How do I set the FlyByWire A32NX to cold and dark or turnaround state in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?

To set the FlyByWire A32NX to cold and dark or turnaround in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, load the aircraft at a parking stand or gate, wait for the A32NX to finish initialising, then use the aircraft’s EFB tablet to apply the desired aircraft state. If the state will not stick, check that you did not spawn on a runway and that simulator assistance features are not reconfiguring the aircraft.

How to set cold and dark or turnaround in the FlyByWire A32NX

1. Spawn at a gate or parking stand
   

   On the World Map, choose a parking stand, gate or ramp position. Do not start on the runway if you want a proper cold and dark or turnaround setup, because runway spawns are designed to place the aircraft ready for departure.

2. Load into the cockpit and wait a few seconds
   

   Let the aircraft finish loading. The A32NX runs its own systems logic, and if you start flicking switches immediately, the add-on may still be initialising and can appear to undo what you just did.

3. Open the EFB tablet
   

   Use the FlyByWire tablet in the cockpit. In the A32NX, this is the quickest and cleanest way to apply predefined aircraft states without manually setting every switch.

4. Find the aircraft state or presets page
   

   Look for the section that controls aircraft presets or states. Depending on the current A32NX build, the exact wording may vary slightly, but you are looking for the page where you can load startup conditions.

5. Select Cold and Dark or Turnaround
   

   Choose Cold and Dark if you want the aircraft shut down, or Turnaround if you want it partially prepared for the next leg. The aircraft should then reconfigure itself automatically.

6. Confirm the state has applied
   

   Check the overhead, MCDU screens, external power status and engine state. In cold and dark, the aircraft should be essentially unpowered unless ground power has been connected. In turnaround, some systems are usually available and the aircraft is set up for a quicker departure flow.

What is the difference between cold and dark and turnaround?

These two states are not the same, and choosing the right one saves time.

If you want the full Airbus startup experience, use cold and dark. If you want to skip straight to flight planning and pre-departure work, turnaround is the better choice.

Where is the aircraft state option in the A32NX?

In the FlyByWire A32NX, the aircraft state setting is handled by the aircraft’s own tablet rather than by a standard Microsoft Flight Simulator menu. That matters because the add-on simulates systems far beyond the default A320.

If you do not see the exact wording shown in older videos or guides, do not assume the feature is gone. FlyByWire updates the A32NX regularly, and labels or page layout can change slightly between builds while the function remains the same.

Why is the aircraft not staying cold and dark?

This is the most common complaint, and it usually comes down to one of a few things.

• You spawned on a runway. The sim will often force a ready-for-take-off condition there.
• The aircraft had not finished loading. Wait until the A32NX completes its initial setup before applying the state.
• Assistance options are interfering. Auto-start, checklist help, AI handling or similar assists can switch systems back on.
• You loaded a saved flight with the aircraft already powered. Some saved situations bring their own switch positions with them.
• You are using an outdated or mismatched build. If the add-on has not installed cleanly, state loading can behave oddly.

Quick fixes if the state will not apply

1. Return to the main menu and reload at a gate rather than on a runway.
2. Wait for full initialisation before touching anything in the cockpit.
3. Apply the state from the EFB again instead of manually switching systems off one by one.
4. Check assistance settings in MSFS and disable features that automate startup or aircraft handling.
5. Restart the flight if the cockpit is in a mixed state with screens and buses behaving inconsistently.

Can you set the aircraft state before loading the flight?

In practice, with the A32NX, the reliable method is to load into the aircraft first and then apply the state from the EFB. Microsoft Flight Simulator’s own departure-position choice affects the starting condition, but the detailed Airbus state is controlled best from within the add-on itself.

So if your aim is specifically cold and dark or turnaround, think of the World Map as choosing the parking location, and the A32NX tablet as choosing the aircraft condition.

Do you need to use the APU or external power after choosing a state?

Usually, yes, depending on the state you picked.

• Cold and dark: you will normally need batteries, then external power or APU power as part of the startup flow.
• Turnaround: power may already be available, which lets you move more quickly to MCDU setup, performance entries and boarding-related tasks.

If you are following a realistic Airbus flow, always verify what power source is actually connected rather than assuming the preset gave you everything you need.

Best practice for a realistic gate start in the FlyByWire A32NX

We recommend this simple approach:

1. Choose a stand or gate on the World Map.
2. Load the flight and wait for the aircraft to settle.
3. Apply Cold and Dark if you want a full startup, or Turnaround if you want a quicker airline-style setup.
4. Verify power, fuel and doors before you begin programming the aircraft.
5. Only then start your checklist flow, so you are not fighting the sim or the add-on while it is still initialising.

That avoids most of the usual frustration and gives you a repeatable start every time.

If you want to go further with the A32NX

If you are building out Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 with more aircraft and tools, our library of MSFS downloads at Fly Away Simulation is the best place to start. We also cover related topics such as Airbus setup, flight planning and add-on installation across the simulator.