MSFS 2024 · Airliner
FlyByWire A380X Startup Checklist
FLT2.0Checklist
FlyByWire A380XMSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 167 steps · 17 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 EFB and FMS. | |
| 02 | Departure & Destination Weather (METAR/TAF)REVIEWNOTE: Check runway in use, wind, ceiling, visibility, and freezing levels at origin, destination, and en-route. | |
| 03 | Alternate AirfieldsSELECTNOTE: Pick suitable alternates within range with adequate weather, runway length, and A380-capable parking. | |
| 04 | NOTAMsREVIEWNOTE: Check runway/taxiway closures, NAVAID outages, A380 movement restrictions, and airspace notices. | |
| 05 | Block FuelCONFIRMNOTE: Trip + taxi + contingency + alternate + final reserve. Cross-check against the SimBrief block figure (can exceed 200 t). | |
| 06 | Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)SETNOTE: Operating empty weight plus payload, before fuel. Must not exceed MZFW 369,000 kg. | |
| 07 | Takeoff Weight (TOW) & MTOW CheckCONFIRMNOTE: TOW must not exceed 575,000 kg MTOW (operator option dependent). | |
| 08 | Center of Gravity (CG %MAC)WITHIN LIMITSNOTE: Verify loadsheet CG is inside the certified envelope. The A380 auto-transfers fuel in cruise to optimize CG. | |
| 09 | SID / STAR / ApproachBRIEFNOTE: Review the planned departure, arrival, and approach including altitude and speed constraints. | |
| 10 | MEL / CDLREVIEWNOTE: Confirm any inoperative items are permitted for dispatch and note associated procedures. | |
| 11 | Takeoff Performance (V1 / VR / V2)COMPUTENOTE: Derive speeds, FLEX temp or TOGA, flap setting, and THS from the loadsheet and runway/conditions. | |
| 12 | Loadsheet (ZFW / TOW / LW)CROSS-CHECKNOTE: Final loadsheet figures must match the values entered in the MCDU INIT pages. |
PHS 2 — Electrical / Power-Up9 steps
| 01 | Batteries 1, 2, 3, 4ONNOTE: All four aircraft batteries on; verify acceptable voltage on the ECAM ELEC page. | |
| 02 | External Power (GPU)ON / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Use ground power if connected to spare APU fuel and reduce noise on stand. | |
| 03 | APU Master SwitchONNOTE: Initializes the APU; APU page appears on the ECAM. | |
| 04 | APU StartPRESSNOTE: Wait for APU AVAIL before selecting bleed or generators. | |
| 05 | APU BleedONNOTE: Supplies bleed air for engine start and air conditioning once AVAIL. | |
| 06 | APU GeneratorsON / AUTONOTE: Two APU generators power the AC busses; external power disconnects automatically. | |
| 07 | Navigation & Logo LightsONNOTE: Signals the aircraft is powered and crewed. | |
| 08 | Cockpit & Dome LightingAS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | ECAM ELEC PageCHECKNOTE: Confirm all AC and DC busses are powered with no faults. |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation16 steps
| 01 | ADIRS 1, 2, 3NAVNOTE: Three inertial reference systems aligning; do not move the aircraft during alignment. | |
| 02 | Crew OxygenON / CHECK PRESSURENOTE: Verify mask and adequate crew oxygen pressure. | |
| 03 | Landing Gear LeverDOWN | |
| 04 | Flaps / Slats LeverMATCH INDICATIONNOTE: Lever position must agree with the surface position on the ECAM F/CTL page. | |
| 05 | Speed Brake / Ground SpoilersRETRACTED / DISARMED | |
| 06 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Verify brake accumulator and hydraulic pressure are adequate. | |
| 07 | Engine Master Switches 1-4OFF | |
| 08 | Engine Mode SelectorNORM | |
| 09 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 10 | Exterior Walk-AroundCOMPLETENOTE: Check all four engines and inlets, body and wing landing gear, probes, static ports, and control surfaces. | |
| 11 | Fuel Quantity & DistributionCHECKNOTE: Verify total fuel and tank distribution; the A380 manages multiple tanks with automatic transfer. | |
