Inibuilds A350-900MSFS 2024 Startup Checklist · 199 steps
Inibuilds A350-900
MSFS 2024 - 0/199 STEPS
Colin Cooke Photo / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0
AirlinerModern
AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) made its first flight on June 14, 2013, and entered commercial service with Qatar Airways in January 2015. Constructed from over 50% carbon fibre reinforced polymer, it is one of the most fuel-efficient long-haul widebodies ever built, burning roughly 25% less fuel than comparable predecessors. Powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-900 can carry up to 369 passengers up to 15,000 km, making it the backbone of ultra-long-haul operations worldwide.
RANGE VISUALIZER
SPECIFICATIONS
manufacturerAirbus (iniBuilds simulation)
first Flight2013
roleWide-body long-range airliner
crew2 pilots + cabin crew
engines2x Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 (374 kN / 84,000 lbf each)
max Speed1,041 km/h (Mach 0.89 VMO)
range15,000 km (8,100 nmi)
ceiling43,100 ft
weight283,000 kg (MTOW)
PHS 1 — Pre-Flight Planning8 steps
| 01 | Weather Briefing (METAR / TAF / Sigmet)NOTE: Check departure, enroute, destination, and alternate weather. Note wind, QNH, and any significant weather. | REVIEWED | |
| 02 | NOTAMsNOTE: Check for runway closures, navaid outages, and airspace restrictions. | REVIEWED | |
| 03 | OFP / SimBrief Flight PlanNOTE: Generate and review Operational Flight Plan - route, fuel, winds, alternates, cost index. | LOADED | |
| 04 | Fuel PlanningNOTE: Block fuel: taxi + trip + contingency (5%) + alternate + final reserve (30 min) + extra. A350 burns ~5,800 kg/hr at cruise. | VERIFIED | |
| 05 | Weight & Balance / LoadsheetCAUTION: Verify ZFW, TOW, and LW are within limits. Check CG trim setting. A350-900 MTOW 283,000 kg. | WITHIN LIMITS | |
| 06 | SID / STAR / Approach ReviewNOTE: Review departure procedure, expected arrival, and alternate approach. Check transition altitudes. | BRIEFED | |
| 07 | MEL / CDL ItemsNOTE: Review any Minimum Equipment List or Configuration Deviation List items. | CHECKED | |
| 08 | Performance - Takeoff SpeedsNOTE: V1, VR, V2 and FLEX temp based on TOW, runway conditions, and OAT. Enter into MCDU PERF page. | CALCULATED |
PHS 2 — Electrical Power Up11 steps
| 01 | Battery 1 | ON | |
| 02 | Battery EMER 1 | ON | |
| 03 | Battery EMER 2 | ON | |
| 04 | Battery 2NOTE: All 4 batteries ON in sequence: BAT 1, EMER 1, EMER 2, BAT 2. | ON | |
| 05 | External Power (if available)NOTE: Check AVAIL light on overhead EXT PWR panel. | ON | |
| 06 | APU Master | ON | |
| 07 | APU StartNOTE: Wait for AVAIL light on ECAM (~1-2 min). | ON | |
| 08 | APU Bleed | ON | |
| 09 | Crew Oxygen Supply | ON | |
| 10 | External Power | OFF (if APU running) | |
| 11 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu (Ctrl+F12): Ground Power Unit > Connect. Provides external AC power before APU is running. | CONNECT |
PHS 3 — Cockpit Preparation10 steps
| 01 | ADIRU 1, 2, 3CAUTION: Do not move aircraft during alignment (~7-10 min for full IRS alignment). | NAV | |
| 02 | Navigation Lights | ON | |
| 03 | Seat Belts Sign | ON | |
| 04 | No Smoking Sign | AUTO | |
| 05 | Emergency Exit Lights | ARM | |
