How do I start the Airbus A320 in MSFS 2024 on PS5?

To start the Airbus A320 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5, either use the simulator’s automatic engine-start command, or power it manually: batteries on, APU running and available, APU bleed on, fuel pumps on, engine mode at IGN/START, then start engine 2 followed by engine 1.

What is the quickest way to start the A320 on PS5?

The quickest PS5 method is to assign the automatic engine-start command to an unused controller combination.

1. Open the simulator’s Controls options and select your PS5 controller profile.
2. Search for auto start or engine auto start.
3. Assign the command to an unused button combination, check for binding conflicts and save the profile.
4. Load the A320, set the parking brake and make sure the thrust levers are at idle.
5. Use the assigned command and allow the complete start sequence to finish before touching the engine master switches.

Automatic start normally gets the engines running, but it may not align the inertial systems, programme the MCDU, remove chocks or prepare the aircraft for taxi. Our explanation of automatic engine starting and its limitations covers this distinction.

How do I cold-start the default A320neo V2?

The default A320neo V2 can be started entirely with a PS5 controller by using the cockpit interaction cursor and following the overhead-panel sequence below. The precise cursor button depends on the selected control preset, so follow the on-screen interaction prompt rather than relying on a fixed button assignment.

First load at a gate or parking stand, not on a runway. A runway departure usually loads the aircraft already running; see our instructions for setting up a cold-and-dark parking start if the A320 keeps appearing powered.

1. Secure the aircraft. Set the parking brake, confirm both thrust levers are at idle and leave both engine master switches off. Keep the chocks fitted if they are available through the aircraft’s ground controls.
2. Switch on the batteries. Press BAT 1 and BAT 2 on the overhead panel so their OFF indications extinguish. If EXT PWR shows AVAIL, select it to supply ground electricity.
3. Align the inertial systems. Turn all three ADIRS selectors to NAV. Full alignment can take several minutes, but it can continue while the remaining preparation is completed.
4. Start the APU. Press APU MASTER SW, then APU START. Wait until the overhead panel shows APU AVAIL; do not try to start an engine merely because the APU START light has appeared.
5. Supply pneumatic air. Select APU BLEED on. External electrical power alone does not provide the pneumatic air used for a normal engine start.
6. Configure the fuel system. Switch on the required wing-tank fuel pumps. Use the centre-tank pumps only when there is centre-tank fuel or the aircraft checklist calls for them. On Airbus push-buttons, an extinguished OFF light normally means the system is selected on.
7. Prepare for engine start. Close the doors, turn the beacon on and disconnect external power before pushback. Move the ENG MODE selector from NORM to IGN/START.
8. Start engine 2. Move the ENG 2 master switch to ON. Watch N2, EGT and oil pressure on the ECAM; wait for a stable idle and the AVAIL indication.
9. Start engine 1. Move the ENG 1 master switch to ON and again wait for a stable idle. Starting engine 2 first is the normal A320 sequence, although either engine can be started first when operational needs require it.
10. Complete the after-start flow. Return ENG MODE to NORM, switch off APU BLEED and then switch off the APU master. Confirm both engine generators have taken the electrical load and check the ECAM for unresolved warnings.

For the switch locations, indications and more detailed state checks, use our full panel-by-panel A320neo V2 start sequence.

Why will the A320 engines not start?

An A320 that will not start is usually missing electrical power, pneumatic air, fuel or the correct ignition-selector position.

• The engine does not crank: wait for APU AVAIL, confirm APU BLEED is on and make sure ENG MODE is at IGN/START.
• The engine cranks but does not light: check the relevant engine master switch, wing-tank fuel pumps and available fuel quantity.
• The APU will not start: confirm both batteries are on, fuel is present and allow time for the APU inlet flap and start cycle. Repeatedly pressing START can interrupt the sequence.
• The screens remain dark: check the batteries or external power, then inspect the individual display-brightness controls. ADIRS alignment affects navigation information but does not replace electrical power.
• An engine starts and immediately stops: inspect the controller bindings for duplicate engine-master, fuel-valve or shutdown assignments. A latched controller input can keep sending a cutoff command.
• The cursor moves the camera instead of a switch: activate cockpit interaction mode and inspect the controller’s cursor binding. Custom profiles can overwrite the default interaction controls.

Does the procedure change for another A320 add-on?

Yes. This sequence is intended for the default A320neo V2 in MSFS 2024; Marketplace A320-family aircraft may use different tablet options, ground services, system depth or automatic-start logic. Confirm the exact variant in the aircraft selector and use a checklist workflow matched to that A320 model rather than assuming every Airbus add-on behaves identically.