| 12 | Hydraulic Systems (Green / Yellow)CHECKNOTE: Two 5,000 psi hydraulic systems plus electric backup actuators; verify pressures on the ECAM HYD page. | |
| 13 | Cabin Signs (Seat Belts / No Smoking)ON / AUTO | |
| 14 | Weather Radar / PWS / TCASAS REQUIRED | |
| 15 | Flight ControlsCHECKNOTE: Cycle the sidestick full and free; confirm correct surface response on the ECAM F/CTL page. | |
| 16 | ECAM STATUSCHECKNOTE: No unexpected abnormal or inop items remaining. |
PHS 4 — FMGC / MCDU Setup16 steps
| 01 | MCDU INIT A (City Pair / Co-route)ENTERNOTE: Enter the from/to airports or load the company route. | |
| 02 | Flight NumberENTER | |
| 03 | Cost IndexENTERNOTE: From the OFP; drives managed climb, cruise, and descent speeds. | |
| 04 | Cruise FL / TempENTER | |
| 05 | IRS / GPS PositionCONFIRMNOTE: Verify the initial alignment position matches the gate. | |
| 06 | F-PLN (Route, SID, STAR)INSERTNOTE: Build the full lateral route and verify there are no discontinuities. | |
| 07 | Lateral & Vertical ConstraintsCHECKNOTE: Confirm altitude and speed constraints on the SID and STAR. | |
| 08 | INIT B - ZFW / ZFWCGENTERNOTE: From the final loadsheet. | |
| 09 | Block FuelENTERNOTE: Confirm fuel predictions show positive reserves at destination and alternate. | |
| 10 | PERF TAKEOFF (V1 / VR / V2)ENTER | |
| 11 | FLEX / TOGA TempENTERNOTE: Use FLEX (reduced thrust) when performance allows to extend engine life. | |
| 12 | Flaps & THS for TakeoffSETNOTE: Enter takeoff CONF and trim from the performance calculation. | |
| 13 | Transition AltitudeCHECK / SET | |
| 14 | PERF CLB / CRZ / DESREVIEW | |
| 15 | RAD NAV / Departure FrequenciesTUNE | |
| 16 | ATC Flight Plan / SquawkSET |
PHS 5 — Before Start7 steps
| 01 | Final Loadsheet & DoorsRECEIVED / CLOSEDNOTE: Confirm final figures match the MCDU and all doors show closed and armed. | |
| 02 | Beacon LightONNOTE: Signals imminent engine start or movement to ground crew. | |
| 03 | Pushback / Start ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 04 | Parking BrakeAS REQUIREDNOTE: Release only when cleared and the tug confirms ready for pushback. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 06 | Fuel Pumps (All Tanks)ON / CHECKNOTE: Confirm feed tank pumps supplying all four engines. | |
| 07 | APU BleedONNOTE: Provides the bleed air pressure needed to start the engines. |
PHS 6 — Engine Start (4 Engines)11 steps
| 01 | Engine Mode SelectorIGN / STARTNOTE: Arms the automatic start sequence and ignition for all engines. | |
| 02 | Engine 4 Master (Outboard)ONNOTE: FBW A380X starts engines automatically; sequence typically begins with 4. Engine 4 is outboard and has NO thrust reverser. | |
| 03 | Engine 4 Start ParametersMONITORNOTE: Watch N2 rise, fuel flow at ~25% N2, EGT light-off, then stabilized idle. Abort on hot/hung start. | |
| 04 | Engine 3 Master (Inboard)ONNOTE: Engine 3 is inboard and IS fitted with a thrust reverser. | |
| 05 | Engine 3 Start ParametersMONITOR | |
| 06 | Engine 2 Master (Inboard)ONNOTE: Engine 2 is inboard and IS fitted with a thrust reverser. | |
| 07 | Engine 2 Start ParametersMONITOR | |
| 08 | Engine 1 Master (Outboard)ONNOTE: Engine 1 is outboard and has NO thrust reverser. | |
| 09 | Engine 1 Start ParametersMONITOR | |
| 10 | Engine Mode SelectorNORMNOTE: Return to NORM once all four engines are stable at idle. | |
| 11 | ECAM ENGINE Page (All 4)CHECKNOTE: All four engines stabilized, no warnings; ECAM memo clears. |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | APU BleedOFFNOTE: Engine bleed air now available; APU bleed no longer required. | |
| 02 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 03 | Rudder TrimZERO / CHECK | |
| 04 | Flaps / SlatsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Select the CONF (1+F, 2, or 3) from the takeoff performance calculation. | |
