Manual BrakingMONITORNOTE: Confirm DECEL light; take over manually as needed. | |
| 08 | Nose WheelLOWERNOTE: Fly the nose gear gently onto the runway. | |
| 09 | Directional ControlMAINTAINNOTE: Rudder then nose-wheel steering as speed decays. | |
| 10 | CabinREADY |
PHS 17 - After Landing8 steps
| 01 | ReversersSTOWED | |
| 02 | FlapsRETRACT | |
| 03 | Ground SpoilersDISARM / RETRACT | |
| 04 | AutobrakeOFF | |
| 05 | APUSTARTNOTE: Start the APU for gate power and to allow engine shutdown. | |
| 06 | Strobe / Landing LightsOFFNOTE: Strobes off after vacating; nose/taxi light as required. | |
| 07 | TCAS / TransponderSTBYNOTE: Set transponder to STBY after clearing the runway. | |
| 08 | Radar and Pred W/SOFF |
PHS 18 - Parking / Shutdown14 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETWARNING: Set the parking brake before engine shutdown and only release after chocks are confirmed in. | |
| 02 | APU BLEED / GENONNOTE: Transfer electrical and air loads to the APU before shutting engines down. | |
| 03 | Engine Masters 1 and 2OFFNOTE: Shut down both engines; monitor N1 spool down. | |
| 04 | Seat Belt SignOFF | |
| 05 | BeaconOFFNOTE: Turn the beacon off once both engines are spooled down. | |
| 06 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 07 | Doors / Jet BridgeOPEN / DISARM SLIDESWARNING: Disarm and cross-check cabin slides before opening any door. | |
| 08 | Exterior LightsOFF | |
| 09 | Anti-Ice / Probe HeatOFF | |
| 10 | APUOFF / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Shut down the APU if on ground power for an extended stay. | |
| 11 | ADIRS (3 IR Knobs)OFF | |
| 12 | BAT 1 and BAT 2OFFNOTE: Final step for a full cold and dark shutdown. | |
| 13 | Wings LightOFF | |
| 14 | Yellow Elec PumpOFF |
PHS 19 - Securing the Aircraft3 steps
| 01 | OxygenOFF | |
| 02 | Emer Exit LtOFF | |
| 03 | BatteriesOFF |