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MSFS 2024 · Airliner
Fenix A321 Startup Checklist
Fenix A321 Startup Notes
The Fenix A321 is a study-level Airbus, and its cold-and-dark flow punishes shortcuts. Batteries and external power first, then all three ADIRS selectors to NAV immediately, because full alignment takes roughly seven minutes and nothing you do afterward speeds it up. Fuel and payload go through the EFB so they match INIT B, then MCDU setup runs INIT A, F-PLN, and PERF. With the APU running and APU bleed on, set the mode selector to IGN/START and bring each ENG master up; the FADEC does the rest.
The number one Fenix mistake is timing: pilots set the ADIRS late and then sit at the gate waiting, or try to enter INIT B fuel figures after engine start, when the page is no longer available. Forgetting APU bleed is the other classic, since the engines will not crank without air. Let the FADEC own the start; there is nothing to touch between master ON and stabilized idle, and interrupting the sequence causes more problems than it solves.
Common mistakes
- Setting ADIRS to NAV late, then waiting on alignment
- Entering INIT B fuel data after engine start
- Forgetting APU bleed, so the engines never crank
Related Aircraft
Pilot Tools for This Flight
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
Fenix A321MSFS 2024 · Startup Checklist · 191 steps · 18 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning10 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF)REVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, destination, and alternates. Review SIGMETs and wind charts for cruise altitude. | |
| 02 | NOTAMsREVIEWEDNOTE: Check runway closures, approach procedure changes, and airspace NOTAMs. | |
| 03 | Fuel Plan (SimBrief / OFP)CALCULATEDNOTE: A321 burn ~2,200-2,800 kg/hr. Fuel capacity 26,730 kg. Verify trip, alternate, final, and contingency fuel. | |
| 04 | Weight & BalanceWITHIN LIMITSCAUTION: MTOW 93,500 kg. MLW 77,800 kg. MZFW 73,500 kg. CG must be within forward and aft trim limits. | |
| 05 | Takeoff Performance (EFB / TOPAS)CALCULATEDNOTE: Calculate Flex temperature, V1, Vr, V2, and takeoff flap setting using Fenix EFB performance tool. | |
| 06 | OFP / RoutingREVIEWED & LOADEDNOTE: Load route into MCDU using SimBrief import or manual entry. | |
| 07 | ATIS / D-ATISOBTAINED | |
| 08 | Certificated Weight Limits (A321)CHECKEDNOTE: Non-Sharklet: max taxi 205,911 lb, takeoff 205,029 lb, landing 171,519 lb, zero fuel 162,701 lb. Sharklet with IAE: 207,014 / 206,132 / 171,519 / 162,701 lb. Sharklet with CFM: 207,014 / 206,132 / 174,606 / 166,669 lb. | |
| 09 | 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%. | |
| 10 | 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 10 kt with IAE engines, 15 kt with CFM engines. Maximum tailwind for landing 10 kt non-Sharklet, 15 kt Sharklet. |
PHS 2 - Cockpit Preparation (P1 - Captain)11 steps
| 01 | Battery 1 / Battery 2ON | |
| 02 | External Power (GPU)ON | |
| 03 | Emergency Exit LightsARM | |
| 04 | ADIRS 1 / 2 / 3NAV - ALL THREENOTE: Set all three ADIRUs to NAV. Enter position on MCDU INIT A page. | |