| 05 | Pitch Trim (THS)SETNOTE: Set the trimmable horizontal stabilizer into the green takeoff band per loadsheet CG. | |
| 06 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | ECAM T.O CONFIGTEST / CHECKNOTE: Press T.O CONFIG; confirm no residual takeoff configuration warning. | |
| 08 | APU MasterOFFNOTE: Shut down the APU after its bleed is off and generators are no longer needed. | |
| 09 | Pushback Complete / Tug DisconnectedCONFIRM | |
| 10 | Brakes & Nose Wheel SteeringCHECKNOTE: Verify braking action and steering response at the start of taxi; the A380 has a steerable body gear. | |
| 11 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 12 | Taxi & Turnoff LightsONNOTE: Taxi the wide-body carefully; the A380 wingspan and body gear track require wide turns and centerline discipline. |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsFULL & FREENOTE: Final sidestick and rudder check; confirm surfaces on the ECAM F/CTL page. | |
| 02 | Cabin CrewADVISE / SECURENOTE: Confirm cabin secured for takeoff. | |
| 03 | AutobrakeRTONOTE: Arm the rejected takeoff autobrake for maximum braking if takeoff is aborted. | |
| 04 | TCASTA/RA | |
| 05 | TransponderON / TARA | |
| 06 | Strobe / Nav / Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 07 | Weather Radar / PWSON / AUTO |
PHS 9 — Takeoff7 steps
| 01 | Takeoff ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 02 | Landing & Takeoff LightsON | |
| 03 | Thrust LeversFLEX / TOGANOTE: Advance to the FLEX detent (reduced) or TOGA (full) per the performance calculation. | |
| 04 | Engine Parameters (All 4)CHECK / STABILIZEDWARNING: Confirm all four engines spool symmetrically before committing. Asymmetric thrust on a four-engine aircraft is a strong yaw. | |
| 05 | V1MONITORWARNING: At or above V1 the takeoff must be continued - do not reject. | |
| 06 | VR - RotateROTATENOTE: Rotate smoothly to ~7.5 deg initially, then ~12.5 deg, following the SRS pitch command. | |
| 07 | Positive RateGEAR UPNOTE: Confirm a positive climb on the altimeter and VSI before retracting the gear. |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb8 steps
| 01 | AutopilotENGAGE AS DESIRED | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversCL DETENTNOTE: At thrust reduction altitude, set the levers to the CLB detent for autothrust. | |
| 03 | Flaps / SlatsRETRACT ON SCHEDULENOTE: Retract at S speed (slats) and F speed (flaps) as the speed increases. | |
| 04 | Ground SpoilersDISARM | |
| 05 | Climb Speed250 KT BELOW FL100NOTE: Observe the 250 kt restriction below 10,000 ft, then accelerate to managed climb speed. | |
| 06 | Landing LightsOFF ABOVE 10,000 FT | |
| 07 | AltimetersSTD AT TRANSITION ALT | |
| 08 | Packs / Bleeds / PressurizationCHECKNOTE: Confirm cabin climbing normally with no pressurization advisory. |
PHS 11 — Cruise6 steps
| 01 | Cruise AltitudeCONFIRM / CAPTURE | |
| 02 | Autothrust / SpeedMANAGEDNOTE: Typical long-range cruise around Mach 0.85. | |
| 03 | Fuel Transfer & CGMONITORNOTE: The A380 automatically transfers fuel between tanks to keep CG aft for cruise efficiency. | |
| 04 | Fuel Used vs PlanCROSS-CHECKNOTE: Compare actual burn against the OFP at each waypoint. | |
| 05 | Pressurization & CabinMONITOR | |
| 06 | Step ClimbsAS PLANNEDNOTE: Climb to higher optimum levels as weight decreases with fuel burn. |
PHS 12 — Descent Prep8 steps
| 01 | Destination ATIS / WeatherOBTAIN | |
| 02 | Landing Runway & ApproachSELECT IN MCDU | |
| 03 | PERF APPR (QNH, Wind, Temp)ENTERNOTE: Enter destination QNH, wind, temperature, and minima. | |
| 04 | Landing Performance / VAPPCONFIRMNOTE: Verify landing distance against runway length and confirm VAPP (VLS + wind correction). | |
| 05 | Minimums (DH / MDA)SET | |