| 06 | Fuel Pumps - Centre TankNOTE: Centre tank pumps to AUTO. Inner and outer wing pumps ON. | AUTO | |
| 07 | Fuel Pumps - Wing TanksNOTE: L/R inner and outer wing fuel pumps ON. | ON (all four) | |
| 08 | Hydraulic Systems | CHECK - all green on ECAM | |
| 09 | Window Heat | ON | |
| 10 | Panel Lights | SET AS NEEDED |
PHS 4 — MCDU / FMS Setup10 steps
| 01 | MCDU - INIT A Page | ENTER Flight Number, Cost Index, Cruise FL | |
| 02 | MCDU - FROM / TO | SET Departure / Arrival airports | |
| 03 | MCDU - F-PLNNOTE: Load SimBrief OFP via INIT page if available. | VERIFY or ENTER route, SID, STAR | |
| 04 | MCDU - FUEL PRED PageNOTE: Verify block fuel matches refuelled quantity. Enter ZFW from loadsheet. | ENTER Block Fuel and ZFW | |
| 05 | MCDU - PERF TAKEOFFNOTE: Speeds from performance calculator or OFP. | ENTER V1, VR, V2, FLEX Temp, Flap Config | |
| 06 | FCU Altitude | SET Initial Climb Altitude | |
| 07 | FCU Speed / Heading | SET as required | |
| 08 | Transponder | SET assigned squawk code - STBY | |
| 09 | TCAS / ATC | SET | |
| 10 | Radios (VHF 1/2/3) | SET departure and ATIS frequencies |
PHS 5 — Before Start12 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Beacon LightNOTE: Signal to ground crew that engines will start. | ON | |
| 03 | DoorsCAUTION: Verify all passenger and cargo doors are closed and armed. | CLOSED (check ECAM DOOR page) | |
| 04 | Thrust Levers | IDLE | |
| 05 | Pack SwitchesNOTE: Reduces APU bleed load during engine start. | OFF | |
| 06 | Engine Mode SelectorNOTE: Enables automatic ignition sequence for engine start. | IGN/START | |
| 07 | Ground CrewCAUTION: Wait for pushback clearance if required before starting engines. | CLEARED TO START | |
| 08 | GSX - Fuel TruckNOTE: GSX menu: Refuel Aircraft. Set desired block fuel before confirming. | REFUEL COMPLETE | |
| 09 | GSX - Catering ServiceNOTE: GSX menu: Call Catering. Forward and aft catering trucks service the aircraft. | COMPLETE | |
| 10 | GSX - Passenger BoardingNOTE: GSX menu: Board Passengers. Wait for all passengers to board. | COMPLETE | |
| 11 | GSX - All Passenger DoorsCAUTION: Confirm all door indicators show CLOSED before requesting pushback. | CLOSED | |
| 12 | GSX - Pushback RequestNOTE: GSX menu: Request Pushback. Select direction when prompted. | INITIATED |
PHS 6 — Engine Start13 steps
| 01 | Engine Master 1NOTE: Engine 1 or 2 may be started first - either order is acceptable on A350. | ON | |
| 02 | Engine 1 N2 / EGTCAUTION: Watch EGT closely. Abort start if EGT exceeds limits or N2 does not increase. | MONITOR - rising N2 and EGT | |
| 03 | Engine 1 Idle | STABLE - N1 and EGT in green | |
| 04 | Engine Master 2 | ON | |
| 05 | Engine 2 N2 / EGT | MONITOR - rising N2 and EGT | |
| 06 | Engine 2 Idle | STABLE - N1 and EGT in green | |
| 07 | Engine Mode SelectorNOTE: Return to NORM after both engines stabilised at idle. | NORM | |
| 08 | Engine Bleeds | ON (Both) | |
| 09 | Pack Switches | ON (Both) | |
| 10 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 11 | APU MasterNOTE: Shut down APU once both engines are running and packs are ON. | OFF | |
| 12 | Generator Switches | VERIFY ON (GEN 1 & 2) | |
