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MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Fenix A320 (CEO) Startup Checklist
Fenix A320 (CEO) Startup Notes
The Fenix runs on real world timing, and that changes how you sequence a cold and dark start. Set the ADIRS to NAV immediately after power is established, because alignment takes realistic time that varies with latitude. The APU is equally honest: master on, wait for the intake flap, then start, and expect a proper wait before AVAIL appears. Fill that time with the MCDU INIT pages, fuel pumps, and the EFB ground services rather than staring at the overhead.
The classic Fenix mistake is doing the ADIRS late and then sitting at the gate with nothing to do but wait. Second is punching engine masters before APU bleed is actually available, which the FADEC will not forgive. Third is skipping the MCDU position entry on the INIT page, leaving the alignment without a reference. Treat the start as parallel tasks, ADIRS and APU running while you program, and the realistic delays stop being delays.
Common mistakes
- Setting the ADIRS to NAV too late in the flow
- Starting engines before APU bleed is available
- Skipping the MCDU INIT position entry
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
Fenix A320 (CEO)MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 227 steps · 17 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning11 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. | |
| 09 | Certificated Weight Limits (A320)CHECKEDNOTE: Maximum taxi 170,637 lb, takeoff 169,755 lb, landing 142,198 lb, zero fuel 134,481 lb. | |
| 10 | Operational LimitsREVIEWEDNOTE: Maximum operating altitude 39,000 ft. Maximum takeoff and landing pressure altitude 9,200 ft, minimum -1,000 ft. Maximum altitude with flaps and/or slats extended 20,000 ft. Maximum gear extension altitude 25,000 ft. Maximum runway slope +2.0% / -2.0%. | |
| 11 | Wind LimitsCHECKEDCAUTION: Maximum wind for takeoff and landing 50 kt including gusts. Maximum crosswind 35 kt including gusts, reduced to 15 kt for landing when visibility is below 4000 RVR or 3/4 SM, and 20 kt for autoland. Maximum tailwind for takeoff 15 kt with CFM engines and 10 kt with IAE engines. |
PHS 2 - Electrical Power Up6 steps
| 01 | Battery 1 & 2ONNOTE: Open Fenix EFB tablet first - set panel state to Cold & Dark. | |
| 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) |
PHS 3 - Cockpit Preparation16 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. Do NOT turn on centre pumps if centre tank is empty - Fenix will show LOW PRESSURE warnings. | |
| 08 | Panel LightsSET AS NEEDED | |
| 09 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 10 | WX RadarOFFNOTE: Verify gain is in the AUTO position and the image selector is in WX/TURB. | |
| 11 | PWS SwitchOFF | |
| 12 | Flight Deck Door Open LightVERIFY ONNOTE: Confirms the flight deck door locking system is powered. | |
| 13 | Gravity Gear Extension HandleSTOWED | |
| 14 | Passenger Address SystemCHECKNOTE: Check clarity, volume and operation of the handset. | |
| 15 | ACARS / FMGCINITIALIZE AND PROGRAMNOTE: Either pilot may initialize at any time during flight deck preparation; the other pilot independently verifies all entries, without assistance or influence from the other pilot. | |
| 16 | Parking BrakeSET, PRESSURE NORMALCAUTION: The only confirmation that the parking brake is set is an indication of brake pressure on the BRAKES and ACCU PRESS indicators. Set the parking brake if the ramp is icy or if wind speed or gusts of 40 kt or higher are anticipated.NOTE: The accumulator is normally charged to about 3000 PSI. Recharge if the pressure drop is greater than 300 PSI. |
PHS 4 - MCDU Setup17 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: Set fuel via Fenix EFB Payload/Fuel page. 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 | |
| 10 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINNOTE: Obtain clearance and compare routing with the flight plan routing. Make any necessary FMGC corrections. | |
| 11 | FCU - Speed WindowMANAGEDNOTE: Managed speed is indicated by dashes. | |
| 12 | FCU - Heading WindowNAV OR HEADINGNOTE: Dashes are displayed for a NAV departure, with NAV armed in the lateral column of the FMA. Set a heading per the planned SID or runway heading to disarm NAV. | |
| 13 | FCU - Altitude WindowSET | |
| 14 | FCU - Vertical Speed WindowDASHED | |
| 15 | PFDCHECKNOTE: After the FCU is set, verify climb mode armed, lateral mode as required, and FCU altitude displayed. | |