| 06 | Autobrake & Landing ConfigPLANNOTE: Decide flap setting, autobrake level, and reverser use (inboard engines 2 & 3 only). | |
| 07 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETE | |
| 08 | Top of DescentREVIEWNOTE: Confirm the FMS descent point and any vertical constraints. |
PHS 13 — Descent7 steps
| 01 | Descent ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 02 | Altitude TargetSET | |
| 03 | Descent ModeMANAGED / OP DES | |
| 04 | Speed250 KT BELOW FL100 | |
| 05 | AltimetersQNH AT TRANSITION LEVEL | |
| 06 | Landing LightsON BELOW 10,000 FT | |
| 07 | Cabin SignsSEAT BELTS ON |
PHS 14 — Approach12 steps
| 01 | Cabin CrewADVISE / SECURENOTE: Final cabin secure call for landing. | |
| 02 | Approach PhaseACTIVATENOTE: Activate the approach phase in the MCDU to enable managed deceleration to VAPP. | |
| 03 | SpeedDECELERATENOTE: Slow toward Green Dot, then S and F speeds as flaps extend. | |
| 04 | Flaps CONF 1SETNOTE: Below 263 kt. | |
| 05 | Flaps CONF 2SET | |
| 06 | Landing GearDOWNNOTE: Both body and wing main gear plus nose gear; confirm three greens and gear doors closed. | |
| 07 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 08 | Flaps CONF 3SET | |
| 09 | AutobrakeSET (LO / MED) | |
| 10 | Flaps FULLSETNOTE: Full landing configuration; confirm VLS and target VAPP. | |
| 11 | Landing ChecklistCOMPLETE | |
| 12 | Stabilized ApproachCONFIRM BY 1000 FTWARNING: On the glidepath, on speed, in landing config, thrust stabilized by 1,000 ft AAL or go around. |
PHS 15 — Landing9 steps
| 01 | Landing ClearanceOBTAIN | |
| 02 | Autopilot / AutothrustAS REQUIREDNOTE: Disconnect for a manual landing or maintain for autoland as planned. | |
| 03 | VAPPMAINTAIN | |
| 04 | Flare~30 FTNOTE: Begin the flare around 30 ft and follow the RETARD callout. | |
| 05 | Thrust LeversIDLE / RETARD | |
| 06 | Main Gear TouchdownDEROTATENOTE: Lower the nose smoothly after the body and wing gear are firmly down. | |
| 07 | Ground SpoilersDEPLOYEDNOTE: Confirm automatic deployment for full lift dump. | |
| 08 | Reverse ThrustSELECT (ENGINES 2 & 3 ONLY)CAUTION: Only the inboard engines 2 and 3 have reversers. Outboard 1 and 4 stay at idle - expect asymmetric reverse and use rudder to track centerline. | |
| 09 | Reversers to IdleBY 70 KTNOTE: Reduce to idle reverse by 70 kt, then stow before taxi speed. |
PHS 16 — After Landing8 steps
| 01 | ReversersSTOWED | |
| 02 | Flaps / SlatsRETRACT (UP) | |
| 03 | Ground SpoilersDISARM / RETRACT | |
| 04 | APUSTART / AS REQUIREDNOTE: Start the APU for electrical and air on stand if no ground power. | |
| 05 | Weather Radar / PWSOFF | |
| 06 | Strobe & Landing LightsOFF / TAXI LIGHTS ON | |
| 07 | TransponderSTBY / GND | |
| 08 | Brake FansON AS REQUIREDNOTE: Switch on brake fans to cool the carbon brakes after heavy use; monitor brake temperature. |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown12 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETCAUTION: If brake temperatures are high, leave the parking brake off with chocks in to allow the brakes to cool. | |
| 02 | ChocksIN / CONFIRM | |
| 03 | Engine Master Switches 1-4OFFNOTE: Shut down all four engines; confirm N1/N2 spooling down on the ECAM ENGINE page. | |
| 04 | Anti-IceOFF | |
| 05 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 06 | Ground / External PowerAS REQUIRED | |
| 07 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 08 | Seat Belt SignsOFF | |
| 09 | Brake TemperatureCHECKNOTE: Confirm brakes cooling; keep brake fans running until temperatures are in the safe band. | |
| 10 | DoorsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Disarm and open doors for disembarkation per ground coordination. | |
| 11 | ADIRS 1, 2, 3OFF | |
| 12 | APU & ElectricsOFF AS REQUIREDNOTE: Shut down the APU and remaining systems once on ground power and the aircraft is secured. |