| 05 | Standby InstrumentsCHECKED | |
| 06 | MCDU - INIT A PageFROM/TO / DATE / TIME ENTEREDNOTE: Enter FROM/TO, align date and time. Verify present position via INIT A REQUEST. | |
| 07 | MCDU - ROUTE / F-PLNROUTE ENTERED & ACTIVATED | |
| 08 | MCDU - PERF PagesCI / ZFW / BLOCK FUEL / CRZ ENTEREDNOTE: Enter Cost Index, Zero Fuel Weight, block fuel, and cruise altitude. | |
| 09 | MCDU - TAKE-OFF PERFFLAPS / V1 / VR / V2 / FLEX ENTEREDNOTE: Enter Flex temperature, V-speeds, and takeoff configuration. Typical at MTOW: V1 142, Vr 147, V2 151 kts. | |
| 10 | Altimeter (Captain)SET QNH | |
| 11 | Fuel QuantityVERIFIED - MATCHES OFP |
PHS 3 - Cockpit Preparation (P2 - First Officer)8 steps
| 01 | Altimeter (F/O)SET QNH | |
| 02 | RadiosSETNOTE: Pre-select ATIS, ground, and tower on COM1/COM2. Enter navaids for departure. | |
| 03 | TransponderSTBY - CODE SET | |
| 04 | HydraulicsCHECKEDNOTE: Three hydraulic systems (Green, Yellow, Blue). Verify all three pressure lights off. | |
| 05 | PressurisationSETNOTE: Destination field elevation entered. Mode selector AUTO. | |
| 06 | OxygenCHECKED - PRESSURE OK | |
| 07 | Fire Warning TestTESTED - ALL BELLS AND WARNINGS OK | |
| 08 | ECAM Overhead Panel CheckNO AMBER / RED WARNINGS |
PHS 4 - Final Preflight17 steps
| 01 | Thrust LeversIDLE | |
| 02 | WX RadarOFFNOTE: Verify gain is in the AUTO position and the image selector is in WX/TURB. | |
| 03 | PWS SwitchOFF | |
| 04 | Flight Deck Door Open LightVERIFY ONNOTE: Confirms the flight deck door locking system is powered. | |
| 05 | Gravity Gear Extension HandleSTOWED | |
| 06 | Passenger Address SystemCHECKNOTE: Check clarity, volume and operation of the handset. | |
| 07 | 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. | |
| 08 | 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. The parking brake must be set before beginning the preflight checklist. | |
| 09 | ATC ClearanceOBTAINNOTE: Obtain clearance and compare routing with the flight plan routing. Make any necessary FMGC corrections. | |
| 10 | FCU - Speed WindowMANAGEDNOTE: Managed speed is indicated by dashes. | |
| 11 | 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. | |
| 12 | FCU - Altitude WindowSET | |
| 13 | FCU - Vertical Speed WindowDASHED | |
| 14 | PFDCHECKNOTE: After the FCU is set, verify climb mode armed, lateral mode as required, and FCU altitude displayed. | |
| 15 | 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. | |
| 16 | Pilot and Flight Attendant BriefingsCOMPLETE | |
| 17 | Preflight ChecklistACCOMPLISH |
PHS 5 - APU Start5 steps
| 01 | APU Master SwitchON | |
| 02 | APU Start ButtonPRESSNOTE: APU should reach AVAIL in approximately 60 seconds. | |
| 03 | APU AVAIL LightILLUMINATED | |
| 04 | APU BleedON | |
| 05 | External PowerDISCONNECTED |
PHS 6 - Before Start19 steps
| 01 | Fuel Quantity (Both)REQUIRED AND ON BOARD | |
| 02 | ADIRSNAV | |
| 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 | Seat Belts / No SmokingON | |
| 15 | ENG MASTER 1 / 2OFF | |
| 16 | ENG MODE SelectorNORM | |