| 16 | EGPWS / Radar DisplaysAS REQUIREDNOTE: If weather radar is not required, both pilots select TERR ON ND. The terrain pop-up remains available when weather radar is displayed. | |
| 17 | Pilot and Flight Attendant BriefingsCOMPLETE |
PHS 5 - Before Start16 steps
| 01 | Fuel Quantity (Both)REQUIRED AND ON BOARD | |
| 02 | ADIRSNAVCAUTION: Do not move the aircraft during alignment (about 7 min). | |
| 03 | Passenger SignsON AND AUTO | |
| 04 | BARO REF (Both)SET | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeON / OFF | |
| 06 | Departure BriefCOMPLETE | |
| 07 | Logbook (Both)CHECKED | |
| 08 | BeaconONNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | |
| 09 | NWS (Nose Wheel Steering)DISCON / CONNOTE: Nose wheel steering disconnected for pushback, reconnected afterwards. | |
| 10 | Doors and Slides (Both)CLOSED AND ARMED | |
| 11 | Takeoff Data (Both)SET | |
| 12 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 13 | Cockpit DoorCLOSED AND NORM | |
| 14 | Pack SwitchesOFFNOTE: Sim flow item, not on the operator checklist card. Reduces APU bleed load during engine start. | |
| 15 | Engine Mode SelectorIGN / STARTNOTE: Sim flow item, not on the operator checklist card. | |
| 16 | Ground CrewCLEARED TO STARTCAUTION: Wait for pushback clearance if required. |
PHS 6 - Engine Start10 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) |
PHS 7 - After Start / Taxi13 steps
| 01 | Anti IceON OR OFF | |
| 02 | ECAM StatusCHECKED | |
| 03 | Pitch TrimSET UP / DOWNNOTE: Set the takeoff trim value from the loadsheet. | |
| 04 | Rudder TrimZERO | |
| 05 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 06 | FlapsSET for takeoff (CONF 1+F, 2, or 3)NOTE: Check performance data for correct setting. | |
| 07 | Auto BrakeMAX | |
| 08 | Cabin CrewNOTIFIED | |
| 09 | Taxi LightON | |
| 10 | Nose LightTAXI | |
| 11 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 12 | BrakesCHECK during first movement | |
| 13 | Flight InstrumentsCHECK during taxiNOTE: PFD, ND, ECAM - cross-check heading and attitude. |
PHS 8 - Before Takeoff20 steps
| 01 | Flight Controls (Both)CHECKEDCAUTION: Move the sidestick to full deflection in pitch and roll and check the F/CTL page. | |
| 02 | FCU - SPD WindowDISPLAYS DASHESNOTE: Verify the speed window displays dashes and V2 is displayed on the PFD speed scale. | |
| 03 | FCU - HDG / NAVVERIFYNOTE: If the departure is flown on heading, set the assigned or runway heading. If NAV is used, the heading window displays dashes and NAV engages automatically at 30 ft. Verify the ND runway display is closely aligned with the actual runway heading. | |
| 04 | FCU - ALTVERIFYNOTE: Verify the correct altitude for the departure procedure is displayed in the FCU altitude window and on the PFD altitude scale. | |
| 05 | FMGC (F-PLN)VERIFY DEPARTURE PROGRAMMING | |
| 06 | PWSAUTO | |
| 07 | Weather RadarAS REQUIRED | |
| 08 | Radar / TerrainAS REQUIREDNOTE: Select weather radar or terrain as appropriate; the terrain pop-up remains available if both pilots have weather radar displayed. | |
| 09 | Final WeightsCONFIRMEDNOTE: The pilot monitoring responds with the final weight manifest gross weight and takeoff weight change. | |
| 10 | Flight InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 11 | BriefingCONFIRMEDNOTE: Review departure, SID, engine failure procedures. | |
| 12 | FlapsCONFIRM T/O settingNOTE: Verify matches MCDU PERF TAKEOFF page. | |
| 13 | V-SpeedsCONFIRM V1, VR, V2 | |
| 14 | ECAM MemoCHECK - T/O NO BLUENOTE: Verify: AUTO BRK MAX, SIGN ON, CABIN READY, SPLRS ARM, FLAPS T/O, T/O CONFIG NORMAL. | |
| 15 | PacksAS REQUIREDNOTE: May be set OFF for performance on short/hot runways. | |
| 16 | Landing LightsON (Both) | |
| 17 | Strobe LightsON or AUTO | |
| 18 | Nose LightT.O. | |
| 19 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 20 | 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 - Cruise13 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. | |
| 10 | Top of Climb - RVSM Altimeter CheckRECORDNOTE: In RVSM airspace, record the readings of both the primary and standby altimeters and verify that the primary altimeters agree within +/- 200 ft. | |
| 11 | Autopilot and Altimetry SystemsCONFIRM AT LEAST HOURLYNOTE: Required while operating in RVSM airspace. | |
| 12 | Fuel Awareness CheckACCOMPLISHNOTE: At top of climb and approximately each hour, record time and fuel remaining and compare actual fuel burn to planned fuel burn. Monitor each tank to verify proper burn off. | |
