How do I start the Aerosoft CRJ cold and dark in MSFS?

To start the Aerosoft CRJ cold and dark in Microsoft Flight Simulator, power it from the battery and external AC or APU, align the IRS, start the APU, configure bleed air, then start engine 2 and engine 1 at about 20% N2. Restore packs and generators before taxi.

The sequence applies broadly across the Aerosoft CRJ variants. Switch labels and tablet options can differ slightly between package builds, so use the aircraft's included checklist for variant-specific limitations.

Aerosoft CRJ cold-and-dark start sequence

Use external AC while preparing the cockpit, but keep the APU available because electrical ground power alone cannot provide the pneumatic air normally used to start the engines.

1. Load at a parking stand: Choose a gate or parking position rather than a runway. Set the parking brake, fit the chocks through the EFB if available, place both thrust levers at SHUTOFF and load the Cold & Dark aircraft state. Our explanation of MSFS parking-start and cold-and-dark states covers simulator setup if the aircraft keeps loading with its engines running.
2. Establish electrical power: Switch BATTERY MASTER on. For a long cockpit setup, connect ground power through the EFB and select EXT AC once the overhead panel shows that it is available. Confirm that the main displays and AC buses are powered; turn up the display brightness controls if the screens remain black.
3. Start the APU: Set APU PWR/FUEL on, allow its initialisation to complete, then press APU START/STOP. Wait until the APU reaches normal speed and shows an available indication before connecting the APU generator or opening its bleed-air valve.
4. Align the navigation system: Set both IRS selectors to NAV and initialise the aircraft's present position on the FMS POS INIT page. Keep the aircraft stationary until alignment finishes. A realistic alignment setting takes longer than an instant or accelerated setting.
5. Prepare for engine start: Close the doors, remove ground equipment as appropriate, verify sufficient fuel and switch the beacon on. Select the fuel boost pumps as required by the checklist. Set both packs off, open the isolation valve and open the APU LCV/APU bleed valve. Confirm that pneumatic pressure is available before pressing an engine-start switch.
6. Start engine 2: Press the right ENG START switch and watch for N2 rotation. At approximately 20% N2, move the right thrust lever from SHUTOFF to IDLE. Check for fuel flow, ignition, rising ITT and oil pressure, then let the engine stabilise at idle. Do not introduce fuel if N2 has not started rising.
7. Start engine 1: Repeat the process with the left ENG START switch and left thrust lever. Monitor the start rather than looking only for a running-engine indication; ITT must remain within limits and both N2 and oil pressure must stabilise normally.
8. Reconfigure after start: Verify that GEN 1 and GEN 2 are connected and supplying the buses. Set the engine bleeds, packs and isolation valve to their normal positions, close the APU bleed valve, and place the hydraulic pumps in the checklist positions. Disconnect external power and shut down the APU after its commanded cool-down unless it is still required.

Can the CRJ start on external power alone?

External AC normally powers the cockpit but does not provide the compressed air needed to rotate a CRJ engine. Use the APU for pneumatic starting unless a supported ground-air source has been connected and configured.

Why will the Aerosoft CRJ engines not start?

A failed CRJ start usually comes from missing pneumatic pressure, a thrust lever still commanding fuel cut-off, or a hardware axis overriding the cockpit lever.

• The starter engages but N2 stays at zero: Confirm that the APU is fully available, APU bleed or APU LCV is open, the isolation valve is open and both packs are off. External AC power does not supply start air.
• N2 rises but there is no ignition: Check the fuel quantity and boost pumps, then make sure the correct thrust lever moves from SHUTOFF to IDLE near 20% N2.
• The lever returns to SHUTOFF: A throttle quadrant or duplicate binding is probably overriding the virtual lever. Calibrate its idle and cut-off range in the CRJ's controls, add a small dead zone if necessary and remove conflicting mixture, cut-off or throttle assignments.
• ITT rises too quickly or enters the red: Return the affected thrust lever to SHUTOFF and abort using the checklist. Allow the engine to stop and cool before attempting another start; repeated immediate retries can produce another hot start.
• The APU will not start: Verify BATTERY MASTER, APU PWR/FUEL and available battery voltage. If an aborted start has just occurred, wait for the APU indications to reset before trying again.
• The displays stay dark: Check that EXT AC or the APU generator is actually connected, not merely available. Then check the display brightness and reversion controls.

If the same electrical or control problem affects several aircraft rather than only the CRJ, our Microsoft Flight Simulator troubleshooting answers cover simulator-wide control, configuration and add-on issues.

When is the Aerosoft CRJ ready to taxi?

The CRJ is ready to taxi only after both engines are stable, the engine generators are online and the pneumatic and hydraulic systems have been returned to their normal operating configuration.

• IRS alignment is complete and the FMS position is valid.
• Both generators are supplying power with no relevant caution messages.
• Packs and engine bleeds are configured normally, with the APU isolated or shut down as required.
• Hydraulic pressure is normal and the flight controls have been checked.
• Flaps, stabiliser trim, spoilers, anti-ice and exterior lights are set for the conditions and departure.
• Chocks and ground equipment are removed before releasing the parking brake.

Do not treat two running engines as proof that the aircraft is correctly configured. A mistake we see constantly is starting successfully but leaving the packs off, the isolation valve open or the APU bleed supplying the aircraft during taxi.