Open cargo doors in FSX with the correct Shift+E sequence, learn which number key to use, and fix doors that will not animate on add-on aircraft.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, press Shift+E, release the keys, then quickly press 2 on the keyboard’s top number row. This toggles the aircraft’s second defined exit, which is usually a cargo door. The exact door number varies by aircraft, and some add-ons use custom controls.
What is the correct FSX cargo-door key sequence?
Use Shift+E as the exit command, then choose exit 2 before FSX stops waiting for an exit number.
- Give FSX keyboard focus. Click inside the simulator window if another application or pop-up was active.
- Press and release
Shift+E. This starts the aircraft-exit command. - Quickly press the top-row
2key. Do not use the numeric keypad. Although the shortcut is often written asShift+E+2, it works as a sequence rather than a three-key chord. - Check the aircraft in an exterior view. The second exit should begin opening if that aircraft assigns it to an animated cargo door.
Our searchable FSX keyboard-command reference covers the standard exit command alongside the simulator’s other key combinations.
Which number opens each door in FSX?
There is no universal cargo-door number because FSX addresses exits in the order defined by each aircraft developer.
| Command | Exit requested | Common assignment |
|---|---|---|
Shift+E | Primary exit | Main passenger door |
Shift+E, then 2 | Second exit | Cargo or baggage door |
Shift+E, then 3 | Third exit | Rear passenger or additional cargo door |
Shift+E, then 4 | Fourth exit | Bulk cargo or another auxiliary door |
Those assignments are typical, not guaranteed. For example, the door notes supplied with this FSX 777 add-on specify exit 2 for cargo doors and exit 4 for the bulk cargo door. Another aircraft may map the same numbers differently or omit those exits altogether.
Why won’t Shift+E then 2 open the cargo doors?
If the second door does not move, either FSX did not recognise the sequence or the aircraft does not expose that door to the standard exit event.
Test Shift+E by itself first. If the main door also stays closed, concentrate on keyboard focus and control assignments. If the main door works but exit 2 does not, the aircraft’s exit mapping or model is the likely cause.
- The number was pressed too slowly: release
Shift+Eand press2immediately afterwards. Repeat the complete sequence for each attempt. - The wrong number keys were used: use the number row above the letters rather than the numeric keypad.
- The exit command was reassigned: inspect the Buttons/Keys controls for the aircraft-exit or door command. Follow the steps for checking and changing FSX key assignments if
Shift+Eno longer works. - The aircraft has no animated second exit: a visible cargo-door outline does not prove that the model includes a working animation. Editing the
[exits]section ofaircraft.cfgcannot create an animation missing from the compiled aircraft model. - The add-on uses custom door logic: check its cockpit door panel, utility or supplied documentation. Some add-ons also require the parking brake, stopped engines or other ground conditions before permitting doors to open.
How do I close the cargo doors again?
Repeat the same numbered sequence used to open the door: press Shift+E, release it, then press 2. The command toggles that exit between open and closed.
If you opened exits 2, 3 and 4, close each one with its own sequence. Pressing Shift+E alone normally toggles only the primary passenger exit, not every open door.
Does opening a cargo door load baggage?
Opening a standard FSX cargo door is normally a visual animation only; it does not alter payload, fuel or aircraft weight. Set cargo weight separately through the simulator’s Fuel and Payload controls. Add-ons with their own ground-handling systems may connect loading and door operation, but that behaviour is aircraft-specific.