| 17 | Anti-Ice / De-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 18 | Pushback ClearanceOBTAINED (IF REQUIRED) | |
| 19 | Start ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 7 - Engine Start11 steps
| 01 | ENG Mode SelectorIGN / STARTNOTE: Select IGN/START to prepare engines for start sequence. | |
| 02 | ENG Master 2ONNOTE: Start engine 2 first. ECAM will show N2 and EGT rising. | |
| 03 | N2 RisingCONFIRMED | |
| 04 | Fuel Valve OpenAT N2 > 20%WARNING: Monitor EGT. Max start EGT 635 deg C. If EGT exceeds limit, abort start immediately. | |
| 05 | Engine 2 - IDLESTABLENOTE: IDLE: N1 ~19%, N2 ~64%, EGT ~360 deg C. | |
| 06 | ENG Master 1ON | |
| 07 | Engine 1 - IDLESTABLE | |
| 08 | ENG Mode SelectorNORM | |
| 09 | APU BleedOFF | |
| 10 | APU MasterOFF | |
| 11 | Generators 1 & 2AUTO |
PHS 8 - After Start / Pre-Taxi9 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 | Flight Controls (ECAM FCTL page)ALL GREEN - FULL DEFLECTIONNOTE: Check ECAM FCTL page shows all flight controls responding correctly. | |
| 06 | FlapsSET FOR TAKEOFFNOTE: Set flaps to computed takeoff configuration (1+F, 2, or 3). | |
| 07 | SpoilersARMED | |
| 08 | LightsTAXI ON | |
| 09 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 9 - Taxi4 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeRELEASE | |
| 02 | BrakesCHECKED | |
| 03 | Taxi SpeedMAX 20 KTS / 10 KTS IN TURNS | |
| 04 | TransponderTA/RA |
PHS 10 - Before Takeoff18 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 | Takeoff BriefingCOMPLETENOTE: Brief rejected takeoff criteria, engine failure procedures, and initial departure routing. | |
| 11 | FlapsCONFIRMED TAKEOFF SETTING | |
| 12 | Pitch TrimCONFIRMED | |
| 13 | SpoilersARMED | |
| 14 | ECAMNO WARNINGS | |
| 15 | V-SpeedsCONFIRMED PF & PMNOTE: Typical at MTOW 93,500 kg: V1 142 kts, Vr 147 kts, V2 151 kts (Flex config dependent). | |
| 16 | Cabin CrewREADY | |
| 17 | LightsLANDING + STROBE ON | |
| 18 | Takeoff ClearanceRECEIVED |
PHS 11 - Takeoff6 steps
| 01 | Thrust LeversFLEX / MCT / TOGANOTE: Advance to FLEX (preferred) or TOGA. ATHR engages at ~80 kts. | |
| 02 | Engine InstrumentsSYMMETRICAL - N1 TARGET CONFIRMED | |
| 03 | At V1GO DECISION - HAND OFF LEVERS | |
| 04 | At VrROTATE - 15 DEG PITCH TARGETNOTE: A321 is longer than A320 - slightly more rotation required. Fly-by-wire limits will protect. | |
| 05 | V2 AirbornePOSITIVE RATE - GEAR UP | |
| 06 | FMASRS - CONFIRM MODE |
PHS 12 - Climb7 steps
| 01 | At Acceleration AltitudeTHRUST LEVERS - CLB DETENTNOTE: Move thrust levers to CLB detent at acceleration altitude (1,500 ft typical). | |
| 02 | Flap Retract ScheduleS SPEED / F SPEED / GREEN DOTNOTE: Retract flaps on schedule per MCDU V-speeds: S speed > F speed > green dot speed. | |
| 03 | AutopilotENGAGE (ABOVE 100 FT) | |
| 04 | Climb Speed250 KIAS BELOW FL100 / MANAGED SPEED ABOVE | |
| 05 | Landing LightsOFF ABOVE 10,000 FT | |
| 06 | Transition AltitudeALTIMETERS SET STD 1013 hPa | |
| 07 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED |
PHS 13 - Cruise11 steps
| 01 | Cruise LevelESTABLISHEDNOTE: A321 max cruise altitude FL390. Typical cruise FL350-FL380. | |