| 13 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Disconnect once AC bus is powered by engines. | DISCONNECT |
PHS 7 — After Start / Taxi12 steps
| 01 | Flight ControlsCAUTION: Move sidestick full left/right and forward/back. Verify response on ECAM F/CTL page. | CHECK (full deflection) | |
| 02 | Pitch TrimNOTE: Check loadsheet or MCDU for trim value based on CG. | SET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 03 | Rudder Trim | ZERO | |
| 04 | Ground Spoilers | ARM | |
| 05 | FlapsNOTE: Check MCDU PERF TAKEOFF page for correct setting. | SET takeoff configuration (CONF 2 or 3) | |
| 06 | Auto Brake | MAX (for takeoff RTO) | |
| 07 | Cabin Crew | NOTIFIED | |
| 08 | Taxi Light | ON | |
| 09 | Nose Light | TAXI | |
| 10 | Parking Brake | RELEASE | |
| 11 | Brakes | CHECK during first movement | |
| 12 | Flight InstrumentsNOTE: PFD, ND, ECAM - verify heading, attitude, and altimeter agree. | CHECK during taxi |
PHS 8 — Before Takeoff14 steps
| 01 | Flight Controls | CHECKED | |
| 02 | Flight Instruments | CHECKED | |
| 03 | Departure BriefingNOTE: Review SID, thrust reduction and acceleration altitudes, engine failure procedure. | CONFIRMED | |
| 04 | FlapsNOTE: Verify matches MCDU PERF TAKEOFF page. | CONFIRM takeoff setting | |
| 05 | V-Speeds | CONFIRM V1, VR, V2 on PFD | |
| 06 | Transponder | AUTO / ON, ALT RPTG ON | |
| 07 | ECAM MemoNOTE: Verify: SPLRS ARM, FLAPS T/O, T/O CONFIG NORMAL, SEAT BELTS ON, SIGNS ON. | CHECK - T/O NO BLUE | |
| 08 | Weather Radar / PWSNOTE: Weather radar BOTH SYS, Predictive Windshear AUTO. | ON / AUTO | |
| 09 | ATC Takeoff Clearance | OBTAINED | |
| 10 | Landing Lights | ON (Both) | |
| 11 | Strobe Lights | ON or AUTO | |
| 12 | Nose Light | T.O. | |
| 13 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 14 | TCAS | TA/RA |
PHS 9 — Takeoff10 steps
| 01 | Brakes | HOLD | |
| 02 | Thrust LeversNOTE: Stabilise both engines before advancing to takeoff thrust. | ADVANCE to 50% N1 | |
| 03 | Brakes | RELEASE | |
| 04 | Thrust LeversNOTE: Use FLEX if flex temp entered in MCDU, otherwise TOGA for max performance. | FLX/MCT or TOGA | |
| 05 | FMACAUTION: If FMA does not show correct modes, reject the takeoff. | VERIFY - MAN FLX or MAN TOGA, SRS, RWY | |
| 06 | 80 KnotsCAUTION: Below 80 kts is the low-speed segment - abort for any abnormality. | CROSS-CHECK airspeed - callout | |
| 07 | V1WARNING: Do not reject takeoff above V1 unless the aircraft is unsafe to fly. | CALLOUT - committed to fly | |
| 08 | Rotate at VRNOTE: Steady rotation rate ~3 deg/sec to target attitude. | SMOOTH backstick - pitch 12-15 deg nose up | |
| 09 | Positive Climb | CONFIRMED | |
| 10 | Landing GearNOTE: Select UP once positive rate of climb confirmed. | UP |
PHS 10 — After Takeoff / Climb13 steps
| 01 | Thrust Reduction AltitudeNOTE: Typically 1,500 ft AGL or as published on SID. Autothrust takes over. | THRUST LEVERS to CL detent | |
| 02 | Autopilot 1 | ON | |
| 03 | At S-Speed - FlapsNOTE: Retract: 3 to 2 to 1 to 0 as speed builds through F and S speeds. | RETRACT incrementally to 0 | |
| 04 | Ground Spoilers | DISARM | |
| 05 | Packs | ON (if turned OFF for takeoff) | |
| 06 | Runway Turnoff Lights | OFF | |
| 07 | Nose Light | OFF | |
