Fix A320neo TCAS STBY in MSFS 2024: set the pedestal transponder and TA/RA controls correctly, then troubleshoot missing traffic.
TCAS shows STBY in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 because the A320neo's transponder or TCAS mode selector is still in standby, usually after a cold-and-dark start. Power the aircraft, set the ATC transponder to AUTO or ON, then turn the TCAS selector to TA/RA; nearby traffic can then appear on the navigation display.
What does TCAS STBY mean on the A320neo?
TCAS STBY is a system status, not usually a fault: the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System is powered but not providing normal traffic and resolution advisories. If the navigation display shows both NAV and TCAS STBY, NAV is simply the selected display mode.
The transponder and TCAS have separate controls on the centre pedestal. A mistake we see constantly is moving the TCAS selector to TA/RA while leaving the ATC transponder in STBY, or doing the reverse. Both must be set correctly.
How do you activate TCAS in the MSFS 2024 A320neo?
Activate A320neo TCAS by powering the avionics, enabling the transponder and selecting TA/RA on the ATC/TCAS control panel.
- Supply electrical power. Connect external power or start the APU and place its generator online so the cockpit displays and avionics are operating. If the aircraft is completely unpowered, follow our A320neo V2 cold-and-dark start sequence first.
- Find the ATC/TCAS panel. It is on the centre pedestal, behind the thrust levers. Look for the transponder mode and TCAS mode selectors rather than the radio panels.
- Set the transponder to AUTO. If that aircraft version offers only STBY and ON, select ON. Entering a squawk code does not activate a transponder that remains in standby.
- Turn TCAS to TA/RA. TA provides traffic alerts only; TA/RA also enables resolution advisories when the aircraft's flight and radio-height logic permit them.
- Check the traffic filter. Select ALL when testing and use a sensible, relatively short navigation-display range. ABV, BLW and threat-only filters can hide otherwise valid contacts.
- Confirm the indication. The TCAS STBY message should clear once the simulated system is active. On-ground surveillance or advisories may remain inhibited by the aircraft's air/ground logic, so confirm operation again after take-off.
| Control | Normal selection | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| ATC or XPDR mode | AUTO, or ON where applicable | Enables the transponder |
| TCAS mode | TA/RA | Enables traffic and resolution advisories |
| Traffic selector | ALL for testing | Filters displayed contacts; it does not activate TCAS |
| Squawk code | Assigned code | Identifies the aircraft once the transponder is active |
Why does TCAS still show STBY after selecting TA/RA?
Persistent TCAS STBY normally means the transponder is still in standby, the avionics are not fully powered or a cockpit control has been moved back by another input.
- Check both selectors: TCAS at TA/RA is not enough if the ATC or XPDR mode remains at STBY.
- Check the power state: illuminated displays do not always mean every avionics bus has power, particularly during a partial cold-and-dark start.
- Watch for a switch snapping back: a duplicated controller assignment or an assistance feature can override the virtual-cockpit control. Search the control assignments for transponder and TCAS functions and remove conflicting bindings.
- Re-check once airborne: some aircraft implementations use air/ground logic to inhibit parts of TCAS while the wheels are on the ground.
- Identify the aircraft variant: the default A320neo V2 and third-party Airbus aircraft do not model every control identically. For the FlyByWire aircraft, use our A32NX-specific transponder and TA/RA procedure.
Why is no traffic showing after TCAS is active?
A blank traffic display does not necessarily mean TCAS is broken; the simulator may have no suitable traffic contacts within the selected range and altitude filter.
TCAS does not create aircraft. It displays compatible live, AI, multiplayer or add-on traffic supplied to the aircraft's avionics, and not every injected contact is represented equally by every A320 implementation. Increase the display range gradually, select ALL and confirm that an MSFS traffic source is enabled.
Our explanation of how traffic sources, transponders and TCAS displays interact covers the distinction between an active system and an empty display.
Should the A320neo TCAS use TA or TA/RA?
Use TA/RA for normal flight because it supplies both traffic advisories and commanded avoidance guidance when the model permits it. TA gives warnings without resolution commands and is mainly used when a checklist, abnormal condition or operating procedure specifically calls for traffic-advisory-only mode.
Leaving TCAS in STBY at the gate is normal. Set the transponder and TCAS for departure during the appropriate cockpit flow, then return them to the required ground settings after landing.