How do you start an Airbus A320 cold and dark in a sim?

To start an Airbus A320 from cold and dark in a flight simulator, switch on both batteries, connect external power if available, align the ADIRS, start the APU, select APU bleed, then start engines 2 and 1 with ENG MODE at IGN/START before completing the after-start flow.

This general flight-simulator procedure applies to A320 models in Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane and add-ons for FSX or Prepar3D. Fidelity matters: a detailed aircraft expects the full electrical and pneumatic sequence, while a simpler model may automate or omit parts. Our guide to the electrical, ADIRS, fuel and pneumatic controls on the A320 overhead explains the relevant pushbuttons.

How to start an Airbus A320 from cold and dark

1. Secure the aircraft. Load the cold-and-dark state, set the parking brake, confirm that fuel is aboard and place both thrust levers at idle. The ENG MASTER 1 and ENG MASTER 2 switches should be OFF, with ENG MODE at NORM.
2. Establish electrical power. Select BAT 1 and BAT 2 ON. If EXT PWR shows AVAIL, press it to connect the ground supply; some aircraft require the GPU to be requested through an EFB or ground-services menu first. Keep both batteries on when using external power.
3. Begin ADIRS alignment. Turn all three ADIRS selectors to NAV. Initialise the present position through the MCDU if the model requires it, then keep the aircraft stationary while alignment continues. Engine start does not normally require alignment to have finished.
4. Configure the overhead. Put the installed fuel-pump pushbuttons in their normal ON state; the aircraft logic controls when centre-tank pumps actually run. Leave the hydraulic pumps and air-conditioning packs in their normal configurations. On Airbus pushbuttons, an illuminated OFF legend means that function is off; an extinguished light usually indicates the normal state.
5. Start the APU. Select APU MASTER SW ON, press APU START and wait for the APU AVAIL indication. Then select APU BLEED ON. A GPU supplies electricity, not engine-starting air, so external power alone cannot provide the pneumatic pressure needed for a normal start.
6. Prepare for engine start. Close the doors, clear the jetway and ground equipment as appropriate, switch the beacon on and confirm that the thrust levers remain at idle. During pushback, set or release the parking brake only when the tug procedure calls for it.
7. Start engine 2. Turn ENG MODE to IGN/START, then move ENG MASTER 2 to ON. The FADEC performs the start automatically. Watch for increasing N2, fuel flow, EGT and oil pressure, then wait for a stable engine or AVAIL indication.
8. Start engine 1. Once engine 2 is stable, move ENG MASTER 1 to ON and monitor the same indications. Starting engine 2 before engine 1 is the usual sequence, particularly during pushback, although an aircraft-specific checklist may prescribe a different order.
9. Complete the after-start flow. Return ENG MODE to NORM, switch APU bleed off and then switch the APU master off when it is no longer needed. Disconnect external power, set anti-ice as conditions require, configure flaps and trim, arm the ground spoilers, check the flight controls and review ECAM for outstanding cautions.

A short hydraulic PTU “barking” sound around the second engine start is normal on detailed A320 simulations. It reflects pressure balancing between hydraulic systems rather than an engine fault.

Aircraft-specific logic takes precedence over this general sequence. MSFS users can follow the exact Fenix A320 startup sequence for MSFS 2020 or the default A320neo V2 procedure for MSFS 2024.

Do you need to programme the MCDU before engine start?

No, the A320 engines can physically start without a programmed route or completed performance pages. You should still initialise the IRS position and complete the flight plan, departure, weights and take-off performance before taxiing for a realistic flight.

The APU start and ADIRS alignment period is a convenient time to do this work. Our complete normal A320 flow through taxi and take-off covers what follows the basic startup.

Should the A320 packs be off during engine start?

On a high-fidelity A320, leave both pack pushbuttons in their normal ON state because the pneumatic control system closes and reopens the pack valves automatically during engine start. Many older checklists tell users to switch the packs off because simplified add-ons do not model that automation properly.

If an older aircraft will not crank despite the APU showing AVAIL and APU bleed being on, temporarily switching both packs off may restore enough simulated bleed pressure. Return them to their normal state after both engines are stable.

Why will the A320 not start?

• The cockpit remains dead: confirm both batteries are on. External power must display AVAIL before its pushbutton can connect the GPU.
• The APU will not start: select its master first and then press start. Check battery power, fuel quantity, the APU fire control and any failures configured through the aircraft menu.
• The APU is available but the engine does not rotate: verify APU bleed is on, ENG MODE is at IGN/START and the correct engine master has been selected. External electrical power does not replace bleed air.
• N2 rises but there is no light-off: confirm the engine master is on, fuel is available and the fuel-pump controls are in their normal state. A configured fuel, ignition or starter failure can produce the same symptom.
• The start stops with an ECAM fault or excessive EGT: move the affected engine master off and investigate rather than repeatedly attempting another start. Detailed add-ons can retain the original fault or model starter limitations.
• ADIRS stays in ALIGN: initialise the present position if required, avoid moving the aircraft and allow the selected alignment time to finish. This does not usually prevent engine rotation, but it will prevent normal navigation.

Can you use automatic engine start instead?

Yes, if the simulator and aircraft support an automatic-start command or ready-to-fly state. It is useful when the aim is to get airborne quickly, but detailed A320 add-ons may ignore it or leave the electrical, pneumatic and navigation systems in an incomplete state. We recommend the manual flow when learning the aircraft or diagnosing a failed start.