| 08 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM UP and locked | |
| 09 | Flaps | CONFIRM RETRACTED - CONF 0 | |
| 10 | Baro Reference | SET STD above transition altitude | |
| 11 | FCU AltitudeNOTE: Push ALT knob for managed climb profile. | SET cleared cruise level | |
| 12 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 13 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belts Sign | OFF (if smooth conditions) |
PHS 11 — Cruise9 steps
| 01 | Altitude | VERIFY level at cruise FL | |
| 02 | Autopilot | CONFIRM ON - managed speed Mach 0.85 | |
| 03 | ECAM - Engine Parameters | CHECK - N1, EGT, fuel flow all normal | |
| 04 | Fuel Quantity & BalanceNOTE: Monitor fuel burn vs. flight plan. A350 CG fuel management - verify trim tank transfer if equipped. | CHECK | |
| 05 | Flight ProgressNOTE: Check waypoints, estimated times, and fuel predictions. | MONITOR on ND / MCDU PROG page | |
| 06 | MCDU - PERF CRZ Page | VERIFY cost index, wind, optimal FL | |
| 07 | Radios | SET for next ATC sector handoff | |
| 08 | SignsNOTE: Seat belt sign ON during turbulence. | AS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | Step ClimbsNOTE: Request step climb as fuel burns off to maintain optimal altitude and economy. | AS REQUIRED |
PHS 12 — Descent Preparation9 steps
| 01 | ATIS / Airport InformationNOTE: Note QNH, wind, runway in use, transition level, significant weather. | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | MCDU - PERF APPR Page | ENTER QNH, Temp, Wind, Trans LVL, Minimums | |
| 03 | MCDU - APPR Page | VERIFY or SELECT approach and runway | |
| 04 | Approach BriefingNOTE: Review approach chart, minimums, missed approach procedure, go-around altitude. | COMPLETED | |
| 05 | Landing Elevation | SET on MCDU APPR page | |
| 06 | Auto BrakeNOTE: LO for long dry runways, MED for normal ops, HI for short or wet runways. | SET (LO, MED, or HI) | |
| 07 | Brake-to-Vacate (BTV)NOTE: A350 BTV system optimises braking for a specific runway exit - set on lower ECAM. | SET exit point (if using) | |
| 08 | ILS / Approach FrequencyNOTE: Verify on both PFDs. | SET and IDENTIFIED | |
| 09 | FCU Altitude | SET first constraint altitude |
PHS 13 — Descent8 steps
| 01 | ATC Descent Clearance | OBTAINED | |
| 02 | FCU Altitude | SET cleared altitude | |
| 03 | ALT KnobNOTE: Or PULL for open/selected descent. | PUSH for managed descent | |
| 04 | Transition LevelNOTE: Both PFDs - verify altimeters agree. | SET local QNH when passing | |
| 05 | 10,000 ft - Landing Lights | ON (Both) | |
| 06 | 10,000 ft - Seat Belts Sign | ON | |
| 07 | EFIS - CSTRNOTE: Display altitude and speed constraints. | SELECT on both NDs | |
| 08 | LS ButtonNOTE: Activates ILS localiser and glideslope display on PFDs. | ON (both PFDs) |
PHS 14 — Approach14 steps
| 01 | APPR Button on FCUNOTE: Arms LOC and G/S modes. Verify on FMA. | PRESS when cleared for approach | |
| 02 | Speed | MANAGED - green dot or as assigned | |
| 03 | Flaps 1 | SET at S-speed (~210 kts) | |
| 04 | Flaps 2 | SET at F-speed (~185 kts) | |
| 05 | Landing GearNOTE: Select DOWN when established on localiser, typically inside FAF. | DOWN | |
| 06 | Ground Spoilers | ARM | |
| 07 | Flaps 3 | SET | |
