How do I shut down the Learjet 45 in FSX?

To shut down the default Learjet 45 in FSX or FSX: Steam Edition, park with both throttles at idle, set the parking brake, cut fuel to both engines, then switch off the lights, anti-ice, avionics, generators and battery. If the cockpit fuel controls are unclear or unresponsive, press Ctrl+Shift+F1 to command full fuel cut-off.

What is the correct Learjet 45 shutdown sequence?

The practical FSX sequence is to park, complete the after-landing items, cut engine fuel, confirm both engines have stopped and remove electrical power last. Our downloadable checklist for the default Learjet 45 provides a longer panel-by-panel reference.

1. Park the aircraft. Stop at the stand, bring both throttles fully back to idle and set the parking brake. With the standard assignment, Ctrl+. toggles the parking brake.
2. Complete the after-landing items. Retract the spoilers, raise the flaps and switch off the landing and taxi lights once parked. Turn off pitot heat and any anti-ice equipment no longer required, but leave the anti-collision beacon on while either engine is running. Our full after-landing securing procedure explains the wider flow.
3. Arrange another power source if required. If a particular Learjet add-on models ground power or an APU and you want the avionics operating after engine shutdown, establish that source before cutting fuel. This is not necessary when simply securing the default aircraft.
4. Cut fuel to both engines. Use the panel's fuel cut-off controls where they are modelled. With both engines selected under the standard FSX keyboard assignments, Ctrl+Shift+F1 sends the mixture-to-idle-cut-off command and shuts down both turbofans.
5. Confirm shutdown. Fuel flow should fall to zero, engine sound should decay and the N1/N2 indications should run down. A fan may continue rotating in the wind; rotation by itself does not mean that combustion continues.
6. Secure the aircraft. Once both engines have stopped, turn off the beacon, radios and avionics controls exposed by the panel. Switch off the generators if you want a fully secured state, then turn off the battery master last.

What actually stops the Learjet engines in FSX?

Fuel cut-off, not merely closing the throttles, stops the engines. Pressing F1 only commands minimum thrust, so the engines remain running at idle. Turning off a starter switch also does not stop an established engine because the starter is no longer driving it.

FSX uses its piston-style mixture command as a generic fuel cut-off for many default jets. That is why Ctrl+Shift+F1 works even though a Learjet does not have conventional mixture levers. See our guide to FSX engine-stop keyboard controls for engine selection and alternative assignments.

Why will the Learjet 45 engines not shut down?

An incorrect key assignment or engine selection is usually responsible when the cut-off command appears to do nothing.

• Only one engine stops: FSX is acting on the currently selected engine. Select both engines again or shut them down individually.
• The shortcut does nothing: Return focus to the main simulator window and inspect the control assignments for the mixture or fuel cut-off command. Custom control profiles may replace the default shortcut.
• The engine returns to idle: A mixture or fuel axis may be continuously sending an open-fuel position. Move that hardware control to cut-off or remove the duplicate assignment.
• The panel becomes unresponsive: The battery was probably switched off too early. Restore battery power, apply fuel cut-off, verify shutdown and then turn the battery off.
• The fan keeps turning: Check fuel flow and engine temperature rather than fan movement alone. Wind can keep an unpowered turbine rotating.
• A third-party Learjet behaves differently: Use its supplied fuel levers, state system or checklist. Detailed add-ons can override the stock FSX engine commands.

Do I need the APU before shutting down?

You do not need an APU merely to shut down and secure the default FSX Learjet 45. In an add-on that models one, start and stabilise the APU before cutting engine fuel only when you need electrical power or bleed air at the stand. Our explanation of APU timing during arrival and shutdown covers that handover.

How do I save the Learjet cold and dark?

Complete the shutdown, confirm both engines are stopped and switch the battery off before saving the flight. Stock FSX aircraft usually retain much of their switch state, although some add-ons initialise themselves independently when loaded. If an add-on starts powered up again, use its own panel-state feature rather than relying solely on the FSX saved flight.