Aerosoft CRJ not staying at idle in MSFS? Fix duplicate inputs, reverse-range errors, axis jitter and throttle calibration with these checks.
The Aerosoft CRJ usually will not stay at idle because Microsoft Flight Simulator is receiving a second throttle input, the axis is calibrated without a stable idle zone, or a full-range axis is crossing straight into reverse. Remove conflicting bindings, define a small idle band, then recalibrate each lever in the CRJ tablet.
Why the CRJ throttle leaves idle
The CRJ has no autothrottle, so its thrust levers should not move away from idle through normal aircraft automation. The FADEC manages engine response to the selected lever position; it does not move the lever for you.
A hardware throttle axis reports its position continuously. If you drag the virtual lever to idle with the mouse, the next signal from a miscalibrated quadrant can pull it forward, into reverse or back towards shut-off.
- Duplicate axes: a combined throttle axis is active alongside separate engine-one and engine-two axes.
- Incorrect axis range: a forward-only quadrant is configured as a full-range axis, or the reverse portion has not been calibrated.
- Axis jitter: the hardware value fluctuates either side of an idle boundary that is too narrow.
- Repeated commands: a reverse, throttle-decrease or throttle-cut command is being held by a switch, gamepad or keyboard input.
- Piloting assistance: an assistance option is injecting throttle commands while you are diagnosing the controller.
How to make the Aerosoft CRJ stay at idle
The reliable fix is to leave one control path for each thrust lever and calibrate that exact hardware profile inside the CRJ.
- Secure the aircraft. Set the parking brake and avoid testing near traffic or buildings because an incorrect reverse or forward-thrust command may move the aircraft.
- Inspect every connected controller. In the MSFS controls settings, select each throttle, joystick, yoke, gamepad, keyboard and mouse profile. Filter for assigned controls and search for throttle-related bindings. A mistake we see constantly is a generic
Throttle Axisleft active beside separate engine axes. - Choose one axis arrangement. Use either a forward-only axis with a separate reverse command or a calibrated full-range axis that includes reverse. Our explanation of choosing the right MSFS throttle axis and reverse command covers the distinction without tying it to one brand of quadrant.
- Remove command conflicts. Clear unwanted reverse, throttle-decrease and throttle-cut assignments, particularly those attached to latching switches. Temporarily disable piloting assistance while testing.
- Calibrate through the CRJ EFB. Open the aircraft's throttle-calibration page and capture each requested reverse, idle and forward position for both levers. The labels can differ between CRJ releases. When upper and lower idle boundaries are available, leave a small margin around the hardware's settled idle value rather than using one noisy point.
- Test each engine separately. Return both physical levers to idle and confirm that the cockpit levers remain there. Move one lever forward, return it to idle, then test reverse using only the method selected for that profile.
Which throttle-axis mode should I use?
The correct mode depends on whether the hardware sends analogue travel below idle or uses a separate button at its reverse detent.
| Hardware arrangement | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Forward-only throttle | A forward-only or 0–100% style axis, with reverse on a separate hold command, button or lever | A full-range axis that places idle part-way through the physical travel |
| Analogue reverse range | A full-range axis with reverse, idle and forward regions captured in the CRJ calibration | A simultaneous reverse toggle generated by the same movement |
| Twin-lever quadrant | Separate engine-one and engine-two axes, calibrated individually | A combined throttle axis left assigned in parallel |
How can I tell whether the problem is hardware?
Temporarily unassign the intended throttle axis, then place the virtual CRJ lever at idle with the mouse. If it remains there, the fault is in the controller profile, calibration or physical sensor rather than the aircraft's throttle logic.
If the lever still moves, inspect the other connected devices and assistance settings for a repeated command. A fault affecting only one lever points towards that engine's axis or sensor; both levers moving together usually indicates a combined axis or global command. For faults outside the CRJ, use our broader controller-by-controller throttle diagnosis.
Why does the throttle jump into reverse?
Reverse should engage only through calibrated travel below idle or an explicit reverse command, not both at once. Combining a full-range reverse axis with a button that toggles reverse can make the lever skip the idle region or respond in the opposite direction.
Many Saitek and Logitech quadrants treat the aft detent as a button rather than additional analogue travel. In that case, keep the main axis forward-only and follow the correct method for mapping a Saitek or Logitech reverse detent.
What if the CRJ still rolls at idle?
Idle thrust is not a braking command, and a lightly loaded CRJ can continue rolling with both levers correctly at idle. Use the wheel brakes to control taxi speed and the parking brake when stationary; reverse thrust is not the normal way to hold position.
Do not judge calibration from one expected N1 figure because engine idle varies with conditions and aircraft logic. Check that the animated levers remain at idle and that thrust responds normally above and below that point. If the issue occurs during engine start, compare your configuration with the correct CRJ lever positions during a cold-and-dark start.