| 08 | Flaps FULLNOTE: CONF FULL for shortest landing distance. CONF 3 may be used as airline preference. | SET | |
| 09 | Landing Gear | CONFIRM DOWN - 3 greens | |
| 10 | Auto Brake / BTV | CONFIRM ARMED | |
| 11 | Cabin CrewNOTE: Press CALL ALL for cabin ready confirmation. | NOTIFIED | |
| 12 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 13 | Nose Light | T.O. | |
| 14 | ECAM MemoCAUTION: All landing items must be resolved before crossing the FAF. | CHECK - LDG NO BLUE |
PHS 15 — Landing11 steps
| 01 | 1,000 ft - Stable ApproachWARNING: If not stabilised by 1,000 ft AGL (IMC) or 500 ft (VMC), execute go-around. | VERIFY | |
| 02 | 500 ft - AutopilotNOTE: Leave AP engaged for CAT II/III autoland approach. | OFF (or remain ON for autoland) | |
| 03 | VAPPNOTE: Typical VAPP 140-155 kts depending on weight. Monitor speed trend arrow. | MAINTAIN approach speed | |
| 04 | Flare (30 ft)NOTE: Listen for RETARD callout from GPWS. | GENTLE backstick - reduce descent rate | |
| 05 | Thrust Levers | IDLE at 10-20 ft | |
| 06 | TouchdownNOTE: Hold pitch, lower nose gear gently. | MAIN GEAR first | |
| 07 | Ground Spoilers | VERIFY DEPLOYED automatically | |
| 08 | Reverse ThrustNOTE: Apply as required. Maximum reverse on contaminated runways. | SELECT REV (both levers up) | |
| 09 | Auto Brake / BTV | VERIFY ACTIVE | |
| 10 | 70 Knots | REVERSE IDLE - stow reversers | |
| 11 | Braking | MANUAL below 40 kts as needed |
PHS 16 — After Landing12 steps
| 01 | Runway Vacated | CONFIRMED - hold short if instructed | |
| 02 | Flaps | RETRACT to 0 | |
| 03 | Ground Spoilers | DISARM | |
| 04 | Strobe Lights | OFF or AUTO | |
| 05 | Runway Turnoff Lights | ON | |
| 06 | Nose Light | TAXI | |
| 07 | Landing Lights | OFF | |
| 08 | Weather Radar | OFF | |
| 09 | Transponder | STBY or as required by ATC | |
| 10 | APU MasterNOTE: Start APU during taxi-in for bleed air and power at gate. | ON (start for gate arrival) | |
| 11 | APU Start | ON - wait for AVAIL | |
| 12 | Taxi to Gate | FOLLOW ATC instructions |
PHS 17 — Parking / Shutdown23 steps
| 01 | Parking Brake | SET | |
| 02 | Taxi / Nose Light | OFF | |
| 03 | APU Bleed | ON | |
| 04 | Engine Master 1 | OFF | |
| 05 | Engine Master 2 | OFF | |
| 06 | Engine N1NOTE: Wait for full spool-down before shutting off fuel. | VERIFY winding down to 0% (both) | |
| 07 | Beacon Light | OFF | |
| 08 | Seat Belts Sign | OFF | |
| 09 | Fuel Pumps | ALL OFF | |
| 10 | ADIRU 1, 2, 3 | ALL OFF | |
| 11 | Crew Oxygen | OFF | |
| 12 | APU Bleed | OFF | |
| 13 | Emergency Exit Lights | OFF | |
| 14 | No Smoking Sign | OFF | |
| 15 | APU MasterNOTE: Allow ~2 min cooling period before shutting down APU. | OFF | |
| 16 | Navigation Lights | OFF | |
| 17 | Battery 2 | OFF | |
| 18 | Battery EMER 2 | OFF | |
| 19 | Battery EMER 1 | OFF | |
| 20 | Battery 1 | OFF | |
| 21 | GSX - Ground Power Unit (GPU)NOTE: GSX menu: Ground Power Unit > Connect. External power for turnaround operations. | CONNECT | |
| 22 | GSX - Jetway / StairsNOTE: GSX menu: Deboard Passengers. Jetway or airstairs will position automatically. | CONNECTED | |
| 23 | GSX - Passenger DeboardingNOTE: Wait for all passengers to deboard before releasing gate. | COMPLETE |