Auto-start an aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator with Ctrl+E, bind the command on a controller, and fix engines that fail to start or stay running.
To auto-start an aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator, keep the parking brake set and throttle at idle, then press Ctrl+E on a PC keyboard. The simulator runs the automatic engine-start sequence. With a controller or custom profile, search Controls Options for “Auto Start Engine” and use or assign that command.
How do you auto-start with Ctrl+E?
- Make the aircraft safe. Set the parking brake, place the throttle at idle and make sure the propeller or jet intake area is clear.
- Press Ctrl+E once. Do not hold the keys or repeatedly press them. The automatic sequence can take several seconds, particularly with turbine engines.
- Let the sequence finish. Avoid moving the mixture, condition, fuel or starter controls while the simulator is working through the start.
- Check the engine instruments. Confirm that RPM has stabilised, oil pressure is normal and each required engine is running before changing the aircraft configuration.
Ctrl+E is the standard PC keyboard shortcut, but a customised keyboard profile can remove or replace it. Our complete MSFS keyboard-command reference covers the shortcut alongside the related engine controls.
For a controller, open the simulator’s control settings, select the active device and search for Auto Start Engine. Make sure the search includes unassigned commands, then bind it to an unused button or combination. Our explanation of checking default and customised MSFS 2024 bindings shows where to verify the command.
On Xbox, and on PlayStation 5 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, use the binding displayed for the active controller profile rather than copying a button combination intended for another device.
Does Ctrl+E work with every aircraft?
No. Automatic engine start works with most default aircraft and many conventional add-ons, but a complex aircraft can use custom systems that do not respond fully to the simulator’s generic command.
High-fidelity airliners may expect you to establish electrical power, configure fuel pumps, start the APU and operate each engine through the aircraft’s own controls. Some also provide a ready, turnaround or cold-and-dark state through an EFB. The Fenix is a typical example; use its aircraft-specific cold-and-dark starting procedure instead of assuming Ctrl+E will configure everything.
Turboprops and helicopters can also be affected by physical condition-lever or fuel-cut-off assignments. If hardware continuously sends a cut-off position, it can immediately undo the automatic sequence.
Why does the engine fail to start or shut down again?
The usual causes are a missing control binding, unavailable fuel, a hardware axis forcing a lever back to cut-off, or aircraft-specific system logic.
- Check the binding: confirm that Auto Start Engine is assigned to the device and profile actually in use. Remove duplicate assignments if another control sends an engine-stop command.
- Check the fuel: verify that fuel is loaded and that the relevant selector, valve, mixture or condition lever is not being held at cut-off.
- Check external hardware: throttle quadrants and switch panels can continuously overwrite the simulator’s automatic lever movements. Move the physical control to its run position or temporarily clear the conflicting assignment.
- Check the aircraft state: a custom add-on may require battery power, external power, an APU or an EFB-selected panel state before starting.
- Wait for the complete sequence: pressing the shortcut again midway through a slow turbine start can interfere with the procedure.
If the starter turns but the engine never catches, or it starts and then dies during taxi or take-off, follow our engine-start and shutdown troubleshooting checks for fuel, electrical power and controller conflicts.
Is auto-start the same as being ready for take-off?
No. Auto-start gets supported engines running, but it does not guarantee that the aircraft is fully configured for departure.
Before moving, we recommend checking the avionics, generators or alternators, flight controls, trim, flaps, fuel selectors, exterior lights and any required route or performance setup. Use Ctrl+E when you want a quick engine start; use the aircraft checklist when practising realistic procedures or operating a complex add-on.