| 13 | Navigation Accuracy CheckWITHIN FIRST HOURNOTE: Required on flights that will enter Class II airspace. Flights operated solely within the contiguous 48 United States and Canada are exempt. |
PHS 12 - Descent Preparation11 steps
| 01 | Allowable Landing WeightCHECKNOTE: Prior to top of descent, check the allowable landing weight for the desired runway and environmental conditions. | |
| 02 | Approach Data CardVERIFYNOTE: Verify the displayed approach data card agrees with the estimated landing weight. | |
| 03 | Arrival ATISOBTAINNOTE: Obtain the current ATIS for the destination airport when it can be received. Note QNH, wind, runway in use and transition level. | |
| 04 | Non-Essential PAsCOMPLETE BEFORE DESCENT | |
| 05 | MCDU - PERF APPR PageENTER QNH, Temp, Wind, Trans LVL, Minimums | |
| 06 | MCDU - APPR PageVERIFY or SELECT approach and runway | |
| 07 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETEDNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums, missed approach procedure. | |
| 08 | Landing ElevationSET on MCDU | |
| 09 | Auto BrakeSET (LO or MED)NOTE: LO for dry runway, MED for wet or short runway. | |
| 10 | ILS FrequencySET and IDENTIFIEDNOTE: Verify on both PFDs. | |
| 11 | 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 - Approach18 steps
| 01 | Approach BriefCOMPLETE | |
| 02 | Seat Belts SignON | |
| 03 | BARO, MDA / DH (Both)SET | |
| 04 | ECAM StatusCHECKED | |
| 05 | APPR Button on FCUPRESS when cleared for approachNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S modes - verify on FMA. | |
| 06 | SpeedMANAGED - green dot or as assigned | |
| 07 | Flaps 1SET at S-speedNOTE: Monitor speed tape for speed target. | |
| 08 | Flaps 2SET at F-speed | |
| 09 | Landing GearDOWNNOTE: Select DOWN when established on localiser or as required. | |
| 10 | Ground SpoilersARM | |
| 11 | Flaps 3SET | |
| 12 | Flaps FULLSETNOTE: CONF FULL for shortest landing distance. CONF 3 if required. | |
| 13 | Landing GearCONFIRM DOWN - 3 greens | |
| 14 | Auto BrakeCONFIRM ARMED | |
| 15 | Cabin CrewNOTIFIEDNOTE: Press CALLS ALL for cabin ready confirmation. | |
| 16 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 17 | Nose LightT.O. | |
| 18 | ECAM MemoCHECK - LDG NO BLUECAUTION: All landing items must show no blue - if blue items remain, resolve before landing. |
PHS 15 - Landing14 steps
| 01 | Cabin CrewADVISED | |
| 02 | A/THRSPEED OR OFF | |
| 03 | ECAM Landing MemoLDG NO BLUECAUTION: No blue items may remain in the landing memo. Resolve any remaining item before landing. | |
| 04 | 1,000 ft - Stable ApproachVERIFYWARNING: If not stabilised by 1,000 ft AGL, execute go-around. | |
| 05 | 500 ft - AutopilotOFF (disconnect AP1)NOTE: Or leave on for autoland (CAT II/III). | |
| 06 | VAPPMAINTAIN approach speedNOTE: Monitor speed trend - correct for wind. | |
| 07 | Flare (~30 ft)GENTLE backstick - reduce descent rateNOTE: Listen for 'RETARD' callout. | |
| 08 | Thrust LeversIDLE at ~10-20 ft | |
| 09 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR firstNOTE: Hold pitch attitude, lower nose gently. | |
| 10 | Ground SpoilersVERIFY DEPLOYED | |
| 11 | Reverse ThrustSELECT REV (both levers up)NOTE: Use reverse as required. Max reverse on contaminated runways. | |
| 12 | Auto BrakeVERIFY ACTIVE (decel light) | |
| 13 | 70 KnotsREVERSE IDLE - stow reversers | |
| 14 | BrakingMANUAL below 40 kts as needed |
PHS 16 - After Landing14 steps
| 01 | WX RadarOFF | |
| 02 | Windshear (PWS)OFF | |
| 03 | SpoilersDISARMED | |
| 04 | Engine Mode SelectorNORM | |
| 05 | FlapsAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Runway VacatedCONFIRMED - hold short if instructed | |
| 07 | Strobe LightsOFF or AUTO | |
| 08 | Runway Turnoff LightsON | |
| 09 | Nose LightTAXI | |
| 10 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 11 | TransponderSTBY or as required | |
| 12 | APU MasterON (if required for gate)NOTE: Start APU during taxi for bleed air at gate. | |
| 13 | APU StartON | |
| 14 | Taxi to GateFOLLOW ATC instructions |
PHS 17 - Parking / Shutdown17 steps
| 01 | Fuel PumpsOFF | |
| 02 | Exterior LightsAS REQUIRED | |
| 03 | Seat Belts SignOFF | |
| 04 | Engines 1 and 2OFFNOTE: The remaining PARKING items on the operator checklist card were cut off in the scanned copy; the shutdown items that follow are the app's own flow. | |
| 05 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 06 | Taxi Light / Nose LightOFF | |
| 07 | APU BleedON | |
| 08 | Engine N1VERIFY below 5% (both)NOTE: Wait for full spool-down. | |
| 09 | Beacon LightOFF | |
| 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 |