| 02 | Cruise SpeedMANAGED MACH (0.78-0.80 TYPICAL) | |
| 03 | Fuel CheckCOMPARE TO OFP AT EACH WAYPOINT | |
| 04 | PressurisationCHECKED - CABIN BELOW 8,000 FT | |
| 05 | ECAM SystemsALL GREEN | |
| 06 | FMS ProgressMONITORED | |
| 07 | 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. | |
| 08 | Autopilot and Altimetry SystemsCONFIRM AT LEAST HOURLYNOTE: Required while operating in RVSM airspace. | |
| 09 | 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. | |
| 10 | 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. | |
| 11 | Load Alleviation FunctionAVAILABLE CLEAN, NORMAL LAWNOTE: On the A321 the load alleviation function relieves wing structure loads through upward deflection of the two ailerons, or the ailerons together with spoilers 4 and 5. It is available in clean configuration in Normal law. |
PHS 14 - Descent9 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 | Approach BriefingCOMPLETE | |
| 06 | MCDU ARRIVAL / STARSELECTED | |
| 07 | AltimetersSET QNH (AT TRANSITION LEVEL) | |
| 08 | Descent SpeedMANAGED / M 0.78 / 300 KIAS / 250 KIAS BELOW FL100 | |
| 09 | Landing Performance (EFB)COMPUTED - Vapp SET ON MCDU |
PHS 15 - Approach12 steps
| 01 | Approach BriefCOMPLETE | |
| 02 | Seat Belts SignON | |
| 03 | BARO, MDA / DH (Both)SET | |
| 04 | ECAM StatusCHECKED | |
| 05 | Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Flaps 1BELOW 230 KIAS | |
| 07 | Flaps 2BELOW 215 KIAS | |
| 08 | Landing GearDOWN (BELOW 250 KIAS)NOTE: Three greens confirmed. | |
| 09 | Flaps 3 / FULLAS REQUIREDNOTE: Flaps 3 for most landings. FULL for short field or firm conditions. | |
| 10 | SpoilersARMED | |
| 11 | VappMANAGED / ~140-150 KIAS (WEIGHT DEPENDENT)NOTE: Vapp = Vls + 5 kts minimum. A321 heavier than A320 - higher approach speeds. | |
| 12 | Landing LightsON |
PHS 16 - Landing11 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 | FinalSTABILIZED - SPEED / GLIDESLOPENOTE: Stabilized by 1,000 ft in IMC. Go-around if not stabilized. | |
| 05 | AutopilotOFF AT MINIMUMS (MANUAL LANDING)NOTE: Disconnect AP at DA/MDA for manual landing. Or maintain for CAT III autoland if configured. | |
| 06 | FlareAT 30 FT - REDUCE THRUSTNOTE: Fly-by-wire will flare automatically if in alpha-protection law. | |
| 07 | Thrust LeversIDLE AT TOUCHDOWN | |
| 08 | SpoilersAUTO DEPLOY | |
| 09 | Reverse ThrustSELECT (BOTH) | |
| 10 | Auto-BrakeVERIFY DECELERATION | |
| 11 | At 70 KTSCANCEL REVERSE THRUST |
PHS 17 - After Landing9 steps
| 01 | WX RadarOFF | |
| 02 | Windshear (PWS)OFF | |
| 03 | SpoilersDISARMED | |
| 04 | Engine Mode SelectorNORM | |
| 05 | FlapsAS REQUIRED | |
| 06 | Landing LightsOFF | |
| 07 | StrobeOFF | |
| 08 | TransponderSTBY | |
| 09 | Taxi ClearanceOBTAINED |
PHS 18 - Shutdown14 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 | APU MasterON | |
| 07 | APU StartINITIATE | |
| 08 | APU AVAILCONFIRMED | |
| 09 | EnginesOFF - N2 TO ZERO | |
| 10 | DoorsDISARMED (SLIDE MODES)NOTE: Select slide mode to disarmed before opening doors. | |
| 11 | ADIRSOFF | |
| 12 | AvionicsOFF | |
| 13 | APUOFF (AFTER GROUND POWER CONNECTED) | |
| 14 | BatteriesOFF |